Hever Castle Ft. My Favourite Gardens!

Remember my obsession with castles (see Berkeley Castle and Leeds Castle)?  Well, it's reached a whole new level thanks to a visit to Hever Castle on a very warm day!  The 13th-century childhood home of Anne Boleyn is packed with 700 years of history, and has been on my to-see list for as long as I can remember.  Having recently found myself in Kent, it seemed like the perfect opportunity to pop in, explore and swipe a salted caramel ice cream or two...

As with most popular UK castles, there's a hell of a lot to see and experience.  However, I'd go as far as to say Hever Castle comes out at the very top of the pile!  From the moment you're handed a map, it becomes clear a couple of hours won't cut it; instead, an entire day is needed to truly make the most of your visit.  A few highlights include a water maze (featuring hidden water jets), extensive miniature model house exhibition featuring a collection of English country houses through the ages, and the Pompeiian Wall within the Italian Gardens - but more on that later!

Psst!  Don't miss the miniature model house exhibition.  It's hidden within the entrance gift shop, and boasts incredible attention to detail - 100% worth perusing!

Both the dreamy weather and Italian Gardens did a spectacular job at slowing the pace, and making visitors stop to pick up an ice cream and sit by the classical statuary for hours at a time.  Funnily enough, the last time I'd worn this floral-print maxi dress was in Rome during the summertime - sweet memories!  If you're short on time and want to experience the very best of the gardens, I'd suggest heading straight for the Pompeiian Wall and taking a seat by the fountain, before wandering through the 4,000 rose bushes in the Rose Garden, and finally ending up at the Guthrie Pavilion for sandwiches and refreshments.

This beautiful castle and gardens is located in Kent, just 30 miles south-east of London.  So, the next time you find yourself spending a week (or season!) in London, and fancy heading out for the day in search of some tranquility, remember this little gem  - and don't forget your camera!

Are you familiar with Hever Castle - and if not, do you have any other favourite castles you can recommend?  Let me know in the comments below!

Hever Castle
Hever Rd
Hever
Kent (near Edenbridge)
TN8 7NG

With love,

Gabrielle x