Winter Hever Day Trip-Castle, Gardens and Lake Walk

This place is breathtaking in every time of year... We have visited Hever Castle in summer and in autumn, it's time to go there for a winter journey! Warm up and join us for this winter day trip full of fun!

Price: £31.75 +PayPal fee ( included: £17.75 Castle&Garden tickets, £9 train ticket, £5 guided walk)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tvyGhJTpv2w

Experience 700 years of history at the romantic double-moated castle, discover magnificent award-winning gardens set in 125 acres of glorious grounds at Hever Castle, take a peaceful walk around the magical lake - this is going to be an amazing outdoor adventure!

HEVER CASTLE

Dating back to the 13th century, Hever Castle was once the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, second wife of Henry VIII and Mother of Elizabeth I. It formed the unlikely backdrop to a sequence of tumultuous events that changed the course of Britain’s history, monarchy and religion.

Its panelled rooms house fine furniture, tapestries, antiques and what is regarded as ‘one of the best collections of Tudor portraits after the National Portrait Gallery’ by David Starkey. The Book of Hours Room beautifully illuminates two prayer books which belonged to Anne Boleyn and bear her inscriptions and signature.

Today, much of what you see is the result of the remarkable efforts of William Waldorf Astor, who used his fortune to restore and extend the Castle in the early 20th century. The Astor Suite is dedicated to its more recent history, showcasing pictures and memorabilia relating to the Astor family and the Edwardian period.

Hever Castle is what every child wants a castle to be: crenelated, moated and haunted. A permanent exhibition in the Long Gallery brings the 16th century to life with costumed figures illustrating key events in Anne’s life at the Castle.

HEVER GARDENS

Discover magnificent award-winning gardens set in 125 acres of glorious grounds at Hever Castle. Marvel at the Pompeiian wall and classical statuary in the Italian Garden; admire the giant topiary chess set and inhale the fragrance of over 4,000 rose bushes in the quintessential English Rose Garden.

The Loggia, overlooking the 38-acre lake, is the perfect spot to relax before exploring the many cascades, grottoes and fountains. A stroll through the Tudor Garden, Blue Corner or Rhododendron Walk, provide colour and interest throughout the year.

THE LAKE AT HEVER CASTLE

Enjoy a leisurely one-hour stroll around the l (http://www.hevercastle.co.uk/hever-attractions/hever-lake/lake-walk/)ake to see parts of the gardens many visitors miss, including a stunning waterfall surrounded by vibrant autumn leaves. Keep your eyes peeled on the walk for wildlife such as reed buntings, the great crested grebe, green woodpecker, herons and kingfisher.

The 38 acre lake, the brainchild of William Waldorf Astor, was excavated and constructed by 800 men who were contracted in December 1904 to “carry on the works regularly and continuously by day and night (except on Sundays) when so ordered” and complete the work in two years! The lake was filled in July 1906.

Today the Lake provides a tranquil location to reflect, away from the castle and gardens. The magical lakeside locations of the Italian Loggia and Japanese Tea House Folly not only provide wonderful points from which to view the lake but are stunning vistas from the Lake itself. Nature lovers will enjoy the nature trail on Lake Walk and boating provides fun for all ages.

Meeting Point:

Near the cafe Costa by platform 8 at London Victoria Station.

Meeting Time:

10:15 a.m. Please note that we will aim to take the 10:53 a.m. train* from London Victoria Station, so we will wait at the meeting point until 10:40 a.m. Please be there sharp on time. If you are late we will not be able to wait but you will be welcome to catch up with us at the platform or at the destination but it will be your responsibility to find us.

Walk:

This event includes some walking, but is not a hike. There is a short walk of around 1 mile to the castle itself. Later in the day, there is a walk through the gardens and a gentle stroll around the lake, taking in a couple of mazes on the route, which is around 1.5 - 2 miles, and finally, a walk back to the train station at the end of the day.

Plan of the day:

Train from London Victoria to Hever

Visit to the castle

Visit to the gardens

The Lake walk and lunch

You can bring your own picnic to enjoy at one of the many picnic areas in the grounds. Horse Shoe Lawn provides a perfect setting with sun and shade and a picturesque castle view. Half Moon Lawn is another popular choice with views over the pond. Venture further afield and you will discover Two Sisters Lawn adjacent to the Theatre which is surrounded by delightful flower beds; or follow signs for Lake Walk and choose a secluded spot.

Picnic benches can also be found outside the Hever Shop, there are a number of benches dotted around the estate.

If you prefer to have a quick cup of coffee, afternoon tea, or a meal, the Moat Restaurant is a great place for it. With beautiful views of the Castle, here you can enjoy a variety of freshly made sandwiches and a large selection of freshly baked cakes available to eat in or take away, plus hot and cold dishes and children’s meals.

Train from Hever to London Victoria

Cancellations:

Please note that unless the trip is cancelled the payments are non-refundable as the costs need to be paid in advance. However, you may be able to sell your place to your friends or other group members.