Leeds Castle

Maidstone

Type:Castle / Fort

Maidstone, Kent, ME17 1PL

Tel: +44 01622 765400

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View over Leeds Castle in Kent

About

Set within more than 550 acres of parkland and gardens in the Kent countryside, Leeds Castle offers visitors the chance to explore historic interiors, seasonal gardens and a wide range of attractions across the estate. Surrounded by a natural moat and beautiful landscapes, the Castle provides a unique setting for a day out in the heart of Kent.

Throughout its long history, the Castle has served many roles, including a Norman stronghold, the home of six of England’s medieval queens and a 1930s countryside retreat. Today, visitors can step inside the Castle to explore beautifully presented rooms and discover stories from more than 900 years of history through insightful multimedia guides.

Things to do at Leeds Castle

There are many attractions to enjoy across the estate, from the colourful Culpeper Garden and the Lady Baillie Mediterranean Garden to the challenging maze and underground grotto. Families can enjoy adventure golf and playgrounds, including Knight’s Stronghold and Squires’ Courtyard, while the Bird of Prey Centre offers the chance to see a variety of birds up close and watch them in action in bird of prey displays. The wider grounds can be explored on foot along scenic walking routes, or by travelling across the water on the Black Swan Ferry or through the parkland aboard Elsie the Castle Land Train.

What's on at Leeds Castle

Leeds Castle hosts a varied programme of events and seasonal experiences throughout the year, including Summertime at Leeds Castle, the medieval spectacle of The Queen’s Joust, family activities during school holidays, and seasonal favourites such as Halloween at Leeds Castle and Christmas Lights at Leeds Castle.

Can you stay at Leeds Castle in Kent?

Yes,  Leeds Castle also offers a range of accommodation within the estate, including Holiday Cottages, luxury Bed and Breakfast bedrooms and the medieval themed Knight’s Retreat lodges. In addition, a selection of bedrooms ranging from battlement rooms to elegant state rooms can be booked as part of a private event within the historic Castle.

Leeds Castle Instagram

Leeds Castle Instagram Link

Book Tickets

Guide Prices

Ticket TypeTicket Tariff
Explorer Annual Adult Ticket - From£34.50
Explorer Annual Child (3-15 yrs) - From£24.50
Explorer Annual Family Ticket - From£87.00
Ultimate Explorer Annual Adult Ticket - From£45.50
Ultimate Explorer Annual Child Ticket (3 - 15 yrs) - From£33.00
Ultimate Explorer Annual Family Ticket - From£114.50

Different family ticket options available
Visitor with disability ticket includes one free carer
For groups and educational tours please contact Leeds Castle for information

Events

Monday, 9th March 2026 - Sunday, 1st November 2026

Pilgrimage of Love: Eleanor of Castile ExhibitionPilgrimage of Love: Eleanor of Castile Exhibition
more info

Saturday, 23rd May 2026 - Monday, 25th May 2026

The Queen's Joust at Leeds CastleThe Queen's Joust
more info

Saturday, 11th July 2026 - Saturday, 11th July 2026

Leeds Castle ConcertLeeds Castle ConcertJoin us for the must-see summer event in Kent, the Leeds Castle Concert on Saturday 11th July 2026.
more info

Saturday, 8th August 2026 - Sunday, 9th August 2026

Motors by the Moat at Leeds CastleMotors by the Moat at Leeds CastleBack by demand, the immensely popular classic cars show, Motors by the Moat returns to Leeds Castle this August.
more info

Saturday, 29th August 2026 - Sunday, 4th October 2026

Sculpture Safari Sculpture Safari at Leeds CastleExperience the enchanting Sculpture Trail Safari at Leeds Castle from Saturday 29th August to Saturday 4th October 2024, offering families a unique adventure through our magnificent grounds and gardens.
more info

Saturday, 7th November 2026 - Sunday, 8th November 2026

Leeds Castle FireworksLeeds Castle Fireworks SpectacularThe biggest and best fireworks display in the South East of England returns for 2026 – the Leeds Castle Fireworks Spectacular! On the 7th and 8th November 2026, this incredibly popular event combines fireworks to make you 'oooh' and 'ahhh', and music that you will want to sing and dance to all…
more info

Friday, 20th November 2026 - Sunday, 3rd January 2027

Leeds Castle - Christmas LightsChristmas Lights at Leeds CastleExperience this historic estate transformed into a breath-taking winter wonderland as the Leeds Castle Christmas Lights trail returns from the 20th November - 3rd January 2027 to the Kent countryside.  Enjoy exhilarating Water Fountains, the stunning Fire Garden, futuristic Laser Garden, the…
more info

Facilities

Accessibility

  • Facilities for Hearing Impaired Visitors - Induction loop available
  • 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 2019/20 - Silver Beautiful South Awards Winners 2019/20 - Silver 2019
  • Tourism South East Award -Beautiful South Awards Winners 2023/24 - Silver Beautiful South Awards Winners 2023/24 - Silver 2023
  • Tourism South East Award -Tourism South East Member 26/27 - Gold Tourism South East Member 26/27 - Gold 2026

Opening Times

Open New Year
April to September (1 Apr 2026 - 30 Sept 2026)
DayTimes
Monday - Sunday10:00 - 18:00*
Bank Holiday10:00 - 18:00*
October - December (1 Oct 2026 - 31 Dec 2026)
DayTimes
Monday - Sunday10:00 - 17:00
Bank Holiday10:00 - 17:00

* Open every day of the year, excluding Christmas Day and a few days for event set up.

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

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Get Married at Leeds Castle, KentLeeds Castle, MaidstoneCreate a lifetime of memories for you and your wedding guests at Leeds castle. Surrounded by 500 acres of parkland and gardens, Leeds Castle is an idyllic setting for the most romantic of weddings in any season.