visit Leeds castle


A brief history

Once a Norman Stronghold in the 11th and 12th century, Leeds Castle went into royal ownership which lasted for nearly 300 years. In 1278 Eleanor of Castile bought Leeds Castle and it became part of the Queen of England's dower, dower being a settlement widowed queens received if they survived their husbands. Many alterations and improvements of this castle were made during this period.

King Henry VIII transformed Leeds Castle from a fortified stronghold to an impressive royal palace. In 1552 royal ownership came to an end and the castle was given to Anthony St. Leger for his services to Henry VIII.

And so Leeds Castle started to go into private ownership towards the end of the Tudor dynasty. Leeds Castle passed into the hands of many families. In 1821 Fiennes Wykeham Martin inherited the castle and commissioned architect William Baskett to carry out urgent repairs and restoration.

In the 1920's the Anglo-American heiress Lady Baillie aquired the castle and decided to recreate a large, medieval fortress as she had the funds and the imagination to carry out such modifications. Leeds Castle was to become one of the greatest country houses of England.

This magnificent building is now looked after by a charity called the Leeds Castle Foundation, whose job it is to preserve the castle for future generations after Lady Baillie died in 1974.



THINGS TO DO 


Much of the attraction of Leeds Castle, which is set on two islands, is its setting and grounds. In 1913 the historian Lord Conway described Leeds Castle as "The loveliest castle in the world".


LADY BAILLIE ROOMS

The Lady Baillie suite of rooms, which have undergone extensive restoration work, are open to the public again. Don't miss the blue master bedroom and art deco dressing room by the great designer Stephane Boudin. Lady Baillie's blue bedroom is considered to be one of the finest examples of Boudin's interior designs from the 1930s.   

THE GATEHOUSE EXHIBITION

This Exhibition will take you on a journey through more then 900 years of the Castle's history. This is for you if you are interested in the history of Leeds Castle. Artifacts from its Norman beginnings through Henry VIII's Tudor Palace are displayed throughout the Gatehouse.

THE DOG COLLAR MUSEUM

Interested in historic dog collars? There is a unique collection of rare and valuable collars on display in this museum. Some date back to the late 15th century, others were discovered in storage and many dog collars range from 16th century German iron collars through to 19th century silver collars and more.

The Dog Collar Museum was the idea of Gertrude Hunt, wife of historian John Hunt. In 1977 she donated an antique collection of dog collars to the Leeds Castle Foundation.

THE GARDENS

Don't miss three beautiful Gardens surrounding Leeds Castle. Depending on the season the gardens are home to the marvellous colours of Roses, Lupins, Daffodils, Azaleas and Rhododendrons amongst many others.

THE CULPEPER GARDEN

Named after the Culpeper family who owned Leeds Castle in the 17th century, it was initially the site of the Castle's kitchen garden. Lady Baillie had different ideas and turned it into a cut flower garen. In the 1980s the Culpeper Garden became a cottage garden by garden designer Russell Page.

PRINCESS ALEXANDRA GARDENS

These Gardens run alongside the River Len and are being redeveloped into six individual gardens which will create interest at every turn and surprise you with amazing bursts of colour throughout the year.

Find out more about the Princess Alexandra Gardens Redevelopment.

LADY BAILLIE MEDITERRANEAN GARDEN TERRACES

This was initially an aviary. Landscape architect Christopher Carter gave it a Mediterranean-style makeover and visitors can relax and enjoy fantastic views across the Great Water.




Fun Activities for all the Family

ADVENTURE GOLF

This is a 12-hole adventure golf course which follows a miniature Leeds Castle Theme. This new attraction is open to visitors all year around and is a lot of fun for all ages.

KNIGHTS' STRONGHOLD PLAYGROUND

Modelled on the design of Leeds Castle, this thrilling adventure playground has climbing walls, fireman's poles, giant cargo nets and zip wires. Seating areas are provided for exhausted parents to watch their children play in safe and fun surroundings.

THE MAZE AND GROTTO

A maze for the entire family which mirrors a queen's crown and consists of 2400 yew trees ! If you succeed your way through the maze an underground grotto lies at its centre complete with mythical carvings which will lead you back out.

FALCONRY DISPLAYS

Go to the Falconry Arena in its new location behind the Maze to watch the amazing free flying falconry displays. The show features a range of birds including Falcons, Hawks and Owls.

GETTING AROUND 

Elsie the Castle Train will take you from the main entrance up to the Castle. And the Black Swan Ferry will take you across the Great Water from the castle drive to the play areas and the maze. Or you can enjoy a leisurely punt on the moat in the shadow of Leeds Castle.

Don't miss one of the three spectacular circular walks around the Estate. Marker posts will lead you along to enjoy beautiful views of the Castle and grounds.



Location


Leeds Castle is in Kent, 5 miles southeast of Maidstone. The Castle is located off Junction 8 of the M20 Motorway, halfway between London and the Channel Ports.

Leeds Castle
Broomfield, Maidstone, ME17 1PL

Official Website: Leeds Castle