Leeds Castle: All You Need To Know In 5 Minutes

If you’re a Potterhead like me, you would have had fallen in love with the grand castles of Hogwarts ever since the set first made its way to the silver screen. Sadly, this beloved school of magical arts is, as we know it, fictional. However, for everyone who has once harboured dreams of whisking down the halls of Hogwarts, fret not!

Believe it or not, there exists in real-life, a castle just as splendid as Hogwarts. Think impressive stone walls rising stoically from a tranquil moat. Dubbed the “loveliest castle in the world”, Leeds Castle in Kent, England exudes an aura as spellbinding as Hogwarts.

With a history of 900 years, Leeds Castle has borne witness to much of England’s major milestones, making it an amazing monument for history buffs! Having served as a royal palace for various English royalty, including the notorious Henry VII and his first wife, Catherine of Aragon, Leeds Castle is no doubt the place to quench your curiosity about the days gone by.

Leeds Castle Main Attractions 

Stunning architecture

© Photo by Chensiyuan on Wikimedia Commons

Of course, the main attraction of Leeds Castle would be the castle itself. Be whisked back in time as you explore the castle grounds and its numerous antique rooms. For a more enriching experience, Leeds Castle audio guides are available (£3.25 per person or pre-booked £3.00 per person). I’d highly recommend buying the audio guide to discover more about the rich history of Leeds Castle and the various treasures you come across in the castle.

Breathtaking gardens

Besides the castle itself, Leeds Castle also offers a break away from the hard concrete of city life. With over 500 acres of gardens, you can enjoy a leisurely stroll whilst basking in nature. Of notable mention: at the Princess Alexandra Gardens, visitors can rejuvenate themselves with a splendid visual feast of vibrant flowers.

How to Get To Leeds Castle

Leeds Castle is located 7 miles east of Maidstone, off Junction 8 of the M20 Motorway, between London and the Channel Ports.

By car

Clear signposts are erected on all routes, just follow the brown and white tourist signs to easily arrive at Leeds Castle! You’d be pleased to know that parking is free at Leeds Castle.

By train

If you’re travelling by train, it is highly recommended to travel to Bearsted Station and transfer to a coach shuttle service to Leeds Castle thereafter. Southeastern operates frequent services to and from Bearsted Station. From the station, Spot Travel runs a coach shuttle service (April to September) and a private service (October to March). You can check Spot Travel’s website or give them a call at 01622 738932 for more information.

Leeds Castle Opening Hours

Leeds Castle opens in two seasons: April to September and October to March. You can refer to the table below for more details:

Leeds Castle Ticket Prices

With so much to see and do, one single day to Leeds Castle is definitely not enough. Luckily, every ticket to Leeds Castle is valid for one year. This means that you can visit Leeds Castle as many times as you like! So, relax, and take your time to explore the grounds of Leeds Castle and all its various attractions to your heart’s content.

Deals to look out for include the Freedom Pass which allows for repeat rides on the Land Train and Black Swan Ferry, which transports visitors across the Leeds Castle estate.

For visitors who just can’t seem to get enough of the splendour of Leeds Castle, the Five Year Ticket would be the perfect choice. A special limited-edition souvenir, this ticket grants repeat visits for five years to Leeds Castle from the date of issue.

Note: Admission is free for infants under 4 years old.

Leeds Castle Guided Tour Packages 

Guided tours are only available for group bookings with a minimum of 15 persons, and must be pre-booked. Prices for private guided tours at Leeds Castle are listed below:

Dining Options At Leeds Castle

© Photo by Casey Lee on Unsplash

Overlooking the castle moat, the Castle View Restaurant combines an exquisite gastronomical experience with the beautiful scenery of Leeds Castle to create a memorable dining experience. Visitors can select from a wide range of dishes carefully prepared by the chefs. Information regarding their various lunch and dinner menus can be found here.

Accommodation At Leeds Castle

With a large variety of accommodation options available at Leeds Castle, visitors are spoilt for choice. From quaint Holiday Cottages located within the Leeds Castle estate to Bed & Breakfasts, there’s bound to be something perfect for your needs. If you’re looking for a more quirky and unique experience, Knights Glamping offers you a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to enjoy the countryside as a medieval knight would in the past.

Other Popular Tourist Destinations Near Leeds Castle

Go Ape

© Photo by Wikimedia Commons

Just 1.5km from Leeds Castle, Go Ape is perfect for a dose of thrill and adventure, once you’ve had your fill of history! Connect with nature (and your inner daredevil!) on their breathtaking treetop rope course. For those seeking an even more hair-raising experience, you can also fly through the forest canopy on an exciting zipwire ride.

Maidstone Museum & Art Gallery

© Photo by Poliphilo on Wikimedia Commons

If you find your thirst for all things historical increasing exponentially after spending the day at Leeds Castle, this museum will be your oasis. Home to various valuable artefacts including a 2700-year-old Egyptian Mummy, you can continue your undying love for history here!

Final Thoughts On Leeds Castle

From history buffs eager to quench their thirst for knowledge to families looking for a relaxing day out, there’s something for everyone at Leeds Castle. So, head on down now to the Loveliest Castle in England!