Leeds Castle, Kent

Visitors never forget their first breathtaking vision of Leeds Castle in Kent, rising majestically from the moat as it has done for over 900 years. With 500 acres of beautiful parkland and formal gardens, daily events and year-round attractions, it’s not just the glorious history of Leeds Castle that will ensure you want to come back time and time again. Leeds Castle has been a Norman stronghold; the private property of six of England’s medieval queens; a palace used by Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon; a Jacobean country house; a Georgian mansion and an elegant early 20th-century retreat. All income from admission ticket donations goes toward the preservation of the Castle and its estate for the benefit of the public. The aim of the Charitable Foundation is 'the preservation of the Castle, its collections and interiors, and its estate for the benefit of the public.' To achieve this aim, there is an on-going schedule of maintenance and restoration of the magnificent Castle requiring expertise, care, and of course, money. All profits go towards this aim, the Charitable Foundation receiving no external funding to further this good work. Leeds Castle also offers Holiday Cottages, luxury Bed & Breakfast bedrooms, and the medieval Knight’s Glamping tents. In addition, twenty luxury bedrooms, ranging from battlement bedrooms to state-rooms, can be booked as part of a private event within the 12th century Castle. The estate is also home to the newly-restored Battel Hall, the 14th-century country-house is now available to book for countryside escapes, intimate weddings and celebrations on an exclusive hire basis. 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.