Leeds Castle

Maidstone

Type:Castle / Fort

Maidstone, Kent, ME17 1PL

Tel: +44 01622 765400

Exterior view of Leeds Castle, Kent

About

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 castle-themed playgrounds, falconry displays, a maze and underground grotto, and a whole host of different events and activities throughout the year.

There is also a scenic pay-and-play golf course nearby, as well as Segway Tours and a Go Ape high wire adventure course across this lovely stretch of Kent countryside.

Book Tickets

Guide Prices

Ticket TypeTicket Tariff
Explorer Annual Adult Disabled Ticket£27.00 per ticket
Explorer Annual Adult Ticket£30.00
Explorer Annual Child (3-15 years)£22.50
Explorer Annual Child Disabled Ticket£20.00 per ticket

Visitor with Disability ticket includes one free carer.

For groups and educational tours please contact us for information.

Facilities

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

Catering

  • On-Site cafe/restaurant
  • Picnic Site

Establishment Features

  • Conference facilities
  • Staff fluent in foreign languages ** (List of languages are separately given)

Parking & Transport

  • On site parking

Payment Methods

  • Delta accepted
  • Groups Accepted - Although pre-booking is not essential, it is advisable.
  • Maestro Accepted
  • MasterCard accepted
  • Special group rates
  • Visa accepted

Provider Preferences

  • In countryside
  • Indoor Attraction
  • Outdoor Attraction

Specialist Features

  • Family Fun
  • Marketed Towards Families

Tours and Demonstrations

  • Educational Visits Accepted
  • Guided Tours Available for Groups
  • Guided Tours Available for Individuals

TripAdvisor

Map & Directions

Awards

  • Regional and Miscellaneous -Beautiful South Awards Winners 2016/17 – Silver Beautiful South Awards Winners 2016/17 – Silver 2016
  • Regional and Miscellaneous -Beautiful South Awards Winners 2018/19 – Gold Beautiful South Awards Winners 2018/19 – Gold 2018
  • Regional and Miscellaneous -Beautiful South Awards Winners 2019/20 - Silver Beautiful South Awards Winners 2019/20 - Silver 2019
  • Tourism South East Award -Tourism South East Member 23/24 - Bronze Tourism South East Member 23/24 - Bronze 2023
  • Tourism South East Award -Beautiful South Awards Winners 2023/24 - Silver Beautiful South Awards Winners 2023/24 - Silver 2023

Opening Times

Open New Year
October to March (1 Oct 2023 - 31 Mar 2024)
DayTimes
Monday - Sunday10:00 - 17:00*
April to September (1 Apr 2024 - 30 Sept 2024)
DayTimes
Monday - Sunday10:00 - 18:00*

* Open every day of the year, excluding Christmas Day (open only to Fireworks ticket holders during the Fireworks Spectacular weekend).

* Castle opens: 10:30am
Last admission - 3pm
Shop open - 10am – 4.30pm

Dates and times marked with a '*' are provisional and may be subject to change

What's Nearby

  1. Go Ape Leeds Castle

    Just 7 miles southeast of Maidstone, you can find us in the grounds of Leeds Castle.…

    0.44 miles away
  2. White Horse Wood Country Park

    The White Horse Country Park is set within the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural…

    3.76 miles away
  3. Mote Park

    Mote Park has been a popular place to visit for both visitors and locals being a huge…

    4.26 miles away
  1. Maidstone Carriage Museum

    Maidstone Carriage Musuem is home to a unique collection of horse-drawn vehicles &…

    4.93 miles away
  2. The Hazlitt Theatre

    The Hazlitt Theatre & The Exchange offer a varied programme throughout the year.

    5.01 miles away
  3. Kentish Lady

    The Kentish Lady River boat is synonymous with Maidstone and is one of Kent’s premier…

    5.03 miles away
  4. Maidstone Museum & Bentlif Art Gallery

    Maidstone Museum and Bentlif Art Gallery is an exceptional regional museum housed in the…

    5.06 miles away
  5. UK Electric Bike Centre, Vineyard tours on an electric bike

    UK Electric Bike Tours run scheduled and bespoke electric bike tours in and around Kent.…

    5.45 miles away
  6. Oad Street Craft Centre

    Craft centre with large shop, restaurant, florist, picture framer, potter and furniture…

    5.91 miles away
  7. Kent Life Heritage Farm Park

    History and family fun sit side by side. Explore the Oast House, gardens and period homes…

    6.25 miles away
  8. Kent Wildlife Trust Tyland Barn Visitor Centre

    A beautifully restored 17thC barn, now a visitor centre, with displays on Kent's wildlife…

    6.38 miles away
  9. Cobtree Manor Park

    Cobtree Manor Park has over 50 acres of parkland displaying a diverse and maturing…

    6.66 miles away
  10. Chatham Ski & Snowboard Centre

    Chatham Ski Centre has the longest artificial slope in the South East and is the premier…

    7.94 miles away
  11. Teston Bridge Country Park

    Three meadows nestling beside the River Medway. This is an edial loction to watch boats…

    8.04 miles away
  12. Balfour Winery

    Balfour Winery on the Hush Heath Estate is a 400-acre family-owned estate in the heart of…

    8.2 miles away
  13. Capstone Farm Country Park

    Capstone Farm Country Park is one of Medway's finest green spaces, offering wonderful…

    8.28 miles away
Previous Next