CELEBRATION AT HEVER CASTLE

Seven of us who shared a flat when we trained as nurses in the Sixties turned 70 this year. To celebrate together we spent two nights, with our husbands, at the Astor Wing at Hever Castle in

Kent – something I was reminded of when reading Sophie Campbell’s excellent story (“Be king (or queen) of the castle”, May 19).

An Edwardian extension to the Hever, the magnificent Astor Wing, originally built as staff quarters, provided luxury accommodation – wonderful rooms and a most delicious breakfast in our own panelled dining room. We could go around the castle at quiet times and explore the magnificent grounds when visitors left.

The pub at the gate was chosen for our first evening and a superb bistro nearby for the second.

Hever Castle itself is well worth a visit. The childhood home of Anne Boleyn and more recently of the Astor family, it provides such an easy way to learn about history. The sun shone, the champagne flowed, conversation was lively and birthdays were celebrated in quite some style.

GLEN COUPER WINS A £250 RAILBOOKERS HOLIDAY VOUCHER

children especially, encouraged by the previous adult “kissers”, the experience was “exciting”, “brave” and “scary”. Wildly enthusiastic, and endowed with an enhanced “gift of the gab”, the children related their experience to the enthralled owner of a fish and chip café in Kinsale that evening.

Their tale was rewarded with a great fish supper – oh, and an ice cream to follow – free of charge for all. Who says there are no fairies in Ireland!

JOHANNA BLAZE

is the best one. The 99 steps up the spiral staircase are fun, though it does feel like a mixture of Kidnapped and Rapunzel when you reach the top.

The furniture is in keeping, with a half tester bed. Breakfast is served in a

lovely old room and you used to be able to have whisky with your porridge. The Black Mountains are beautiful and the ruined abbey is awe-inspiring when nobody else is around. A full moon helps, too.

GILL YARDLEY