Château de leeds

Leeds Castle has been an important site for British history and royalty for 1000 years.


The castle itself isn't as grand or fortified as some, and isn't as luxurious as some palaces. But it's a great place to see bits and pieces from across the ages: some parts are old, some newer. Because it was privately owned and lived in until quite recently, it's not all medieval, and some rooms decorated in the '60s make it easier to connect with the fact that people not so unlike yourself lived there.


The grounds are large and picturesque. There are big lawns for strolling, gardens, a hedge maze, and ponds with plenty of geese.


If you're tired there's a land train that shuttles between the entry gate and the castle.


There seem to be lots of events held here. One large lawn had some corporate-event family day. Another marquee, and part of the castle dining hall, were being prepared for someone's wedding.


They have hot-air balloon rides over the site and a golf course. I assume both cost extra, but I tried neither.


The entry ticket is £15 for an adult, but keep it: it's valid for a year!

We visited towards the end of August on a swelteringly hot Saturday. Our ultimate aim was to see Carmen in the big top erected for the event. What a show, and in such fantastic surroundings too.


The gardens at Leeds Castle are superlative. The entire garden was re-landscaped in the early 18th century to take in the rolling hills and valleys. Later additions include the formal gardens overlooking the 'lake' and castle. The 'lake' holds two islands which the castle straddles in magnificent fashion. The 'lake' itself is formed by the damming of the River Len. Like the French Loire Chateaux or the lake palaces of India, the spectacle is overwhelmingly beautiful. Especially so as the dark draws in and the floodlights go up.


There is plenty of walking country around and about, and the castle itself offers a spectacular historical diversion. There is also an excellent resturant and cafe. Other reviewers (below) have mentioned the balloon rides and golfing.


Suffice it to say, Leeds Castle has everything one would want for a day out, in fact, it rocks!

Leeds Castle first word for that I can think of was WOW! You start by parking up and taking a walk through a lovely garden with Peacocks walking around you and swans, so beautiful and un touched. With a beautiful lake through the middle. If you are not able to walk you can get a little open side bus in and enjoy the views.


You then walk around the castle through each room where there are post telling you what happened in each room, it is like a real step back in time, everything is still in fantastic condition and you feel like you can take a step back in time.


You can then take a walk to the bird sanctuary where they also do shows with some of the birds by letting them fly off and come back and show you the feeding. Then you can take a walk through the maze - but don't dispair if you do get lost like I do there is a lady at the middle on a higher part that will help direct you. Once at the centre you walk trhough a small cave with little water falls, and then back out to reality.


It really is beautiful there are a couple of gift shops and a restaurant which is slightly limited on ranges but still nice.

Isn't it amazing how you live so close to things but somehow never get the chance to see it? That was the case with Leeds Castle for me. Always saw it from the M20 as we drove past and even attended an award ceremony there some years ago, but unfortunately that was in the evening (and dark) and I couldn't see anything.


We recently attended a black tie event in the Fairfax Hall of the Leeds Castle and this gave me the opportunity to see the grounds of the castle in all their glory. They are very large and picturesque and you see lots of geese roaming around. There's always plenty going on here, from hot air balloon rides/races to events for children.


It's a great place to go for a day out - with or without children. You can sit by the water with a picnic and enjoy the scenery, or if you are feeling energetic, you can walk around the grounds.


The castle also has its own 9 hole golf course alongside, but you will have to pay separately for this.


If you are planning to visit, you won't be disappointed and don't throw the entry ticket away because it entitles you to further entry for the whole year!

The Castle is amazingly beautiful and it surroundings magnificent.

Cannot describe the feeling I get when I am here. Great Castle, so Renaissance.

very historical and beautiful surroundings a very good day out.