hevercastle.co.uk We hope to see you soon... Step into our Garden
Transcription
hevercastle.co.uk We hope to see you soon... Step into our Garden
hevercastle.co.uk Step into our Garden... We hope to see you soon... For more information visit our website hevercastle.co.uk or call +44 (0)1732 861701 or email [email protected] Hever, Near Edenbridge, Kent TN8 7NG Fax: +44 (0)1732 866796 © 2014 Hever Castle Ltd. Designed by Jo Mew Creative - jomewcreative.com GROUP & TRAVEL TRADE INFORMATION 2014 The childhood home of Anne Boleyn hevercastle.co.uk “Romantic Hever Castle is one of my favourite British landmarks.” Dame Judi Dench “Hever Castle now has one of the best collections of Tudor portraits after the National Portrait Gallery.” Monty Don officially opened our Japanese Tea House Folly in June 2013. David Starkey Welcome to 2014 Hever Castle and Gardens information guide for the travel trade and group organisers A NEW permanent exhibition looking at the life of Anne Boleyn and the connection to her childhood home, Hever Castle will be opened during 2014. The exhibition in the Castle’s Long Gallery brings 16th century Hever Castle vividly to life with costumed figures illustrating three key events in Anne’s life at the Castle. Attractions Groups can enjoy a unique and memorable experience exploring 700 years of history at this unique double-moated 13th century Castle and fascinating Tudor House which was once the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, the ill-fated second wife of Henry VIII and mother of Elizabeth I. All the essential information needed to arrange a visit to beautiful Hever Castle and Gardens can be found in the following pages. The Castle 04 The Gardens 07 Admission rates 10 Opening times 10 How to book and pay 11 Special packages 12 Conference, banqueting and B&B 13 Events calendar 14 Guided tours 16 Audio tours 17 Disabled visitor information 17 Food and drink 18 Other facilities 18 How to get to Hever Castle 19 We look forward to welcoming your group in 2014. More than just a castle... Award Winning Gardens • Events • Mazes • Miniature Model Houses • Open Air Theatre • Boating Lake • Shops • Adventure Playground • Portraits • Restaurants Call: +44 (0)1732 861701 Fax: +44 (0)1732 866796 Email: [email protected] Travel Trade & Group Organisers Information 2014 hevercastle.co.uk ATTRACTIONS THE CASTLE The oldest part of Hever Castle was built around 1270 and consisted of a massive gatehouse and enclosure, surrounded by a moat and approached by a wooden drawbridge In the 15th century the Bullen family added the Tudor house inside the protective wall, and it was this home that Thomas Bullen, father of Anne Boleyn, inherited in 1505. Thomas and his wife Elizabeth had three children. Their younger daughter, Anne, became the ill-fated second wife of Henry VIII and was beheaded by the sword in 1536. When Thomas Bullen died in 1538, Henry acquired the Castle from his deceased wife’s family and in 1540 he gave it to Anne of Cleves as part of his divorce settlement. Call: +44 (0)1732 861701 Fax: +44 (0)1732 866796 Email: [email protected] Hever Castle then passed through the hands of several families until it was bought in 1903 by the wealthy American, William Waldorf Astor, who restored the Castle and created the Italian Gardens. In 1983 the Astor family sold Hever Castle and its estate to Broadland Properties, a Yorkshire-based company owned by the Guthrie family. The gatehouse and curtain walls were constructed in 1270, with a Tudor manor house being added within the castle walls by the Boleyn family. Travel Trade & Group Organisers Information 2014 With a double moat and drawbridge, the 13th century castle has splendid panelled rooms containing fine furniture, tapestries, an important collection of Tudor portraits and a new exhibition about Anne Boleyn’s childhood. STEP INTO THE AWARDWINNING GARDENS ALL YEAR ROUND…. The beautiful gardens, which are a perfect example of Edwardian design, were laid out between 1904 and 1908 by Joseph Cheal & Son The existing marshland was turned into a spectacular mixture of classical and natural landscapes which include the Italian Gardens, topiary, the yew maze, the rose and Tudor Gardens, a 38-acre lake, cascades, grottoes and fountains. June 2013 saw Monty Don officially open our Japanese Tea House Folly, built on the edge of the lake on the peninsula of Sixteen Acre Island. Items of interest in the Castle: Silver-plated clock, a replica of Henry VIII’s wedding gift to Anne Boleyn Henry VIII’s elaborate locks on the Dining Hall doors SPRING Enormous Postillions’ Boots in the Entrance