Hever Castle
Edenbridge · TN8
Amenities
Summary
A 13th-century moated castle in Kent, childhood home of Anne Boleyn, used as a filming location for The Princess Bride (1987), Star Wars: Episode I (1999), Andor Season 2 (2025), The Third Day (2020), and The Great (2020 TV series).
About this location
Hever Castle sits in the Weald of Kent near the village of Edenbridge, approximately 30 miles south of London. The original castle was built in the 13th century; the gatehouse and outer walls date from around 1270. In the early 16th century the Boleyn family acquired and extended the property, and it was here that Anne Boleyn — the second wife of Henry VIII and mother of Elizabeth I — grew up. Henry VIII courted Anne here before their marriage. After the fall of the Boleyns the castle passed through several hands, eventually reaching William Waldorf Astor in 1903, who restored it extensively and created the Italian Garden and lake that now form a substantial part of the estate’s public offering.
The castle retains its original double moat and drawbridge, and the Tudor interiors include painted panelling, tapestries, and early furniture associated with the Boleyn period. The surrounding estate, operated as a visitor attraction, includes a water maze and topiary gardens. Filming permissions are handled directly by the Hever Castle estate.
The most sustained film relationship is with the Star Wars franchise. Hever doubled for Naboo in Star Wars: Episode I — The Phantom Menace (1999) and returned for scenes in Andor Season 2 (2025). The Princess Bride (1987) filmed at the castle. The Third Day (2020, HBO/Sky drama-thriller) also used Hever as a key location. Inkheart (2008, based on the Cornelia Funke novel) filmed here. The lake loggia appeared in The Great (2020, Hulu/Channel 4 comedy-drama) as the setting for a peace conference sequence.
Access notes
- Parking
- On-site parking available — confirm crew-vehicle capacity with the venue.
- Loading access
- Loading access not listed. Confirm access points, door widths, and lift availability with the venue before the day.
- Public transit
- Edenbridge has mainline rail and regional bus connections. Check the nearest station and allow for equipment on-foot from transit.
Ask us about this location
Quick question before you enquire upstream? We often know day-rate ranges, permit lead times, or a direct-to-owner shortcut not shown on the source page.
On the map
Edenbridge — drag to pan, scroll to zoom.
FAQ
- Do I need a permit to film at Hever Castle?
- Yes — filming on or around Hever Castle typically requires a permit. Allow roughly 5–10 working days lead time for most UK councils. Interior shoots on private property may also need owner consent.
- Is parking available at Hever Castle?
- On-site parking is available at Hever Castle. Capacity varies — confirm crew-vehicle numbers with the venue before the day.
- How much does it cost to film at Hever Castle?
- Hever Castle sits in the £££ band. Typical UK film-location day rates range from under £200 for simple interior shoots to well over £1,000 for period properties and landmark venues. Confirm with the venue directly.
- What crew size is suitable for Hever Castle?
- Hever Castle can take a medium-sized crew of up to around 15 — most commercial, music-video, and short-form productions fit comfortably.
- Has anything been filmed at Hever Castle before?
- Hever Castle appears on Filmshoot's UK location index because it has a documented track record or strong characteristics for film and photography. Specific production credits aren't displayed unless publicly confirmed by the venue — ask the venue directly or check ScreenSkills and IMDb Locations for verified credits.
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