Hever Castle in Spring

Built in 1270, Hever Castle is mostly known as the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, King Henry VIII's second wife, but there is far more to the history of the castle and gardens than this. Spring is the perfect time to appreciate this location when early in an April morning, the mist rises from the moat and delicately envelops the castle whilst the lake surroundings become beautifully atmospheric as the sun struggles to break through the mist. In contrast, the gardens are a riot of colour with over 25000 tulips in full bloom. In the Italian garden, the small bays dividing the Pompeiian wall, filled with ornate antiquities showcase a formal display of tulips such as 'Joint Division', 'Ballerina', 'Black Hero' and 'Olympic Flame'. Here and there, spring natives, bluebells and primroses, appear in between the ancient stones. On the other side of the Italian garden, the Pergola walk is bordered by a mix of bright tulips whilst the long border provides another flamboyant display in tones of pink, purple, lilac and orange with Tulipa 'Orca'.