Hever Castle

Posted by Happy Homemaker UK

Once the childhood home of Anne Boleyn,
{ Henry VIII's second wife and mother to Elizabeth I }

Hever Castle makes for the perfect date with a camera

This moated thirteenth century castle in Kent is complete with drawbridge and swans

What would a castle be without a yew maze?
{ Planted in 1906 }

A variety of programs are offered on weekends
The Falconry Demonstration was our favorite

I hadn't realized birds of prey were relied upon
to capture dinner for its owner during the Middle Ages

It was impressive to watch them fly beyond our vision
and dutifully return

Other activities included long-bow archery for the willing in a picturesque setting

Over a two year span, a thousand men dug out this 38 acre lake

The result is picture-perfect

{ Excuse the romantic wash on the photo - I couldn't help myself }

Boats for hire

Yikes!

128 acres of award-winning gardens wind throughout the grounds,
including Rose and Italian gardens, nature walks, grottoes, fountains, and water maze for kids

Just over 100 years old, the spectacular gardens were planted on marshland 

We took the self-guided tour inside the castle

filled with beautiful artwork and furniture and interesting placards to read along the way

{ my quest for hidden panels and trap doors continues }

Entertaining, beautiful, and educational, 

Hever Castle has the recipe for a favorite day trip for all ages

- all photos taken by me in August -

Source & Calendar: Hever Castle