Leeds Castle
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Leeds Castle is one of the best places to visit in Kent for families throughout the year. Get your entry tickets on this page or check out the Leeds Castle events in 2024.
Be sure to check out what Leeds Castle events are on in 2024:
Visit Leeds Castle and enjoy on of the best days out in Kent for families
Book your Leeds Castle Explorer ticket for a whole lifetime of benefits!
Leeds Castle, situated on a picture-perfect lake by the River Len in Kent, has been entertaining royalty for over a thousand years.
A favourite of almost exclusively royalty for centuries, the castle was opened to the public in 1976 and has built a reputation as one of the best days out in Kent you’ll find on a visit to the Southeast.
Located just seven miles from Maidstone, you’ll have a hard time finding any historic site in the area that is as spectacular as this.
Included in your Leeds Castle Explorer ticket:
- Pay for one day and visit free all year long
- Exhilarating Programmes: A variety of peak and off-peak family events
- Step into the 1930's era in the Castle: See where European royalty and film stars once basked
- Children's Attractions: Thrilling playgrounds and exciting mazes will keep the kids entertained!
- Bird of Prey Displays: Witness spectacular shows performed by the majestic wildlife
- Beautiful Gardens: Picnic-perfect parkland stretched over 500 acres
- Queens with Means: Exclusive cinematic experiences suitable for the whole family
- And so much more!
Admire your surroundings at Leeds Castle in Kent
Such sites in the interior include the Thorpe Hall drawing room, a luxurious Victorian hall that provides visitors with a glimpse into the glamorous lifestyle that former residents once enjoyed.
You can also find an extensive banqueting and dining hall as well as a large library with hundreds of books.
In the grounds outside, you’ll find a lush garden maze of 2,400 yew trees and there are two children’s play areas themed around castles for the little adventurers to enjoy.
Perhaps more surprisingly, the castle is home to an impressive collection of dog collars, which may be the only museum of its kind in the entire world!
A breathtakingly beautiful day out in Maidstone, Kent
With so much to see and do on the grounds of Leeds Castle, as well as the faultlessly gorgeous scenery where any background makes an astounding photo-op, a visit to Leeds Castle is one of the best days out in Kent for families.
You’ll already be dreaming of your next visit by the time you cross over that bridge at the end of the day, so don’t miss out on visiting this wonderful castle today.
The Queen's Joust at Leeds Castle
Cheer the crashing of lances in a mighty clash between the knights of England versus the knights of France at The Queen's Joust, live at Leeds Castle
Summertime at Leeds Castle
Enjoy one of the best summer days out with the family as you relax, explore, discover and play at Leeds Castle this summertime
Motors By The Moat at Leeds Castle
Leeds Castle's popular classic car show, Motors by the Moat, returns to Kent this summer for one weekend only in 2024
Sublime Sculpture Trail at Leeds Castle
The Sublime Sculpture Trail returns to Leeds Castle this summer. Uncover spectacular sculptures on an enchanting journey through the castle grounds
How to find us
Broomfield, Maidstone, ME17 1PL
By car:
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. Clearly sign posted from all routes – following the brown and white tourist signs.
By train:
We recommend travelling to Bearsted or Hollingbourne Station. Southeastern runs frequent services to and from Bearsted and a coach/taxi service run by Spot Travel is available from this station.
By bike:
National Cycle Route 17 follows the Pilgrims’ Way to the north of Leeds Castle so you can use this from the Maidstone or Ashford direction through the village of Hollingbourne. To the south National Cycle Route 177 is also a great way to travel to Leeds Castle.
13th February 2024 - December 2024
- Toilets
- Shops
- Restaurant
- Parking
Leeds Castle is a historic castle located in Kent, England. It has a rich history dating back over 900 years and has served as a royal palace for six medieval queens of England.
Leeds Castle is located in Kent, which is about an hour's drive from London. There are also regular trains from London to nearby stations, including Maidstone and Bearsted, where you can catch a bus or taxi to the castle.
General Leeds Castle opening times:
The Castle: 10.30am to 5.30pm | Last entry 5pm
Grounds and Gardens: 10am to 6pm | Last entry 4.30pm
Leeds Castle has a range of attractions, including the castle itself, beautiful gardens, a maze, a golf course, and a falconry display. Visitors can also take a boat ride on the castle's moat or attend one of the many events and exhibitions held throughout the year.
Yes, Leeds Castle is a great destination for families with children. There are plenty of activities and attractions that will keep kids entertained, including the playground, the maze, and the falconry display. The castle also hosts special events and activities for children throughout the year.
Assistance dogs are allowed, however, due to the abundance of wildfowl wandering freely across the estate, we regret that other dogs cannot be admitted.
Leeds Castle admission tickets are valid for 12 months from the day you select when booking. You do not necessarily need to visit on the day you select, but your ticket will be valid from that day onwards and you can visit any day thereafter (excluding estate closures).
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