Hall Locally produced Tunbridge Ware depicting Hever Castle in the Library Anne Boleyn’s prayer books and headpiece in the Book of Hours Room The Oratory Chapel Panel detail over the fireplace in Henry VIII’s bedroom commemorating Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn and Anne of Cleves Spectacular swathes of spring bulbs and colourful border plants make spring a wonderful time to view the gardens at Hever. The story of the Tudors and particularly the reign of Henry VIII can be viewed through the comprehensive collection of portraits which Hever Castle has acquired over recent years. Call: +44 (0)1732 861701 Fax: +44 (0)1732 866796 Email: [email protected] Travel Trade & Group Organisers Information 2014 hevercastle.co.uk ATTRACTIONS hevercastle.co.uk SUMMER WINTER In June a diverse selection of aromatic roses can be found in the gardens, includes over 4,000 bush and climbing varieties planted in the quintessentially English rose garden. During the later summer months hot-coloured Mediterranean plants burst into life on the Pompeiian Wall, and hundreds of perennials in the Gertrude Jekyll style long border are at their best. The gardens at Hever are ever changing. As the colder months approach winter flowering shrubs begin to bloom, and the malus and quince-like medlar fruits stand out against the beautiful stone walls of the Italian Gardens. The dark green yew topiary becomes especially striking against the winter sun when tinged with dew or a light dusting of frost. AUTUMN The lake walk Visitors are able to take an hour long nature walk around the lake and view the waterfall and weir at the bottom of the lake. Walkers are encouraged to look out for a variety of waterfowl and birds on the way, and see the three World War II pill boxes built to defend a key crossing point on the river Eden. The mazes* The Water Maze, the Tower Maze and the 100-year old Yew Maze offer a challenge to visitors of all ages. Please check for open dates and times at hevercastle.co.uk or telephone +44 (0)1732 861701. As summer progresses and begins to fade, more than 400 dahlias create a dazzling display of colour at Two Sisters’ Lawn. Striking autumn colour can be found on the Castle walls, through the Italian Gardens and round the lake. * Open April-October, weather permitting Call: +44 (0)1732 861701 Fax: +44 (0)1732 866796 Email: [email protected] Travel Trade & Group Organisers Information 2014 Boating on the lake Boats are available for hire from the Edwardian boathouse. Please check for open dates and times at hevercastle.co.uk or telephone +44 (0)1732 861701. Miniature Model Houses The exhibition of Miniature Model Houses adjacent to the Hever Shop takes visitors through the history of English country houses from Tudor to Victorian times. Shopping Browse and be inspired in the Hever Shops offering a wide selection of exclusive and bespoke gifts, books, gardening products and plants. OPENING TIMES HOW TO BOOK Group rates (for groups of 15 or more persons). The total must be paid in one amount. Group rates can be applied only if the group arrives in the grounds together. Gardens open 10.30am Castle opens 12 noon To save time on arrival it is recommended that groups pre-book their visits with the Group Visits Coordinator. 15 February - 24 December EARLY SPRING SEASON 15th February - 24th December 2014 15th - 23rd February: Daily Telephone +44 (0)1732 861701 Senior £11.25£9.75 26th February - 30th March: Wed - Sun Last admission 4pm Final exit 5pm Email [email protected] Student (16-19) £9.90 £8.50 MAIN SEASON Child (5-15) £6.90 £6.60 31st March - 24th October: Daily Last admission 4.30pm Final exit 6pm Castle and Gardens Adult Gardens Only £12.25£10.25 Individual rates (for groups of less than 15 persons) Castle and Gardens Adult Gardens Only £15.50£13.00 Senior £13.25£11.25 Child (5-15) £8.70 £8.20 Family £39.70£34.20 (2 adults/2 children or 1 adult/3 children) All prices include VAT. HOW TO PAY AND COLLECT YOUR TICKETS 25th October - 2nd November: Daily Last admission 4pm Final exit 5pm WINTER SEASON 5th November - 28th November: Wed - Sun Last admission 3pm Final exit 4pm 29th November - 1st January: See website for opening times Information accurate at the time of printing. Hever Castle reserves the right to close all or part of the castle and grounds and to change or cancel events. In the event of adverse weather please check before travelling hevercastle.co.uk or telephone information line +44 (0)1732 865224 for updates. Call: +44 (0)1732 861701 Fax: +44 (0)1732 866796 Email: [email protected] Fax +44 (0)1732 866796 Post Hever Castle Near