Begin your journey with a visit to Hever Castle, a historic moated castle located in Hever, near Edenbridge in Kent, England. Built in the 13th century, it is renowned as the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, the second wife of King Henry VIII and mother of Queen Elizabeth I. The castle combines Tudor history with romantic gardens, making it a major English heritage attraction.
Hever Castle began as a fortified manor house around 1270. It came into prominence when the Boleyn family acquired it in the 15th century. Anne Boleyn spent much of her youth there before her marriage to Henry VIII, which tied the castle to the tumultuous events of the English Reformation.
In 1903, American millionaire William Waldorf Astor purchased Hever Castle and invested heavily in its restoration. He added the Astor Wing, constructed in Tudor style, and created expansive gardens, including the Italian Garden to display his sculpture collection. His renovations preserved the castle’s Tudor character while enhancing its grandeur.
Next, head to Hampton Court Palace, famously linked to Henry VIII and his many wives. With your expert chauffeur at the helm, be guided through the enchanting landscapes of Kent and the regal allure of Hampton Court, all in the lap of luxury.