Hever Castle is opening some of the doors not usually open to the public in the new Hidden Hever guided tour. The romantic double moated castle in the Weald of Kent is famous for being the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, second wife of Henry VIII and mother of Queen Elizabeth I.
The original medieval castle with its gatehouse and walled bailey was built in 1270, with the Tudor dwelling added by the Boleyn family during the 15th and 16th centuries. Its panelled rooms contain fine furniture, tapestries, and an important collection of Tudor portraits and artefacts including two Books of Hours signed and inscribed by Anne Boleyn.
Much of what visitors see today is the result of the work of William Waldorf Astor, who restored and extended 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.
Now for the first time, groups of up to 15 people can take part in the Hidden Hever tour, where they will be able to see William Waldorf Astor’s study (complete with secret panel), Lord Astor’s bathroom (accessed by said secret panel), the boys’ bedrooms created by Lord Astor, and Lady Irene Astor’s pink bathroom.
The striking bathroom was designed by Godfrey Bonsack and features gold fleurs de lis on pink raw silk wall coverings, a pink bath, and gold swans on the taps and lights.
Guests will be treated to stories and anecdotes relating to the rooms on the tour, and discover more about the social history of Hever Castle. The tour – open to adults only due to its in-depth nature – runs from 10am for 90 minutes. After the tour, groups are welcome to stay in the Gardens until closing.
The tour is priced at £45 per person and must be pre-booked. For more information or to book please visit hevercastle.co.uk/visit/groups, email [email protected] or call 01732 861 701.
