Step back in time to 1940s Britain at Hever’s Home Front event on Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd June 2025 at Hever Castle & Grounds nestled in the beautiful Kent countryside. Enjoy the nostalgia of a bygone era with sights and sounds of the wartime period with activities in the ground, on the water, and in the air to entertain the whole family.
The spirit of resilience and unity that defined wartime Britain is at the heart of Hever’s Home Front event. Through the stories of those who lived, worked, and fought on the home front, visitors will gain an appreciation for the ingenuity, determination, and camaraderie that helped the nation endure. This weekend is a tribute to perseverance in the face of adversity.
Meet a variety of enthusiastic reenactors who tell the story of the era through living history with appearances from Prime Minister Winston Churchill making a VE Day speech accompanied by his wife Clementine, The Observer Corps and the Home Guard, who will line up for troop inspection on the Castle Forecourt. Also doing the rounds on duties will be a bicycling butcher, the Original Vintage Pram Society and even Captain America!
Get into the spirit of the wartime styles and come dressed the part for your chance to receive a secret telegram for entry into the Best Dressed Visitor Competition. Treat yourself to some Victory Rolls at Pretty Me Vintage Hair Salon and browse the vintage stalls to find an outfit or keepsake of your own to buy and take home.
Be entertained with the toe tapping music of Jivin’ Jim Dandy and have-a-go at the Lindy Hop with a Dance Class on the Half Moon Lawn. Be serenaded by the wonderful Stephanie Belle with vintage songs from the 1930s and 40s era.
Time travel to the transport of the 1940s as you marvel at military vehicles and classic cars on static display around the grounds. Find out more about military vehicles and their role in the war effort from the KSY Military Museum team. For aviation fans a replica aircraft will be on display on the lawn where you can see up close the impressive design of the Supermarine Spitfire with its elliptical wings.
For nautical enthusiasts visit the Kent Model Boat Display on the Castle Forecourt. Watch the model boats sail around the Inner Moat around the historic Castle.
For visitors looking to take time out from the buzz of the event, Hever Castle’s gardens and grounds provide a peaceful setting to relax, take in the scenery, and enjoy the fresh air with a walk or picnic.
The Italian Garden bursts into a festival of colour in June, while the shaded grottoes are the perfect place to escape the sun among thriving hostas and ferns. In Blue Corner, perennial geraniums reach their peak, and the Long Border hums with butterflies. Across the estate roses start to unfurl providing even more colour and incredible fragrance.
Children can enjoy the adventure playgrounds, Maze and Water Maze for exploration and family fun in the beautiful grounds. Before heading home, be sure to browse the Hever Shop, where you’ll find a wide variety of gifts, plants, and homeware to remember your visit.
Key Information:
- Event Dates: Saturday 21st to Sunday 22nd June 2025
- Time: 10:30 – 18:00 (Last Entry 16:30)
- Location: Hever Castle & Gardens, Kent
- Tickets: Pre-book online to save
(All photographs kindly supplied by Hever Castle and retain their copyright)
