Hever Castle Walk
Explore the beautiful grounds of this historic castle in Kent on this circular walk. Highlights in the park include:
The 38 acre lake - enjoy the lakeside nature trail and views of the Italian Loggia and Japanese Tea House Folly. Look out for kingfishers, swans, herons and crested grebes on the lake as you go. You can also hire row boats, canoes and pedalos or take a trip on The African Queen Steamboat.
Mazes-a yew maze, planted in 1904 and a water maze where the goals is to get to the folly at the centre without getting wet!
Formal Gardens-Explore the stunning Italianate garden (including Fernery), rose gardens, a herb garden and topiary.
The castle is positioned right next to the Eden Valley Walk. This long distance trail runs just to the south of the castle and will take you to the lovely Penshurst Place if you follow it a couple of miles east.
Just to the north of the castle you will find Bough Beech Reservoir.
The reservoir includes a nature reserve which is one of the premier birdwatching spots in the south east.
Hever Castle Ordnance Survey Map 
- view and print off detailed OS map
Hever Castle Open Street Map 
- view and print off detailed map
Hever Castle OS Map 
- Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
Hever Castle Open Street Map 
- Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Pubs/Cafes
There's an on site cafe and restaurant where you can enjoy afternoon tea after your walk.
Dog Walking
The castle grounds are a nice place for a dog walk though they must be kept on leads. Dogs are not permitted inside the cafés, restaurants, Castle, mazes or Adventure Playground.
Further Information and Other Local Ideas
If you were to follow the Eden Valley Walk east from the castle it would take you to Haysden Country Park near Tonbridge. There's two lovely lakes here and miles of trails to try.
Also just to the east is the delightful village of Chiddingstone. This National Trust owned village includes a number of quaint timber framed Tudor buildings, a picturesque village pond, an ancient pub and the 15th century Chiddingstone Castle with its beautiful grounds and gardens.
For more walking ideas in the area see the Kent Walks page.
Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby
Photos
Hever Castle. Once the home of Ann Boleyn, second wife of Henry VIII and mother of Elizabeth I, it was appropriated to the Crown on Ann's execution. It later sank to being used as a farmhouse until W.W.Astor began its restoration to splendour in 1903AD.
Moat at Hever Castle, Kent
Fountain on the terrace, beside the lake
Gardens at the castle. Summer border heading towards its colourful best.
Yew topiary and a small orchard to the west of the castle.
Hever Castle Lions. Part of the extensive gardens at the castle which were rescued by W.W.Astor, and embellished with statuary that he had collected in Rome during his time as American Ambassador there.
Ornamental Lake. Located at the far end of the castle gardens.
Fountain view