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YOUR GUIDE TO HEVER CASTLE FOR RACE WEEKEND

The Hever Castle Triathlon & Multisport Festival (27–28 September 2025) takes place in the historic and scenic grounds of Anne Boleyn’s childhood home. Set in the heart of the Kent countryside, this multisport weekend offers a spectacular backdrop for athletes and spectators alike. Whether you're coming from nearby or further afield, this guide covers everything you need—travel, accommodation, food, local attractions, and race-day essentials.

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Venue

Kent

The Hever Castle Triathlon and Multisport Festival offers more than just racing—it’s a full weekend experience. Set in the historic castle grounds, the event village features live music, street food, artisan stalls, kids’ entertainment, yoga sessions, and more for the whole family.

Hever Castle, the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, provides a truly iconic setting. The open water swim takes place in the castle’s private lake, and the run course winds through landscaped gardens, woodland trails, and past the castle itself—making this one of the most atmospheric and scenic races on the calendar.

Getting to Hever

Hever Castle is nestled in the Kent countryside, just over an hour from London. Surrounded by formal gardens, a lake, and wooded parkland, it offers a scenic and accessible destination for a weekend of racing and relaxation.

BY AIR

The nearest major airports are Gatwick (40 mins) and Heathrow (1 hour 15 mins) by car.

BY TRAIN

Hever Station is the closest stop, with regular services from London Bridge (approx. 45 mins). The castle is a 15–20 minute walk or a short taxi ride from the station.

BY FERRY AND CAR

From Ireland, ferries to Holyhead or Liverpool offer good access, with a drive of around 5–6 hours to Hever Castle. From Calais, the Channel Tunnel or ferry takes about 2.5–3 hours by car. Ferries from mainland Europe also arrive at Felixstowe, which is approximately 2 hours’ drive from Hever. The castle is easily reached via the M25 and A21, with strong road links from London, the South East, and beyond.

LOCAL TRANSPORT

Due to its rural setting, arriving by car is the most convenient option. Limited local taxis are available from Hever and Edenbridge stations. Please plan ahead if using public transport.

PLAN YOUR JOURNEY

Where to Stay

Luxury & Boutique Hotels Near Hever Castle

Hurst Farm – Exclusive 10% discount for participants – mention when booking.
Just a 5-minute drive from the castle, this stylish countryside retreat offers chic rooms and stunning views of the Kent hills.

Hever Castle B&B
Stay within the grounds of the castle itself. These luxury Tudor-style rooms offer unique access to the historic setting, ideal for a memorable race weekend.

The Spa Hotel, Royal Tunbridge Wells
A 4-star hotel set in 14 acres of gardens just 20 minutes from Hever. Offers elegant accommodation, a full spa, gym, and dining options—perfect for post-race relaxation.

Mid-Range & Budget Options

Premier Inn, Sevenoaks
A reliable, budget-friendly choice about 20 minutes from Hever Castle. Comfortable rooms, free parking, and easy access to local amenities.

Travelodge, Tunbridge Wells
A no-frills, affordable stay just 10 minutes from the event site. Great for convenience and value.

The Star Inn, Lingfield
This charming countryside pub in Lingfield offers 9 cosy en‑suite rooms and a well-regarded restaurant serving wood‑fired pizzas and pub classics.

We also offer a family-friendly campsite at Hever Castle, just a short walk from the Events Village. Includes showers, toilets, and electric hook-up points

Race Essentials

Sports Shops

Need kit or a quick fix? These local shops have you covered:

Decathlon Lakeside, Thurrock
Tri suits, wetsuits, shoes, and cycling gear.

Sevenoaks Bikes, Kemsing 
Expert bike servicing, repairs, and accessories.

Wildside Cycles, Tunbridge Wells 
Servicing, tune-ups, spare parts, and gear.

Bike mechanics from On Your Bike will be on site all weekend for last-minute adjustments. You can also hire in advance here.

Wetsuits can be hired in advance from Adventure Kit Hire.

Swim Training & Pools

Edenbridge Leisure Centre
Just 10 minutes from Hever Castle, with a 25m pool, gym, and fitness classes—great for a pre-race swim or light training.

Tunbridge Wells Sports Centre
A larger facility 20 minutes away, offering a 33m pool, full gym, and wellness studio—ideal for taper-week workouts.

Nearby Supermarkets

Waitrose – Edenbridge
Conveniently close to the castle, with a good selection of snacks, hydration, and race-day essentials.

Tesco Superstore – Riverhead (Sevenoaks)
A bigger store around 20 minutes away, offering energy gels, drinks, and any last-minute supplies.

Best Places to Eat & Drink

From roast dinners at the Waterside Bar to fish and chips on site, Hever Castle has great dining options for all tastes.

Nearby favourites include:

The King Henry VIII Inn, Hever
Cosy pub serving British classics and local ales, just a short walk from the castle.

The Castle Inn, Chiddingstone
Historic 15th-century inn offering hearty pub fare and a warm welcome.

Sopranos Italian, Tunbridge Wells
Family-run restaurant perfect for a pre-race pasta meal.

Things to See & Do

Sticking around after race day? There’s plenty to explore near Hever:

Hever Castle & Gardens
Step inside Anne Boleyn’s childhood home, with historic interiors and award-winning gardens.

Chiddingstone Village (National Trust)
A beautifully preserved Tudor village featuring the historic Castle Inn and a 15th-century Post Office.

Penshurst Place & Gardens
A grand estate with 650 years of history, formal gardens, and family-friendly attractions.

Royal Tunbridge Wells
Wander the Georgian colonnade of The Pantiles, relax in local parks, and browse indie shops and cafés.

Weather In September

Late September around Hever is usually cool-mild and changeable. Expect daytime highs of 15–19°C (59–66°F), with cooler mornings and evenings around 8–12°C (46–54°F).

Light showers are possible, so pack a lightweight waterproof and plan to layer up for early starts. Winds are generally light to moderate, and early mist is not uncommon.

For swimmers, the lake is typically in the mid-teens °C (≈15–17°C / 59–63°F), so wetsuits are commonly used.

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Enjoy Your Race Weekend

With some planning, your trip to the Hever Castle Triathlon & Multisport Festival can be a smooth and memorable experience.

Whether you’re competing, supporting a racer, or simply soaking up the stunning surroundings and vibrant festival atmosphere, this guide will help you make the most of your time in the Weald of Kent.

Spectator tickets are available to purchase here.