Edenbridge Kent TN8 7NG Office hours Monday - Friday: 9.00am - 5.30pm TIMING YOUR VISIT The following are suggested times for a visit: On arrival at the coach park, the group will be met by a member of the Hever Castle staff who will direct the organiser to the ticket office at the main gate to confirm numbers and collect tickets on behalf of the group. Payment should be made in one amount on the day of the visit. We accept all major credit cards (not Amex or Diners) Cheques (payable to Hever Castle Limited) Cash (euros not accepted) Vouchers are accepted and invoicing can be arranged if required - please request at the time of booking. Each visitor will be issued with an individual ticket at the appropriate rate on the day of the visit. Castle 1 hr Gardens & Grounds 1½ hrs Miniature Model Houses Exhibition ½ hr Shopping & Eating 1 hr Rowing and/or a walk around the lake 1-2 hrs Travel Trade & Group Organisers Information 2014 hevercastle.co.uk ADMISSION RATES In the Footsteps of the Tudors Hever Castle & Gardens and Penshurst Place & Gardens. Visit two historic estates in Kent brought together by the Tudors. £20.50 (min. of 15 persons) Only a half day’s horse ride from London, Hever Castle was the childhood home of Henry VIII’s second wife Anne Boleyn. Following Anne’s execution and the disgrace of the Boleyn family, Hever passed to Henry VIII’s fourth wife, Anne of Cleves - as did Penshurst Place, which had become the property of Henry VIII following the execution of its previous owner. Learn more of the history of these two estates and their royal connections with this special joint offer. First, a house tour of Penshurst Place to discover the Place’s rich medieval and Tudor history. Find out why the Sidney family, who still own it to this day, were gifted the property in 1552 by Henry VIII’s son, Edward VI. Then do take time to wander the unique historic Baroque gardens with records dating back to the 14th century. You will then travel just a few miles west to romantic Hever Castle, the childhood home of Anne Boleyn to which she returned CONFERENCE & BANQUETING Penshurst Place repeatedly during her long courtship with Henry VIII. Here you’ll enjoy a leisurely free flow visit through the intimate castle and magnificent grounds. Take in one of the best collections of Tudor portraits outside London and then marvel at the quintessential English gardens. For just £20.50 this offer includes entrance to Penshurst Place & Gardens with a House or Garden tour, followed by freeflow entrance to Hever Castle and Grounds. Valid for 2014. Only 20 minutes off the A21, via M25 Junction 5, M20 Junction 2A and the A264, this special joint ticket offer is available just for groups. Both Hever and Penshurst Place offer catering facilities. To book this offer or find out more, please contact, Head of Visitor Services at Penshurst Place & Gardens on +44 (0)1892 870307, email [email protected] or visit penshurstplace.com. Please note: House Tours of Penshurst Place need to take place before the house opens to the public at 12 noon and take approximately 45 minutes. Call: +44 (0)1732 861701 Fax: +44 (0)1732 866796 Email: [email protected] GROUP ACCOMMODATION Group accommodation in The Astor Wing of Hever Castle. For further information please contact the events office on +44 (0)1732 861 800 or email [email protected] Hever Castle offers a choice of venues which can be booked on an ‘exclusive use’ basis for corporate and private celebrations. Whether your event is for 10 or 200, our Conference & Banqueting Team will provide the perfect solution to meet your requirements. Both the historic Castle Dining Hall and Inner Hall are available to hire when the Castle is closed to the public. The adjoining Astor Wing has a superb range of meeting and dining rooms, and 18 luxurious bedrooms with en-suite facilities. All are individually designed and furnished to a high standard combining contemporary and period style. Situated in the award winning gardens overlooking the 38-acre lake, the Guthrie Pavilion, offers a light and airy venue for corporate bookings and private celebrations. There are a number of packages that can be tailored to suit each client’s requirements including a range of exciting team building activities that can be organised on the Hever Castle estate. The award winning 27-hole Hever Castle Golf Club is also available for use by all guests. For further information please visit hevercastle.co.uk or telephone the Conference & Banqueting Team on +44 (0)1732 861800. Travel Trade & Group Organisers Information 2014 hevercastle.co.uk SPECIAL PACKAGES FOR GROUPS