Leeds Castle
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Just 4 miles south of Maidstone, Leeds Castle is one of the best preserved historic castles in South East England, as well as one of the most iconic.
The castle is set in over 500 acres of lush green parkland and is ideal for long relaxing strolls and picnics. Dating back to 1119, Leeds Castle has been altered, rebuilt and added to over the past 900 years.
You'll find medieval gatehouses and Norman foundations, Tudor towers and a Gloriette updated during Henry VIII's reign, as well as 19th century additions. All of this was lovingly restored during the mid 20th Century by Lady Baillie, the last private owner of Leeds Castle.
Not only was the stonework revived to its former glory, but Lady Baillie also filled Leeds Castle with a stunning and somewhat eclectic range of antiques, paintings and tapestries. Not surprisingly, this opulent home used to be a hit with film stars, royalty and politicians who were frequently invited to the many parties.
There are also plenty of attractions to keep the kids and everyone else entertained for an entire day. There's a child-sized maze, a castle-themed playground, open-air concerts, falconry exhibitions, a working aviary, a vineyard, a grotto, restaurants and cafés.
There is also a scenic pay-and-play golf course nearby, as well as hot air balloon flights across this lovely stretch of Kent countryside.
Opening Times
| Open New Year |
|---|
| 2012 - Opening (01/01/2012 - 31/12/2012) |
|---|
Facilities
Provider Preferences
- In countryside
- Indoor Attraction
- Outdoor Attraction
Accessibility
- Facilities for Hearing Impaired Visitors - Induction loop available
- Facilities for Visually Impaired Visitors - Audio tour can be collected from the Dog Collar Museum.
- Guide Dogs Permitted
- Toilets for Disabled Visitors
Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Catering
- On-Site cafe/restaurant
- Picnic Site
Payment Methods
- Delta accepted
- Groups Accepted - Although pre-booking is not essential, it is advisable.
- Maestro Accepted
- MasterCard accepted
- Special group rates
- Visa accepted
Establishment Features
- Conference facilities
- Staff fluent in foreign languages ** (List of languages are separately given)
Specialist Features
- Family Fun
- Marketed Towards Families
Tours and Demonstrations
- Educational Visits Accepted
- Guided Tours Available for Groups
- Guided Tours Available for Individuals
Prices
| Ticket Type | Tariff |
|---|---|
| Adult Annual Ticket | £18.50 |
| Children | £11.00 |
| Senior Citizen/Student Annual Ticket | £16.00 |
Admission prices from the 1st April 2011.
Awards
- Green Tourism Business Scheme - Green Tourism Business Scheme Awaiting Grading 2007
- Visit Britain Awards -
Code of Practice 2012 - Tourism South East Award -
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Large Visitor Attraction of the Year Highly Commended 2010
Road Directions
7 miles east of Maidstone, main gate off B2163 at jct 8 of M20.
Public Transport Directions
4 miles from Maidstone Railway Station. Bus 13 from Maidstone (www.arriva.co.uk) or coach serve 021 from London (www.nationalexpress.co.uk)
