Bonjour lecteurs! Calling all history lovers dreaming of a beautiful staycation in Kent this summer! Hever Castle, the very iconic childhood home of Anne Boleyn, is more than a stronghold. Did you know that you could also stay overnight there? Indeed, it features a luxurious bed & breakfast where you can relax with style before visiting the grounds in the evening or early morning. Last month, we kicked off the school break with a Summer Staycation at Hever Castle Bed & Breakfast, and it was breathtaking, nothing else. Regardez!
Hever Castle Bed & Breakfast
Situated only an hour and a half from London, Hever Castle is a dream come true in the heart of Kent. If anything, it is one of our favourite locations to explore all year round.
The childhood home of Anne Boleyn is stunning. No wonder it is one of the most visited places in the UK.
The castle moat and its beautiful grounds has been home to many productions depicting the Tudor queen. They even filmed Andor there! Nearly half a million people visit it each year, but did you know that you could also stay overnight?
Indeed, Hever Bed & Breakfast features a luxury collection of 27 rooms in the Astor Wing. Built onto Hever Castle in the 1900s by the Astor family, it’s an amazing way to step into British history.
L’Arrivée
We’ve already stayed at Hever Bed & Breakfast back in 2022 around Easter time. But I was eager to come back as many rooms have recently been refurbished.
So off we drove to Edenbridge on a sunny day in July to discover the stunning location. I was even more excited to come as Anne Boylen The Musical is currently playing until the end of the August.
If you love history, especially the House of Tudor, I recommend you book your tickets now. We did not actually see the show, but I heard it’s amazing.
The Willow Suite
Once checked in, we were escorted to the Willow Suite and what a treat! As you come through your own little corridor with a desk, you get to find a spacious room.
Le décor is sumptuous with tones of green and orange. If anything, it’s the perfect fit for a queen! I mean, look at our bed! From the chairs to the cushions and the vintage pieces of furniture, you are truly back in time, but with a luxurious twist.
Stanley was excited to find out his own room with an alcove. C’est simplement magique!
There even were some traditional games for him to keep busy. But we were just amazed to find such a beautiful hidden room. It was like being in a book.
We also had a big bathroom featuring both a bath tube and a large shower. With 2 sinks, it was the perfect family bathroom.
What do you think of our suite? It’s absolutely stunning! Hever Castle Bed & Breakfast has always been gorgeous but they really surpassed themselves with the new décor. Think hidden cupboards so that it’s truly magical and majestuous prints.
Relaxing In The Lounge
Stanley was quick to make himself at home. But we were eager to explore the Astor Wing.
We went in to the lounge to relax with style. Once more, you are back in history with comfy chairs and sofa. It’s quintessentially British; j’adore!
The boys played chess while I savoured a glass of champagne with a good book to read.
But we also had a look around to see all the historical paintings, learning more about the British history.
The House of Tudor is always so fascinating, what do you think?
We did some dictionary games, but we also had a go at pool bien sûr. Whatever you fancy, you can do it among the fabulous settings.
Hever Castle By Night
As you go to la réception, there is a courtyard where you can relax among the flowers by the fountain.
We stopped by again after having dîner in a local pub and it was divine! I have fond memories of Stanley playing around there when he was just a toddler…
But I also had a stroll among the grounds. You see, this is the best part when you stay at Hever Castle Bed & Breakfast. You can actually explore the grounds and admire the castle just for yourself while it’s closed to le public général!
Now, this was a dream come true. It was just spectaculaire to see the castle by night, but also admire all the fauna and flora.
While a group of geese gave me a show, swimming towards the Italian Garden, I also sat by the bench opposite the castle and just took it all in.
The cast of Anne Boylen The Musical were rehearsing for the show and it was so peaceful. I wonder what it was like for Anne Boylen to be there when she was a child…
Le Petit-Déjeuner
It was time to go to bed and dream of a being a princess. Truly, if you are passionate about British history, you need to stay there. It’s absolutely extraordinaire.
We had a sumptuous night. But the magic continues the day after. We came down to enjoy some cooked breakfast and I must say it was one of the best ones I’ve had in a hotel.
Au menu, eggs royale for moi and a some pancakes for him. You can also help yourself at the buffet and there is something for everyone: fruit, pastries…
But the best part? You actually sit right by the moat and you get to enjoy your food while the gardeners prepare Hever Castle for another day. It’s just the best feeling. You truly feel like une princesse.
Hever Castle Bed & Breakfast is certainly family-friendly. We felt so comfortable at all times. But I also think having breakfast in the castle wing is ever so romantique, so couples would love it.
Exploring The Grounds
As a guest, you get une occasion très spéciale to walk around the grounds before it opens up to the public. How grandiose is this? It’s truly une occasion exceptionnelle to admire it all in its true beauty.
No children running around (well mine was, haha), just you, the castle and it beautiful surroundings.
We stopped by the roses, admired all sorts of birds and took lots of photos.
Once the castle open, Stanley could not wait to go to the Tudor Towers Adventure Playground. It’s an amazing construction where the children can run around in a close space. So that it’s stress-free for parents. Let them play around while you enjoy a coffee in the sun. Plus, there is a sand pit if you fancy.
But you can also have fun in the mazes, or try some archery. The water maze is a must in the summer so pack their swimming gear!
I fancied a charming walk around the grounds. From The Tudor Garden to the Rose Garden, choose your pick. We also love the Italian Garden by the lake. It’s ever so stunning with the fountains. You can even go boating, something we are yet to do. Maybe next time?
How pretty is this all? Bien sûr, you need to visit the castle itself. It’s full of history and they always have an exhibition on.
Hever Castle Bed & Breakfast – Le Verdict
Do you love British History? Do you fancy a fabulous stay in Kent? Then you need to stay at Hever Castle Bed & Breakfast. Beauty truly meets history in this gem near Edenbridge.
We love visiting Hever Castle for family days out all year round, especially at Easter and Christmas.
But Hever Castle Bed & Breakfast is something else. You get to stay in an historical location full of charms. It’s truly a luxurious experience that will make you feel like king and queen.
Even better, you get to enjoy the grounds when it’s pretty much empty.
Now that’s the most beautiful hidden gem in Kent. A must-do if you are obsessed by the Tudors or if you just want a sumptuous experience in the country.
We’ve stayed there before, but every visit is always très spéciale.
Prices at Hever Castle’s Bed and Breakfast for a Deluxe Room start from £225.