hevercastle.co.uk EVENTS CALENDAR 2014 Visit hevercastle.co.uk for latest event details The Snowdrop Trail at Half Term February 15th - 28th (weather dependent) Follow a trail of thousands of delicate snowdrops starting to emerge from their winter hibernation the first sign that spring is just around the corner. FA NEW Living with Birds February ½ Term 15th - 23rd Come and learn about birds and nesting as we give birds a home during National Nest Box Week. Various activities including bird box building*, bird spotting trail around the grounds and a bird craft workshop. FA NEW Mother’s Day March 30th Spoil Mum on Mother’s Day with a memorable family day out. Craft workshop and cupcake decorating* for young visitors to make that special gift to take home. Celebration menu in the restaurant. FA Easter April 5th - 21st Family entertainment throughout the Easter holidays with a host of activities including an Easter hunt, craft workshop and Easter bonnet competition. Spring bulbs and blossom burst into life in the gardens, plus seasonal home cooked food and hot cross buns in the restaurant. Event supported by Lindt chocolate. Long Bow Archery Display April 12th - 13th Bow archery displays from The Fraternity of St George with techniques dating back to medieval times. There will be practice displays, traditional morning musters and speed shooting at marks around the Hever Estate. May Day Festival FA NEW May 3rd - 5th Traditional celebrations to welcome in the spring. Join the Lord and Lady of the May as they dance around the Maypole, meet the mythical Green Man from folklore, and follow Jack-in-the-Green in a customary May Day procession through the grounds as he wakes up the gardens. FA NEW Edwardian Life May ½ Term 24th - June 1st Experience life in a grand country residence in the early 20th century with fun for all the family. Meet characters from the Edwardian era with activities for children and traditional games to enjoy. Come along in Edwardian costume, there is a prize for the best dressed. FA NEW Hever’s Home Front June 21st - 22nd Step back to the 1940’s as re-enactors show what it would have been like to live and work in the country during the Second World War. Workshops & activities show children what it would have been like as a child at the time. Visit the tea dance tent, where traditional afternoon tea will be served alongside swing dance displays, and classes for all ages. Enjoy displays of period model aircraft, including a grounded life-size spitfire. Peruse the vintage stalls & get your hair done 1940’s style! So why not come along in 1940’s style dress and really enter the spirit of the era. Hever in Bloom June 23rd - 29th A celebration of our quintessential English gardens bursting with one of the finest displays of roses and summer blooms in the Garden of England. The rooms of the castle will have an abundance of flowers and floral displays with tours of the gardens for visitors wishing to learn more about the history of our award winning gardens. Hever Bastion - Castle Triathlon Iron man distance Sunday July 13th The ultimate triathlon challenge and what could well become known as the toughest long course in the UK. See website for further details castletriathlonseries.co.uk *Please note that some activities are chargeable. For further details on all the Events at Hever Castle please check the website. Event information is accurate at the time of printing. Please check details before travelling. Hever Castle reserves the right to close all or part of the Castle and grounds and to change or cancel events. In the event of adverse weather, please check for the latest update on +44 (0)1732 865224 or go to hevercastle.co.uk. Call: +44 (0)1732 861701 Fax: +44 (0)1732 866796 Email: [email protected] Summer Jousting Tournament July 19th & 20th, 26th & 27th, August 9th & 10th, 16th & 17th, 23rd, 24th & 25th, 30th & 31st The summer season of jousting tournaments begins. The brave Knights of Royal England return to battle it out at the annual Jousting Tournament. Witness spectacular displays of action, stunts, falls and fights in an authentic arena complete with Royal Box. FA NEW Medieval Weekend with Jousting July 26th - 27th Come along and try on a suit of armour, dress up as a knight or princess, then witness the spectacular jousting tournament where the real knights will entertain you. FA NEW Knights & Princess School - School Holiday Fun July 28th - September 3rd Learn what it was like to be a knight or a princess, children of all ages may take part in a series of hands-on activities and learn about what life was really like in