Hever Castle

Hever Castle

In Europe, there is probably no castle with a more thrilling and moving past than Hever Castle. And the names associated with this castle all hold significant places in history: Henry VIII and his wife Anne Boleyn, Elizabeth I who ruled England for 40 years, and William Waldorf Astor, the founder of the Waldorf Astoria Hotel.

Hever Castle is located in the village of Hever in Kent, England. This approximately four-story castle features a grand gatehouse and walls, surrounded by a moat with a wooden bridge crossing over. Although it has never seen battle, the castle retains classic elements of an English fortress—such as a drawbridge that can be raised and a spiked portcullis gate. Outside the castle grounds, there are serene Italian gardens and Tudor-style gardens, while a large artificial lake is home to graceful swans swimming and foraging.

Built in the 13th century, Hever Castle boasts a long and dramatic history filled with love and conflict. Anne Boleyn, the second wife of Henry VIII, the second monarch of the Tudor dynasty, spent her childhood here. Their only daughter would go on to become Elizabeth I, who ruled England for 40 years. The love story between Anne Boleyn and Henry VIII is undoubtedly the castle’s biggest highlight. Most of the castle’s rooms are open to the public, where visitors can see wax figures of Henry VIII’s six wives, the bedrooms of Anne and the king, Elizabeth’s room, and even the execution chamber.

Hever Castle

Must-visit reason: England’s most famous castle of Henry VIII

Continent where the attraction is located: Europe【Europe】

Country/region where the attraction is located: Britain[Britain]

Province/state where the attraction is located: Kent County [Kent County]