Is there anything more romantic than an overnight stay in a historic castle? As the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, Hever Castle is firmly on the map for a fascinating, history-filled adventure. After staying for the weekend, I decided to put together a detailed Hever Castle review for anyone else planning on doing the same.
While many visit just for the day, staying at Hever Castle promises a quintessential Kent bed and breakfast experience, complete with luxurious rooms, fairytale features, and five-star service.
We visited earlier this year to find out what all the fuss was about. Here you’ll find a full, honest Hever Castle review, which is in no way endorsed or sponsored by the castle or its associated hotel. I’ll cover everything you need to know about the rooms, services, facilities and things to do, and answer some FAQs about staying at Hever Castle at the end.
Hever Castle Review
Facilities
8/10
Staying at Hever Castle is an immersive experience in the gorgeous garden of England. While you might not find a buzzing bar or extensive spa facilities, your room does come with free tickets to visit the historic castle and gardens, with access to the grounds before and after the general opening hours. There’s also a beautiful courtyard, perfect for a coffee in the sunshine or a bottle of bubbly before dinner. Meanwhile, a stunning lounge and billiards room set the scene for a spot of cozy competition after dinner.
Two minutes down the road you will also find the Hever Castle Golf Club, where a championship course beckons golf enthusiasts of all ability levels. There is also a well-being centre located here where you can book a massage or beauty treatment during your stay.
When we stayed, the hotel was also trialling an evening meal service in the impressive oak-panelled drawing room. During the day, several cafes on the castle grounds are open for lunch, and a range of drinks can be purchased from reception at any time.
Accommodation
10/10
We booked a feature double in the Anne Boleyn wing and were not disappointed. The recently renovated rooms steal the show at this stunning Kent bed and breakfast, with each one offering distinctive features and decor.
Ours came with two blue and white period armchairs, a stunning fireplace, and a massive bathroom overlooking the river. Here, a beautiful built-in bath invited you to stay awhile in the bubbles underneath the centuries-old leaded windows. We also had a glorious walk-in shower, a handy dressing table, and plenty of space to stash all of our belongings. Every room also has tea and coffee-making facilities while bathrobes are available on request.
For me, the rooms really have that five-star feeling, and the pictures simply don’t do them justice!
Atmosphere
8/10
If you’re looking for an enchanting castle where you can cosy up with your other half or head out and explore a crucial slice of Tudor history, then staying at Hever Castle is for you.
The vibe was quiet and romantic with a little dash of magic, felt in the sumptuous rooms and incredible high-ceiling breakfast room. Having a wander around the castle grounds early in the morning mist or dusky sunset was particularly special, since there are hardly any other people about.
We felt the only thing missing was a proper bar in the drawing room. After we had our dinner at the hotel or in the pub next door, we would have loved to have sat with an aperitif with the gorgeous surroundings of the hotel.
Food
7/10
While the breakfast was plentiful, with a good selection of help-yourself continental and hot food made-to-order, we felt it wasn’t quite up to scratch with a five-star hotel. The service was a little rushed and we also thought 9:30 was quite early for breakfast to finish on a weekend, especially since the castle doesn’t open until 10:30.
One of the major gripes we had was that there wasn’t any proper espresso coffee at breakfast for lattes and so on, only a cafetière. I would have also liked to see better-quality juices. Having said this, the breakfast food was still decent and the portions plentiful (as you can see from the pancakes I had to go for!).
The dinner we had when they were trialling the evening meal service was also not as good as it should have been for the price. However, it may be that these were teething issues to be ironed out if they decide to add the ‘restaurant’ full-time.
Service
10/10
Along with the rooms, the service was what really set this Kent bed and breakfast apart from the rest. The staff truly can’t do enough for you, particularly the reception staff who were incredibly welcoming and never too busy to say hello.
Every request we made was seen to quickly, from requesting an ice bucket for the room to a pack of playing cards to while away an afternoon in the courtyard.
Location
10/10
This idyllic spot is perfect for those seeking a rural break in a magical setting in Southern England, so don’t expect there to be too much to do nearby. Nevertheless, there is an excellent pub within five minutes walking distance, several more nearby, and a railway station with a direct link to London less than five minutes drive away.
Of course, one of the major draws of staying at Hever Castle is having access to this fascinating Tudor landmark outside of opening ours. At this iconic Kent bed and breakfast, you are perfectly situated to visit the castle, play golf, or head out on a beautiful walk in the immaculate grounds.
Edenbridge is a larger market town less than 10 minutes away for more restaurants, cafes, and shops.
**Looking for more cosy, romantic spots to visit in the UK? You might be interested in how to spend autumn in the Cotswolds, or a review of a spa break at Hoar Cross Hall…**
Hever Castle Review: FAQs
Is Hever Castle Worth Visiting?
Whether you are a history buff or a romantic at heart, Hever Castle holds a treasure trove of attractions. If you’re interested in learning more about the tumultuous Tudor relationship between Henry VII and Anne Boleyn, then you’re certainly in luck. Entrance tickets to the castle come with a free audioguide to help you better imagine what life might have been like all those centuries ago.
Aside from captivating history and stunning Italian gardens, Hever Castle offers a wealth of additional activities and events. Try your hand at archery, get soaked in the water maze, or head out for a stroll around the stunning lake.
Best Other Hotels Near Hever Castle?
If your budget can’t stretch to this beautiful Kent bed and breakfast, or they don’t have availability for your dates, then there are plenty of other accommodation options nearby. Try:
The Greyhound Inn: A cosy British pub with comfortable rooms, hearty food, and fantastic reviews, less than 2km from Hever Castle.
Culver Croft: An exceptionally stylish one-bedroom cabin overlooking a beautiful English meadow complete with outdoor space and BBQ facilities. 3km from Hever Castle.
The Loft Hatch: A charming studio apartment located just over 5km from Hever Castle, with private parking, thoughtful amenities, and a sofa bed for children.
Why Does it Say There is No Availability for My Dates?
Hever Castle also hosts weddings and corporate events, so they put a hold on all of the rooms in the bed and breakfast until six months beforehand. If they aren’t booked for an event, they will open up the rooms in the Anne Boleyn wing to the general public.
The rooms in the Astor wing are blocked out until just six weeks before. This means it’s often much easier to find a room available when you check for your dates in the six weeks before you travel.
What are the Best Walks Around Hever Castle?
There are lots of fantastic walks you can do around Hever Castle, the most popular being the circular lake walk which takes around an hour and offers sensational views back over the grounds. You can also take a stroll through the immaculate Italian gardens, or try the woodland walk, which is particularly spectacular in Spring.
If you’re looking for a longer walk beyond the castle grounds, I recommend the app AllTrails to find user-uploaded routes and walk reviews.
What are the Best Pubs Near Hever Castle?
The best pub near Hever Castle is King Henry VIII, located just a few minutes walk from the castle grounds. Here you’ll find filling pub fare, a cosy low-ceiling bar area, and shelves heaving with small-batch gins. A little further afield, the Greyhound offers traditional English meals from steak to sticky toffee pudding.
I hope you found this Hever Castle review helpful! If there’s anything else you’d like to know about visiting, ask away in the comments!
Leave a Reply