Hever Castle, a 13th-century double-moated castle in Kent, England, offers a unique opportunity for castle touring enthusiasts to experience the grandeur of the past. The castle’s Astor Wing and Anne Boleyn Wing provide luxurious accommodations, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the rich history and opulent surroundings of this iconic landmark.
Accommodation Details
The Astor Wing at Hever Castle boasts 27 luxurious bedrooms, including a cozy en-suite single room, all with free Wi-Fi. Bookings for the Astor Wing can be made up to eight weeks in advance. This wing features a beautifully paneled lounge and a Billiards Room, providing guests with a comfortable and elegant setting to relax and unwind.
The Anne Boleyn Wing, on the other hand, offers equally luxurious bedrooms and can be booked up to six months in advance. This wing has its own Breakfast Room, and guests can also access the lounge and Billiards Room in the Astor Wing when there are no private events.
Room Categories and Rates
The bedrooms at Hever Castle are categorized into three types: Superior, Feature, and Deluxe Rooms. Additionally, there are two special Suites available. The rates for these rooms vary depending on the category and the season, with Booking.com showing excellent reviews with an average rating of 9.5/10.
Amenities and Services
Guests staying at Hever Castle can enjoy a freshly cooked breakfast, which is included with every stay. Additionally, tickets to the Castle and Gardens are also included, eliminating the need to book them separately. The staff at Hever Castle are highly praised for their friendliness, attentiveness, and efficiency, ensuring a memorable experience for all visitors.
Historical Significance and Rooms to Explore
Hever Castle is steeped in history, and several rooms within the castle hold significant importance. One of the most notable is Anne Boleyn’s Bedroom, which is traditionally believed to have been the bedroom of the ill-fated second wife of King Henry VIII. This room features her prayer books, complete with her signature and inscriptions.
Other rooms of interest include:
- The Inner Hall: Originally the Great Kitchen in the Tudor period, this room now features Italian walnut paneling and columns designed by William Silver Frith.
- The Moat Room: This room showcases visits from The Times staff and the Second World War effort, including footage from the Imperial War Museum.
- The Drawing Room: Designed by Frank Loughborough Pearson, this room features oak paneling inlaid with bog oak and holly.
- The Great Hall: This room was originally open to the roof rafters and features linenfold paneling, a ceiling, and a fireplace surmounted by the Boleyn coat of arms.
- The Entrance Hall: Added in the mid-16th century by Anne of Cleves, this room features a large grand staircase.
- The Library: This room contains sabicu wood carvings and bookcases copied from those once owned by Samuel Pepys.
- King Henry VIII’s Bedchamber: Traditionally believed to have been visited by Henry VIII during his courtship with Anne Boleyn.
Contact Information
Hever Castle is located at Hever, Edenbridge, Kent, TN8 7NG, United Kingdom. The what3words address for the castle is ///older.grants.broad.
References
- Booking.com. (n.d.). Hever Castle Luxury Bed and Breakfast. Retrieved from https://www.booking.com/hotel/gb/hever-castle.html
- Hever Castle. (n.d.). Stay in a castle at Hever Castle & Gardens | Book now. Retrieved from https://www.hevercastle.co.uk/stay/
- Hever Castle. (n.d.). Stay at Hever Castle’s Bed and Breakfast. Retrieved from https://www.hevercastle.co.uk/stay/bed-breakfast/
- TripAdvisor. (n.d.). Hever Castle Bed and Breakfast – B&B. Retrieved from https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g503908-d2625084-Reviews-Hever_Castle_Bed_and_Breakfast-Hever_Sevenoaks_District_Kent_England.html
- Hever Castle. (n.d.). Anne Boleyn’s Bedroom and Prayer Books. Retrieved from https://www.hevercastle.co.uk/visit/hever-castle/rooms-exhibitions/.