Leeds Castle – © Adusha
Leeds Castle is located in Kent and is one of the most scenic castles in the UK. The Castle has a long history that stretches back 1000 years and offers visitors a range of attractions to explore. The Castle is filled with history and heritage, visitors can see the fine collections of art works, furnishings, antiques and tapestries and enjoy a range of other attractions that include a Dog Collar Museum, formal gardens, woodland walk and yew maze and the Aviary. The Castle hosts a number of events and activities during the year such as the famous fireworks displays and festive fairs and offers golfing facilities. The scenic setting and the range of attractions on offer help to make the Castle a popular tourist attraction.
History
Leeds Castle in Kent is a popular attraction for visitors and has been known as `the loveliest castle in the world´ with its superb setting and scenic countryside environment. The Castle is built on two islands on a lake providing a spectacular backdrop and great photo opportunities for visitors. The Castle offers a range of attractions offering an enjoyable day out for the whole family.
The Castle became Royal owned in 1278 and during the next 150 years it was used by six mediaeval queens that included Eleanor of Castile, Isabella of France, Joan of Navarre, and Catherine de Valois among others. King Henry VIII used to visit the Castle and it was his son King Edward VI that granted the castle to a courtier for his services that began the period when the Castle ceased to be in Royal hands.
During the years the Castle has been used for a number of uses such as being used as a prison, a garrison and a convalescent home. It has also been the family home of a number of families that include the Culpeper and Fairfax families. The Leeds Castle Foundation was created in 1974 and is a private charitable trust that works to preserve the Castle and grounds.
Leeds Castle is built on two islands in a lake. It was originally built as a royal manor in AD 857, but from 1278 onwards was used as a royal palace by King Edward I. Over the centuries, the castle has been home to six Medieval Queens of England. It was also home to Henry VIII and is full of many fine arts, furnishings and tapestries from its illustrious past.
The castle was sold to Lady Baillie in 1926 who transformed the interior, filling it with fine furniture, tapestries and paintings. The castle is also famous for its Aviary, which is home to many birds including black swans and was built as a memorial to Lady Baillie, opening in 1988. The castle’s grounds are also spectacular and include the Maze, Wood Garden, Vineyard and Culpeper Garden.
Over the years the Castle has been subject to various changes and alterations during its long history. The Castle has Norman foundations, the gatehouse is mediaeval, a Tudor Tower and a Country House from the 19th century. All of these various elements of the Castle have been updated and refurbished over the years too.
The last private owner of the castle was Lady Baillie who bought the castle back in 1926 and started a programme of complete renovation and refurbishment to create an impressive country residence, she used the services of leading architects and designers to help create the castle as it stands today. Lady Baillie was a keen collector of art works and antiques and these were used in the castle. She also hosted house parties inviting a number of the rich, powerful and famous including princes and film stars.
Attractions
The Park & Gardens that are part of the site are attractions in themselves. The Grounds and Wood Garden consists of parkland that contains a number of farms, woodland, gardens and a golf course. During the spring the Wood Garden situated along the River Len provides visitors with a wonderful scenic route towards the castle. The garden consists of Daffodils and Anemones among others that offer vibrant and vivid colours.
The Duckery contains a number of rare and endangered species, a number of wild birds are also found here. Visitors may spot black swans at the Duckery, Lady Baillie became the first person to import the black swans to the UK from Australia. Visitors can see and help feed the ducks at 16.00 each day.
The Culpeper Garden has an informal layout and is a very English garden consisting of a range of roses, poppies and lupins, the flowers provide a great burst of colour when the garden is in bloom. The garden is named after the Culpeper family which previously owned the castle back in the 17th century.
The Lady Baillie Garden was formally opened in 1999 and is designed by landscape architect, Christopher Carter, the garden is designed on the original site of Lady Baillie’s Aviary. The garden displays a distinctly Mediterranean style and has proved to be a popular attraction among visitors since it opened. The garden also offers visitors great views and provides a relaxing and tranquil environment.
The Aviary contains a number of exotic birds and species, there are currently over 100 species of birds from all over the world. Lady Baillie had kept exotic birds during her lifetime including Australian finches and parakeets. The Aviary has an important breeding and conservation roles with the loss of natural habitats of the birds threatening their survival in the wild. The Aviary has been credited with a number of breeding successes and breeding firsts. Visitors can learn more about the birds from the keepers at the Aviary Talks that take place daily at midday.
The Maze is a place where visitors can lose themselves in the spiralling yew maze. Visitors can return back from the maze through the underworld grotto, which consists of a range of mythical beasts that are made from wood, minerals and shells. The maze was originally planted back in 1988 using with 2,400 yew trees. When the maze is viewed from the centre, a portion of its plan mirrors a queen’s crown.
