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Kent has many tales to tell, and just by looking at the glorious towns and villages, there really are no surprises as to why a monarch would be attracted to Kent. And with the sheer quantity of places linked with King Henry VIII, its no wonder why there’s so much historical interest in our county.
History in Kent goes way back, from thousands of years ago to more modern history – but each and every one is special in its own right. One major turning point in British history was of course, the infamous King Henry VIII – and he has a number of links to Kent.
This castle is breathtakingly beautiful with some incredibly stunning additions too. With an enviable waterfall, perfect for a winter stroll, this truly is a special place.
Hever Castle, built in 1270 became the childhood home of Henry VIII’s second wife Anne Boleyn, who was Queen of England, albeit for just 1,000 days. It was later passed into the ownership of another of Henry’s wives, Anne of Cleves, and from 1557 it was owned by a number of different families.
Rather interestingly, the castle still has one of Henry’s private locks which was taken with him during visits and fitted to every door for added security. Hever Castle is worthy of a visit in its own right of course, but on the eastern end of the lake visitors will be delighted to discover an ornamental, rocky waterfall.
(Image: Vikki Rimmer)
Hever Lake itself is one of the most peaceful parts of the whole castle experience and is positively bursting with wildlife including a large variety of ducks, moorhens, and garden birds such as the kingfisher, goldfinch and chaffinch.
While you’re there, you have to check out the stunning Japanese Tea House on the edge of the lake too. Hever Castle is in Hever, near Edenbridge, in Kent. It’s off the B2026 and you can get to it from the M25 and the M23.
