Hever Castle, a stunning Tudor-era castle nestled in the heart of Kent, England, offers a captivating boat trip experience that is a must-visit for castle touring enthusiasts. Glide across the tranquil waters of the castle’s boating lake and immerse yourself in the rich history and breathtaking scenery that this enchanting destination has to offer.
Boat Trip Options at Hever Castle
Visitors to Hever Castle can choose from two exciting boat trip options:
Lady Astor Boat Trips
The Lady Astor boat trips are a popular attraction, available from March 29 to September 22, 2024, during school holidays and weekends. These boat trips provide a serene and picturesque journey across the castle’s boating lake, allowing you to admire the stunning architecture and beautifully landscaped gardens from a unique vantage point.
Tickets for the Lady Astor boat trips can be purchased on the day from the Edwardian Boathouse, which accepts both cash and card payments. The cost is £12 for adults (16 years and over) and £6 for children (1 year and over).
Row Boat & Pedalo Hire
For a more hands-on experience, visitors can also hire rowing boats or pedalos to explore the castle’s boating lake. These options offer the opportunity to navigate the waters at your own pace, taking in the breathtaking scenery and immersing yourself in the tranquility of the surroundings.
The rowing boats and pedalos can accommodate a maximum of 6 and 5 people respectively, and children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult and wear a life jacket. Tickets for the row boat and pedalo hire can be purchased on the day from the Edwardian Boathouse, with prices starting at £20 for up to 1 hour.
Timings and Availability
The boat trips and boating lake activities at Hever Castle are available during school holidays and weekends, from March 29 to September 22, 2024. The exact timings for the boat trips are weather dependent, so it’s recommended to check the castle’s website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date information.
The Edwardian Boathouse, where tickets can be purchased, operates during the same hours as the boat trips, from March 29 to September 22, 2024.
Additional Attractions and Amenities
Hever Castle offers a wealth of additional attractions and amenities for visitors to enjoy during their visit:
Social Distancing Measures
Hever Castle has implemented various safety measures to ensure a comfortable and socially distanced experience for visitors. This includes one-way systems in the grounds, restaurants, shops, and queuing areas.
Play Area
The castle’s play area is available for children, with a queuing system in place to maintain cleanliness and social distancing.
Gardens and Grounds
The beautifully maintained gardens and grounds of Hever Castle are a delight to explore, offering stunning vistas and a peaceful respite from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Membership
Hever Castle offers annual memberships that provide free entry throughout the year, priority booking for events, and discounts in the shops and cafes, making it an attractive option for frequent visitors.
Conclusion
The Hever Castle boat trip is a truly enchanting experience that allows castle touring enthusiasts to immerse themselves in the rich history and stunning natural beauty of this remarkable Tudor-era castle. Whether you choose to take a leisurely boat ride on the Lady Astor or explore the lake at your own pace with a row boat or pedalo, the Hever Castle boat trip is a must-add to your castle touring itinerary.
Reference:
- https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowUserReviews-g503908-d214779-r762569188-Hever_Castle_Gardens-Hever_Sevenoaks_District_Kent_England.html
- https://www.hevercastle.co.uk/visit/things-to-do/hever-lake/boating/
- https://www.hevercastle.co.uk/visit/things-to-do/