Leeds Castle, near Maidstone (Kent)
Leeds Castle, set on two islands on the River Len in the heart of Kent, has been fortified for more than 900 years.
Summary
- 13th century buildings (or older)
- Gift shop
- Gardens
- Children's play area
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Food and Drinks
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Introduction
Set in 500 acres of beautiful parkland, Leeds Castle, near Maidstone, Kent dates back to 1119, although a manor house stood on the same site from the 9th century.
The stone bridge to the castle would originally have been a wooden drawbridge. The gatehouse today looks much as it would have in the 13th century; it would have accommodated servants and horses, as well as providing essential fortification against attack.
This castle and its grounds are now a leisure destination. Open all year round, its blend of heritage and history, glorious gardens, aviary, maze, grotto and what may be the world's only museum of dog collars make it the perfect choice for a day out.
Visitors are transported through the castle’s history; an eclectic mix of period architecture, with sumptuous interiors and family treasures.
History to the present day
Leeds Castle was built in 1119 by Robert de Crevecoeur, descendant of one of William the Conqueror’s lords, to replace the earlier Saxon manor of Esledes.
It passed into royal hands in 1278 and became part of the Queen of England’s dower - the settlement widowed queens received upon the death of their husbands. Major improvements were made during his time, including the barbican, drawbridge, gateway and portcullis. Over the course of 150 years it was held by six medieval queens: Eleanor of Castile, Margaret of France, Isabella of France, Joan of Navarre, Anne of Bohemia and Catherine de Valois.
In Tudor times Henry VIII visited frequently with his Queen, Catherine of Aragon, and a painting commemorating his meeting with Francis I of France still hangs there. His daughter, Queen Elizabeth I was imprisoned in the castle for a time before her coronation.
The castle escaped destruction during the English Civil War because its owners, the Culpeper family, sided with the Parliamentarians.
The last private owner of the castle, Olive, Lady Baillie, left an indelible mark on the place. Lady Baillie bought the castle in 1926 and embarked on a complete refurbishment, using the finest French architects and designers to create an elegant country residence. During WWII Lady Baillie hosted burned Commonwealth airmen at the castle as part of their recovery. Survivors remember the experience with fondness to this day. Upon her death in 1974, Lady Baillie left the castle to the Leeds Castle Foundation, a private charitable trust whose aim is to preserve the castle and grounds for the benefit of the public. The castle was opened to the public in 1976.
The castle you see today is the result of over 900 years of alterations and changes. It has Norman foundations; a mediaeval gatehouse; the Gloriette, built by Edward I and updated in Henry VIII’s times; a Tudor tower; and a 19th century country house - all of which were substantially refurbished in the 20th century.
Named after an earlier tower which housed a religious recluse, the Maiden’s Tower was built in Tudor times as the castle’s bakery and brew house, to make the “small beer” which would have been drunk at every meal, as a safe alternative to water. In Lady Baillie’s day it was first the “bachelor quarters” for houseguests, with a cinema and smoking room downstairs, and later the home of her younger daughter and her family until 2003. It is now used for special exhibitions and functions.
Food and Drinks
With spectacular views of the castle, the Fairfax Restaurant offers an excellent choice of freshly prepared hot and cold dishes throughout the day.
Located near the maze, the Maze Market Grill with its covered outdoor seating area serves a range of hot and cold food as well as ice cream and sweets.
Other seasonal kiosks serving light refreshments can be found throughout the grounds for those wishing to picnic.
Grounds and gardens
The gardens offer continuous colour throughout the year.
The maze was constructed in 1988, using 2,400 yew trees. When viewed from the centre, part of its plan mirrors a queen’s crown. The underworld grotto, complete with macabre forms and mythical beasts created from shells, minerals and wood was designed by Vernon Gibberd in collaboration with Minotaur Designs, the sculptor Simon Verity and shell artist Diana Reynell.
Arrival information and how to find us
Address: , Kent, , United Kingdom
Opening times: Open all year round from 10am daily.
Castle: 10.30am - 4pm (last admission at 3.30pm)
Shops, Gardens, Aviary, Maze & Play Areas: 10am - 4pm
Fairfax Hall Restaurant: 10.30am - 4.30pm
Admission prices: Adults: £17.50, Children (4-15): £10.00, Concessions: £15.00
Directions: 7 miles east of Maidstone, junction 8 of the M20 motorway just 1 hour from London, 30 minutes from the Channel Tunnel and Channel Ports. Dartford River Crossing 30 minutes. Clearly sign posted from all routes - following the brown and white tourist signs.
