Let your very own fairy tale play out as you follow in the footsteps of royalty, with this romantic walk around the picture-perfect lake at Hever Castle.
With its charming castle exterior, beautiful gardens and tranquil lakeside vista; this month start your very own love affair with idyllic Hever Castle & Gardens. This castle’s grounds are breathtaking at the best of times, but time your visit for this month and you’ll experience the last of winter’s wonderfully pale light, and the first signs of spring with the arrival of Hever’s stunning snowdrops. Swoon!
The route
The Moat Cafe, at the entrance to Hever Castle’s glorious grounds, is the ideal spot from which to start today’s romantic route. Grab a hot drink to keep your hands warm and put your best foot forward, as you make your way towards the forecourt in front of the main castle entrance.
Cross the wooden footbridge over the moat, and head along the path that leads towards the meticulously manicured Italian Garden.
Keeping to the left-hand path that runs through the Italian Garden, take the second left turn, through one of the bays and towards a small pathway that runs beside a narrow stretch of the castle’s lake.
Walking the length of this narrow pathway, you will now make your way along what is known as Diana’s Walk, named after a statue of the goddess Diana that stood in the Italian Garden until the 1980s. The newly planted area of the garden here has been named after the Castle’s owner Mrs Guthrie, in celebration of her 50th wedding anniversary and to recognise her passion for the gardens at Hever.
At the end of this path, take a moment to admire the side profile of Hever Castle as it sits ahead of you, on the far side of the Winter Lawn. You have now arrived at the official start of Hever’s Lake Walk, which will be clearly signposted to you.
Follow the curve around the edge of the lake as it leads around to your right.
Head straight and you’ll soon arrive at the entrance to the Water Maze. Situated on Sixteen Acre Island, this is a maze with a difference, consisting of a series of concrete stepping-stone walkways sitting over water. At intervals the stones tilt when stood on and hidden water jets spring into action to soak the unwary visitor. Hever’s Water Maze reopens to visitors in the spring - well worth a return visit during the warmer months!
Your route curves around the left-hand side of the Water Maze, crossing over one pedestrian bridge, before continuing straight for the full length of the lake, which sits serenely to your right throughout.
As you walk the length of the lake, turn your eyes to your left, and you will glimpse the glorious greens of Hever Castle’s golf course through the trees.
At the far end of the lake, follow the clear pathway as it curves around to your right, and crosses over two further pedestrian bridges.
Just beyond the second bridge, you’ll find a raised platform with a wooden bench; the perfect spot to sit and admire the vastness of the lake that stretches out in front of you. Make sure to snap a quick photo here with your loved one, to remember your romantic ramble by!
Once more, the path ahead of you will curve to your right leading along the final length of the lake, and back towards the castle.
Halfway along this final stretch you’ll cross a red wooden bridge, perfectly positioned opposite the striking Japanese Tea House perched on the edge of the lake. It was reconstructed in 2013 to mark the 30th anniversary of the Guthrie family's purchase of Hever Castle, with the aim of recapturing the idea and purpose of the original Edwardian Tea House that stood here.
Complete the final stretch of this perfectly peaceful route by wandering past the Edwardian Boathouse. Rowing boats and pedalos can be hired from here during the summer months - perhaps a way to recapture the romance on a future visit to this special spot?
Climb a small flight of steps just beyond the Boathouse to arrive at the far end of the Italian Gardens, under the arches of the stunning Italian Loggia. This is where today’s walk will conclude, leaving you with ample opportunity to explore the rest of Hever’s vast grounds at your own pace.
Steps, stats and stiles
This month’s route should take you approximately 1 hour to complete at a leisurely pace. Ramblers may wish, however, to pause on the bench found at the far end of the lake in order to spend a few minutes taking in the marvellous views back towards the castle! This circuit contains no obstacles or stiles.
Make a day of it
We highly recommend enjoying today’s walking route as part of a full day visit to Hever Castle. Spend some time delving into 700 years of Hever history at the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, taking in the magnificent moats, challenging mazes and award-winning gardens, before heading towards Hever’s alluring lake for this sensational stroll with your loved one. In fact, there’s so much to pack into a day trip here, you may even wish to extend your visit with an overnight stay at Hever’s luxurious award-winning B&B, located in the Astor Wing and the Anne Boleyn Wing! A five-star way to spend this Valentine’s Day…
From February 8, the gardens will be awash with approximately 115,000 snowdrops - the perfect start to spring!
Refreshments
Tradition reigns supreme at The King Henry VIII, a historic pub, perfectly situated just next door to Hever Castle. Cosy up with your significant other and soak up the historic atmosphere, with a roaring fire to keep you warm! Fine Kentish ales and beers line the bar, while this pub’s menu boasts an array of hearty and wholesome dishes. Food and drink unmistakably fit for a King or Queen!
Route followed
For today’s walk we followed the Lake Walk route within Hever Castle’s grounds. Upon arrival at Hever you will be provided with a map of the castle grounds, indicating where today’s walk starts from. Find out more about the Lake Walk at hevercastle.co.uk/hever-attractions/hever-lake/lake-walk/
For pricing information, and to purchase admission tickets, see hevercastle.co.uk
