Leeds Castle “the loveliest castle in the world”
Leeds Castle
Visitors never forget their first breath-taking vision of Leeds Castle in Kent, rising majestically from the moat as it has done for over 900 years. There are many attractions suited to families, including 500 acres of beautiful parkland and formal gardens, daily events, the Maze and Grotto, falconry demonstrations, shops, restaurant and cafés, punting on the moat and the world famous Dog Collar Collection.
Discover how Henry V led the English army to its greatest victory at the Battle of Agincourt. Sense the sights and sounds of the battlefield with thousands of arrows flying overhead in the seasonal attraction ‘The Dark Sky’ (open until late October).
Leeds Castle has been a Norman stronghold; the private property of six of England’s medieval queens; a palace used by Henry VIII and his first wife Catherine of Aragon; a Jacobean country house; a Georgian mansion; an elegant early 20th century retreat for the influential and famous; and in the 21st century, it has become one of the most visited historic buildings in Britain.
Discover the fascinating history of the Hon. Olive, Lady Baillie, the last private owner of the castle; a wealthy Anglo-American heiress who acquired Leeds Castle in 1926 when it was sold to pay death duties.
Today, the influence of Lady Baillie continues to bring the state rooms to life while visitors can see the effect of Medieval and Tudor periods in many of the other Castle rooms.
Keeping a 900 year old Castle as a ‘living house’, open every day of the year is an ongoing task for the Leeds Castle Charitable Foundation. A major £1.8 million stonework restoration project has recently been completed, funded entirely by the half a million visitors we welcome every year.
Annual tickets to Leeds Castle cost £24.50 for adults; £21.50 for seniors and visitors with disabilities (carer goes free); £16.50 for children (under 4’s free). Annual tickets are valid for 12 months so you can pay once and visit all year round. Pre-book online before you visit and save 10%.
Leeds Castle is located near Maidstone in Kent just off Junction 8 of the M20 within easy reach of London. Grounds open at 10am daily and the Castle is open from 10.30am. Last admission is 4.30pm and gates close at 6pm from April to September, while last admission is 3.30pm and gates close at 5pm from October to March.
Visitor information
Directions
Leeds Castle is located just off Junction 8 of the M20, midway between London and the Channel Ports, with excellent links to the UK motorway network.
Location
Events at Leeds Castle “the loveliest castle in the world”
Christmas Market at Leeds Castle
25 Nov - 17 Dec 2017