Leeds Castle

Considered ‘The Loveliest Castle in the World’, Leeds Castle is simply stunning. One of my most favourite places to go. I would never get tired of this stunning landscape.

There are so many reasons to love Leeds Castle in Kent. The Castle is set within 500 acres of the most beautiful and picturesque grounds. At the centre a picture perfect castle surrounded by a moat. It’s the perfect place to take children, there is so much there to inspire them and ignite their imaginations.

A nice added bonus is that you only pay to enter once, you can then return as many times as you like within the year. Basically an annual pass for the price of 1 days entry. There aren’t many places that offer that so it’s great value.

The Woodland Walk

Your journey starts with a woodland walk along paths that run alongside babbling brooks and waterfalls. There is an abundance of wildlife to spot along the route. Plenty of wildfowl, woodland birds and insects. We saw so many cute baby swans on our visit! Leeds Castle is famous for its black Swans.

The Castle

I think one of the most interesting facts about the Castle is that it was once the palace used by Henry VIII and his first wife Catherine of Aragon. I love the story of Henry VIII and his wives.

The Castle is steeped in history and as you walk around the grand rooms you can see how it has changed over the years with rooms from different eras. There are gorgeous antiques to view and paintings adorning the walls. The Castle is as pretty inside as it is outside!

There is plenty of information within the Castle with the option of an audio guide. They also have activity sheets for the kids, so its a great way to really include the children and keep them busy looking for things as you walk round. Its great fun for adults to get involved too!

Facilities

The facilities are really good, plenty of places to stop for food and drinks, snacks and ice cream. Toilets are clean and tidy. If you bring your own food there are plenty of gorgeous spots for a picnic.

The Maze & Grotto

There is a large maze to solve and if you are lucky enough to find the centre, it leads to an enchanting grotto underground. The air is cool down there, with mythical creatures made from shells and a water feature. It is very atmospheric, a fascinating place. It is quite dark and noisy down there so could be a little frightening for younger members!

Boat & Train Rides

Should you wish you can take in the view by boat, there is punting available on the moat, or a ferry ride across the lake for a small extra charge.

You can also ride Elsie their train to and from the car park if you wanted for a small extra fee. We often choose to walk through the gardens into the Castle but return on the train. Eden loves it.

Play Areas

There are two wooden play areas at Leeds Castle to keep the little people happy. Squire’s Court for younger kids up to the age of 6 and Knight’s Realm for slighter older kids 7-14 years. Both of them are well put together with exciting tunnels, turrets, slides and zip lines. Plenty to keep the kids busy. There is seating available in and around the play areas for the adults.

Falconry

There are free flying bird of prey presentations running daily, with Hawks, Vulture, Falcons and Owls. You can also see them in their aviaries.

Adventure Golf

Leeds Castle has now added an adventure golf course, which is great fun for kids, big and small.

The Grounds

There is so much to explore at Leeds Castle, the gardens are beautiful. You could spend many areas exploring all the outdoor space Leeds Castle has to offer. The Culpepper garden has the most pretty flowers and box hedges, a typical quaint English country garden.

Covid Restrictions 

To make your visit safe at Leeds Castle there are several Covid-19 restrictions in place. Booking must be made online before your visit, including a time slot to visit the castle. There are hand sanitising stations all round the grounds and castle and one way system is in operation in certain areas. Face masks must be worn in the castle and indoor areas.

The Castle, Playgrounds, Gardens, Adventure Golf, Maze, Bird of Prey Centre, Dog Collar Museum, Black Swan Ferry, Mobility Bus, Shops, Castle View Restaurant and Catering Kiosks are open.

Elsie the Castle Train will recommence on 21st June 2021. The Gatehouse Exhibition will be closed and Punting is not in operation until further notice.

Go Ape

In the car park area of Leeds Castle you will find Go Ape. A fun tree top adventure course, with courses for both children and adults to enjoy. You can read more about our visit to Go Ape Leeds Castle.

Leeds Castle Segway Tours

In the grounds of Leeds Castle you will find Segway Tours. You can explore the grounds via the exhilarating segways. They are open all year round and prices for a tour start at £23. You get a tutorial at the start of your journey showing you how to ride the Segways and once you are feeling comfortable you are guided through the grounds of Leeds Castle. You get to see stunning views of the castle from a completely different perspective. The Segways are quick and easy to learn and you would be surprised at how much fun they are. I would absolutely recommend giving it a try. You do not need Castle Entry to take a Segway Tour. You book in advance via their website.

Every time we visit Leeds Castle we find something new. I would absolutely recommend it and would have to say it’s in my top 5 family days out in the UK! Eden loves it as much as I do!

Most commonly asked questions:

• How long does it take to walk around Leeds Castle?
  • You can walk round the Castle itself in approximately 30 minutes but if you like to read the exhibitions it can take longer, approximately an hour to an hour and 30 minutes. Walking around the grounds can take several hours, especially if you are visiting the maze or playground areas, or maybe enjoying a round of adventure golf.
• Is Leeds Castle Dog friendly?
  • Visually and hearing impaired visitors can bring Assistance Dogs in to the Castle and grounds. No other dogs are permitted.
• Can you picnic at Leeds Castle?
  • There are plenty of beautiful spots outdoors to enjoy a picnic at Leeds Castle.
• Does Leeds Castle have a maze?
  • Leeds Castle has a large maze with 2,400 yew trees. It can be viewed from the centre and once you have reached the centre and seen the views you can exit via the grotto.
• Is Leeds Castle National Trust or English Heritage?
  • No, Leeds Castle isn’t affiliated with the National Trust or English Heritage, but if you pay once you can return for a year for free.
• How much is entry to Leeds Castle?
  • Visit Leeds Castle website for up to date entry prices. If you pay for a day you gain entry for the year.
• Can you get into Leeds Castle for free?
  • There is no entry to the castle or grounds without paid admission

For more information or to book tickets, visit Leeds Castle Website.

Thank you for reading ‘Leeds Castle – The Loveliest Castle in the World’.

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