Today’s outing is a tour of Hever Castle, which used to be the country estate of the Boleyn family.

Originally built as a country house in the 13th century, it was converted into a manor in 1462 by Geoffrey Boleyn, the Lord Mayor of London. There is a square yew-tree maze, which was added in 1904. Nearby, there is a group of bushes shaped as chess pieces and also an Anne Boleyn garden. A small water labyrinth was opened in 1987. The extensive and varied gardens include, among other things, an Italian garden, a rose garden and a large lake. Besides the gardens, Hever Castle offers knights’ tournaments that are true to the original.

After activities and workshops and instead of the usual dinner in the dining room, the students are invited to a BBQ. Behind the assembly hall, at the beginning of the rose garden, seating is arranged and the area is decorated. Salads, garlic bread, kebabs and sausages – there is something for everyone. After the BBQ-picnic, the lawn turns into a playground and gymnastics area. Students and teachers tumble around as if in a training camp for circus performers. Athletes, slackliners and dancers show us what they can do until the sun goes down. After that: “It’s time to go to bed!”