Dating from as far back as 1270 Hever is a gem of a castle that was once the family home to Anne Boleyn, second wife to Henry VIII and a place the King visited during their courtship. It was confiscated during the downfall and execution of poor Anne and over the centuries gradually descended to ruin until rescued and restored by William Waldorf Astor in 1903. This jewel is beautifully set in Kent, often called The Garden of England, amid fabulously kept grounds and protected from raiders by it’s moat, home to huge koy carp. Once we make it across the drawbridge we can roam it’s halls, galleries, bedrooms and corridors and enjoy experience it as it was both in Tudor times and also as lived in by the Astors, who lived here in a manner befitting the millionaire hotelier who was married to Nancy Astor, the first woman to sit in the House of Commons. The grounds themselves are an attraction and often host amazing events such as jousting, (see photos) falconry, music, drama and craft fairs.