The Turf Maze was established in 2002 and is designed for young children in mind and offers circles of turf that ultimately lead to a wooden castle at the centre of the maze. The maze presents young children with an interesting and exciting experience of following the circles trail. The circles are similar to those found in the castle’s Heraldry Room.
The Dog Collar Museum contains an historic collection of dog collars that has built up over the years, it is unique as it is the only one of its type in the UK. The collection consists of over 100 dog collars that cover a time period in excess of 500 years and are from a variety of dogs from the most fearsome to the most docile.
The Pay & Play Golf Course is open to the public and features a scenic nine hole golf course. The course is originally built on the 500 acre Leeds Castle Estate back in 1924 Lady Baillie. In recent years the course has been redesigned and improved, the course is a must for all golfing aficionados and offers a great, exciting challenge to any golfing enthusiast in wonderful surroundings.
There are a range of facilities to keep children amused at the castle, these include the Knights’ Realm, a large adventure playground built entirely in wood. Children here can play around, enjoying themselves, there is a model of the castle along with the chance to climb the Maiden’s Tower and scale the Revetment Wall. There is an aerial runway and they can cross the bridges and explore the Secret Tunnels. The Toddlers’ Play Area is designed for younger children under the age of 5, the Turf Maze where children can follow the circles of turf that will lead them to the centre and its wooden castle is located here.
How to Get There
The Castle is accessible by both car and public transport.
By Car:
The Castle is located approx 7 miles from the town of Maidstone in Kent. Take the M20 motorway and exit at junction 8, from the junction the Castle is clearly signposted, follow the signs to get to the castle. The approx journey time from London is 60 to 70 minutes.
Parking at Leeds Castle is available free of charge on the site.
By Bus/Coach:
The Nu venture no.13 bus from Maidstone to Hollingbourne also takes visitors from Maidstone to the Castle.
National Express offers regular services to the Castle from London Victoria Coach station. The coach starts in the morning and arrives at the castle in the late morning allowing several hours to explore the castle and its attractions before departing at approx 15.00. The journey time is approx 90 minutes each way.
There are a number of Coach operators that offer coach tours of the Castle from London.
By Train:
The closest train station to the Castle is at Bearsted station, train services to Bearstead station are available from London Victoria station and the journey time is approx one hour.
There are shuttle buses available from Bearsted station that takes visitors to and from the Castle.
Contact Details
Leeds Castle
Maidstone
Kent
ME17 1PL
Telephone: +44 (0)1622 765400
Fax: +44 (0)1622 735616
email: enquiries@leeds-castle.co.uk
Website: Leeds Castle
Facilities & Information
Opening Times:
For the Castle:
From April to September:
Mon to Sun: 10.00 to 16.30 (Gate closes at 18:00)
From October to March:
Mon to Sun: 10:00 to 15:00 (last admission at 17:00)
Further Information:
Admission Prices:
Adult: £15.00 approx, Children: £9.50 approx, Concessions: £12.50 approx.
There are Audio Tours available for visitors wishing to know more about the history of the Castle and discover more about the antiques, furnishings and other treasures. The Audio tours can provide a useful guide as you explore the rooms.
Facilities:
Facilities include Toilets, shops for souvenirs and restaurant during the winter months.
Map
View Larger Map
For Local Search and Directions see: Leeds Castle Map
Tips & Other Considerations
There may be some variations on the opening hours depending on the time of year and the attraction you wish to see i.e. the castle, events and activities. It is wise to double check before going to ensure the attraction you wish to see is open and avoid disappointment.
Always remain alert, vigilant and aware of your belongings at all times when travelling. Make sure your wallet/purse and valuables are hidden away from public view. If you have a bag try to use a shoulder bag with a good quality, strong strap, that is put across your shoulder not on your shoulder making it more difficult for anyone to take your bag.
If you are travelling by car to Leeds Castle ensure you are well prepared with maps and Sat Nav to aid your journey, particularly if you are not familiar with the local area and roads. Before travelling check the traffic & road updates and information.
If you are looking for car parking close to the Castle, ensure you fully understand the rules, regulations & charges for car parks and street parking. The rules & regulations can be complex & confusing if you are unclear, it is wise dot to park there. Parking rules & regulations are strictly enforced.
If you are travelling by public transport, check for service updates prior to beginning your journey for any delays, disruption or cancellations to services that may impact on your journey. Ensure you have the service timetables for the trains, buses and coaches. Remember when the last services are and ensure you make it to the train/bus/coach stops well in time to avoid missing the service.
Disclaimer: The information given in on this website is given in good faith and to the best of our knowledge. If there are any discrepancies in no way do we intend to mislead. Important travel details and arrangements should be confirmed and verified with the relevant authorities.