medieval times. FA Paws at the Castle August 2nd - 3rd Following the success of our first Dog Show, this year we’re going bigger and better. This year it’s all about dogs with jobs and how our canine friends help us today. Displays and entertainment from all types of working dogs, including a water event in the lake and of course the fun dog show competitions with awards for the winning dogs. Tudor Living and Jousting August 23rd - 25th Tudor encampment, re-enactments, and stalls with more thrills and spills from our brave knights competing in this year’s Jousting Tournament over the Bank Holiday. The Annual Hever Triathlon September 27th - 28th Open to all; See website for further details castletriathlonseries.co.uk Country Life at the Castle September 12th, 13th & 14th Celebrate the very best of rural living in the heart of the glorious Kent countryside. Demonstrations from skilled craftspeople, Patchwork and Quilting Exhibition, including children’s Sit and Sew and Adult Beginner’s workshops. Local craft and food stalls and art and photography displays. FA Halloween October ½ Term 25th - November 2nd Treat the children to a spine-tingling programme of entertainment this Half Term with prizes for the best Halloween costume. Halloween themed craft workshops, activities and a spooky trail to follow in the grounds. Bring a torch and nerves of steel. FA Christmas November 29th - December 24th Capture the spirit of Christmas with a day that casts a magic spell on all the family. Decorated Castle rooms, welcoming log fires and twinkling Christmas trees. Father Christmas will be visiting again, relaxed Christmas shopping in the gift shops and delicious festive food in the restaurants. As dusk falls, the gardens are magically lit creating stunning illuminated displays. Dates for the Diary: Aston Martin Car Club - June 29th A display of modern and classic Aston Martins. Veteran Car’s - July 23rd Lovingly restored veteran and vintage cars for visitors to view up close. Festival Theatre* - located on Two Sisters’ Lawn The 2014 Summer Season runs from late May until the end of August, and is packed with shows for all the family and to suit all tastes. Anne Boleyn by Howard Brenton George’s Marvellous Medicine by Roald Dahl The Pirates of Penzance by Gilbert and Sullivan Alice in Wonderland The Masters of the House Sing the Musicals Last Night of the Hever Proms For full details and to book tickets visit heverfestival.co.uk or call +44 (0)1732 866114. For accessibility information please visit our website hevercastle.co.uk Travel Trade & Group Organisers Information 2014 FA FAMILY ACTIVITY Private Castle tours Private guided tours of the Castle need to be pre-booked and commence between 10am and 10.30am. A tour lasts approximately 1 hr and can be given in English, French, German, Dutch, Spanish or Italian. Tours are not available on special event weekends and Bank Holidays. Adults/Seniors £18.60 Student (16-19) £14.00 Child (5-15) £9.90 These prices are per person and are based on groups of 20 or more. Entry to the Gardens is included, but a return visit to the Castle is not permitted. In the event of the tour being cancelled on the day or late arrival preventing the tour from taking place, a charge for the guides booked will be made. DISABILITY ACCESS Garden tours The beautiful Gardens for all seasons at Hever Castle were laid out between 1904 and 1908 by Joseph Cheal & Son. The magnificent Italian Gardens were designed to display William Waldorf Astor’s collection of classical Italian statuary, and form a backdrop for spectacular displays of interest and colour all year round. Garden Tours with members of the Hever Castle Gardening Team are available during weekdays or at weekends for smaller groups by special arrangement. Tours last approximately one hour. Standard tour with the Gardeners £15.00 (min. 15 persons) Standard tour including Castle £17.00 (min. 15 persons) In the event of the tour being cancelled on the day or late arrival preventing the tour from taking place, a charge for the gardeners booked will be made. Audio tours Audio guides bringing 700 years of Hever Castle to life are available in English, French, German and Dutch. Other languages may become available during the season. A Children’s audio guide is also available. Special rate for group entry to Castle and Gardens incl. audio guide Adult £15.50 Seniors £14.50 Student (16-19) £13.15 Child (5-15) £10.15 Audio tours only Individual £3.75 Group £3.25 Visitors are guided through the rooms as the narrator, with the aid of characters, music and sound effects, provides a lively insight into