Leeds Castle

Leeds Castle showing heritage architecture and château or palace
Leeds Castle showing a river or creek, heritage architecture and heritage elements
Leeds Castle which includes château or palace, a bridge and a river or creek
Leeds Castle showing a castle and interior views
Leeds Castle


Visit this grand castle on an island in a lake to see rooms decorated in medieval style, picnic in serene grounds and enjoy entertainment for all the family.

Leeds Castle is one of Kent’s most famous historic gems. It is surrounded on all sides by a picturesque lake, wildlife and scenic nature. With its museums, mazes, gardens and playgrounds, the site offers entertainment to suit visitors of almost any age.

The castle dates back to 1119 and has passed through the hands of several historical British figures, including King Edward I and King Henry VIII. Tour rooms laid out with period furniture and decoration.

Amble around 500 acres (200 hectares) of well-kept grounds. Get lost in the twists and turns of a hedge maze, then walk through the underground grotto that lies beneath. Admire the mythical deities carved into the walls of the grotto.

See birds from five different continents at the Falconry Displays and allow a hawk to land on your arm during the daily shows. Visit the Dog Collar Museum, the only collection in Britain that’s wholly dedicated to dog collars.

Take the kids to the Turf Maze, which leads to a mini castle made of wood at its center. Let youngsters explore the Knights’ Realm and Toddler’s Playground, which has towers, walls and castles to climb on.

Bring a picnic to one of many scenic spots in the parkland that surrounds the castle, including the Wood Garden, Culpeper Garden and Lady Baillie Garden.

See some of the best views of the buildings and grounds as you take a tour along the moat on a punt. Tours have a fee and are available March through October.

Leeds Castle is located 5 miles (8 kilometers) southeast of Maidstone and is a one-hour drive from London.You can also take the train from nearby towns in Kent county to Bearsted Station and then catch a coach shuttle service to the castle for a small fee.

There is an admission fee for Leeds Castle but your ticket is valid for a whole year so you can come and go as many times as you like. Children get in free on rainy days. The castle is open year-round.

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Things to do near Leeds Castle

Enjoy a variety of activities near Leeds Castle, including golf, spa treatments, and swimming. For an adventurous day out, explore city trips and try your hand at adventure golf. Families can delight in the adventure playgrounds, offering fun for all ages amidst the stunning surroundings of this historic castle.

Shopping

While visiting Leeds Castle, enjoy local shopping at quaint boutiques and gift shops. If you're up for a drive, the Ashford Designer Outlet, 20.9km away, offers a variety of brands, while Nucleus Arts Rochester, 19.3km away, is perfect for unique art pieces. For a larger experience, Romford Market is 48.3km away, bustling with city vibes.

Recreation

Weald of Kent Golf Club offers a delightful golfing experience amidst picturesque landscapes, perfect for those seeking outdoor activities. For a tranquil retreat, White Horse Wood Country Park invites you to unwind in nature. Finally, indulge in rejuvenating treatments at Bridgewood Manor Day Spa, ensuring complete relaxation.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of Buckmore Park Karting, located 12.9km from Leeds Castle, where you can race against friends on an exciting track. For winter sports, head to Chatham Ski and Snowboard Centre, also 12.9km away, offering skiing and snowboarding for all skill levels.

For an exhilarating outdoor adventure, visit Go Ape at Bedgebury, located 20.9km from Leeds Castle. Tackle treetop zip lines and rope courses, immersing yourself in nature while enjoying a unique and adventurous day out.

Nightlife

For a lively night near Leeds Castle, catch a show at the Hazlitt Theatre, just 8.0km away, perfect for culture and romance. If you're seeking adventure, visit Wear 'm Out arcade, 4.8km away. For a cinematic experience, Cineworld Rochester, 17.7km away, offers great entertainment vibes.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Leeds Castle

Leeds Castle and its surroundings offer a delightful mix of attractions, including a stunning urban park, the historic castle itself, and beautiful nature reserves. These points of interest provide a captivating blend of culture, family-friendly activities, and outdoor experiences, ensuring that every visitor finds something to enjoy. Whether you seek adventure or a leisurely day out, Leeds Castle is a perfect destination for an unforgettable getaway.

  • Mote Park: Located 6.4km from Leeds Castle, Mote Park is an urban oasis featuring lush greenery and expansive grounds perfect for family outings. Enjoy leisurely strolls, picnics, and various outdoor activities amidst a vibrant atmosphere that invites relaxation and fun.
  • Stoneacre: Just 3.2km from Leeds Castle, Stoneacre is a charming historic building that offers a glimpse into England's rich cultural heritage. Explore its stunning architecture and beautiful gardens, immersing yourself in the stories and traditions of the past.
  • Kent Life: Situated 9.7km away, Kent Life is a delightful farm experience where friendly locals welcome you to discover historical farming practices. Relax in the picturesque surroundings, interact with animals, and enjoy a taste of rural life.

Best time to go to Leeds Castle

The best time to visit Leeds Castle can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Leeds Castle falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Leeds Castle falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January40.5°F (4.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February41.4°F (5.2°C)No RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March44.2°F (6.8°C)No RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April48.2°F (9.0°C)No RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
May53.6°F (12.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
June59.5°F (15.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
July63.7°F (17.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August63.5°F (17.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
September59.7°F (15.4°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October54.3°F (12.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
November47.3°F (8.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
December43.2°F (6.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Leeds Castle

To save on your visit to Leeds Castle, consider travelling during the off-peak months of December to February when accommodation prices drop. Thursdays are the cheapest days to stay, while Saturdays tend to be pricier. Utilise Expedia to compare hotel options, filtering for the best deals and eco-friendly choices. Look for package deals that combine flights, hotels, and activities for additional savings. Additionally, explore free activities in the area to enhance your experience without stretching your budget.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Leeds Castle are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Leeds Castle is Thursday. The most expensive day to stay around Leeds Castle is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your choices based on your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified option will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels currently available. To find the most affordable prices and special offers, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some money by combining your hotel stay at Leeds Castle with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.

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