how life might have been during Tudor Times when Henry VIII came courting Anne Boleyn at her family home. Discover more about the fine collection of portraits, paintings, tapestries and artefacts and learn how William Waldorf Astor, the American millionaire, restored the Castle to how it is today. We welcome visitors with disabilities and offer discounted rates for groups who have a special need. Minibuses and small coaches can be offered accessible parking by prior arrangement. We have a limited number of manual wheelchairs for loan on a refundable deposit basis, subject to availability. These can be reserved in advance so please enquire when booking. The Castle is an ancient building with narrow spiral stone stairs making wheelchair access limited to the ground floor. The steps into the Castle forecourt are not possible to ramp and electric wheelchairs are not permitted in the Castle. Light levels are low in some areas to protect the collection. The main pathways in the Gardens are paved or tarmac with main steps ramped. The exhibition of Miniature Model Houses, the restaurants and shops as well as the Water Maze and Tower Maze, are accessible to wheelchair users. Disabled toilets are located near the Main Entrance, the Guthrie Pavilion Restaurant and inside the Moat Restaurant. Guidebooks A 84-page souvenir guidebook is available from the Main Gate, Information Centre, Shops and Castle (English only). Call: +44 (0)1732 861701 Fax: +44 (0)1732 866796 Email: [email protected] Travel Trade & Group Organisers Information 2014 hevercastle.co.uk GUIDED TOURS Kiosks† Offering locally sourced ice cream and cold drinks. Situated at the Water Maze, Loggia and Crossroads (opposite the information centre) Rail London/Victoria/London Bridge to Edenbridge Town (3 miles - taxis available) or Hever Station (1 mile rural walk - no taxis) Call 08457 484950 or visit nationalrail.co.uk Eurotunnel Ebbsfleet Terminal 45 minutes Road TN8 7NG Hever Castle is located 30 miles from central London, three miles SE of Edenbridge between Sevenoaks and East Grinstead. It can be reached via junction 10 of the M23, and is signposted from junctions 5 and 6 of the M25 and the Hildenborough (B245) exit from the A21. Coach drivers and tour guides/organisers are advised to check the route to Hever Castle as there are a number of low bridges in the surrounding area. If you are travelling in a double-decker coach please ring us for alternative directions. Parking in the large coach park opposite the Main Entrance is free. Coach drivers and tour leaders (maximum of one each per coach) will be offered a free entry voucher and one refreshment voucher for exchange at either self-service restaurants. Is situated next to the Hever Shop with comfortable modern seating inside and an extensive outside patio area with views of the orchard and castle. The Guthrie Pavilion Restaurant A1(M) M1 Other Facilities First Aid supplies can be found at the Information Centre, the Castle and both restaurants. There is a first aid room alongside the Hever Shop. A2 Crawley M26 A2 A25 Sevenoaks A264 49 M20 1 M25 Ramsgate M2 Maidstone 2 25 A M Tonbridge 1 A2 2 A2 East Tunbridge Grinstead Wells A23 Call: +44 (0)1732 861701 Fax: +44 (0)1732 866796 Email: [email protected] 0 Edenbridge A24 †Open during busy times and are weather dependent. 3 A2 Gatwick Airport 2 A1 A1 M4 M23 Sea Dover 90 minutes Channel Tunnel: Eurotunnel Folkestone Terminal 90 minutes Southend-on-Sea Sheerness Rochester Margate LONDON Heathrow Airport M3 Air Heathrow 60 minutes Gatwick 30 minutes A127 A2 Toilets are located near the Main Gate and inside both restaurants. The Lavender Loos can be found next to the Guthrie Pavilion. There are no toilets in the Coach Park or Hever Village. M40 M11 M25 6 The Moat Restaurant Is located at the far end of the award winning gardens overlooking the lake. It complements the Palladian feel of the Italian Gardens with its stylish furnishing and classic interior design. There is also extensive seating outside. HOW TO GET TO HEVER CASTLE A2 There are two restaurants in the castle grounds and gardens where a warm welcome awaits. Groups can pre-book morning coffee on arrival or following a guided tour, as well as afternoon tea. Set lunches offering a choice of freshly prepared meals can be arranged. Our head chef uses seasonal, locally sourced ingredients where possible. Both restaurants are licensed and open from 10.30am - 5.30pm during the main season. hevercastle.co.uk FOOD AND DRINK 20 Canterbury A2 Ashford Dover Hever Castle Folkestone A259 Travel Trade & Group Organisers Information 2014 Hastings A27