Leeds Castle

Up to 5% discount with promo code DAYSOUT

Get your Leeds Castle ultimate explorer ticket and enjoy one of the best days out in Kent for families

Book your Leeds Castle Ultimate 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 Ultimate Explorer ticket:

  • Pay for a day and visit free all year
  • Six trips on the Black Swan Ferry (seasonal) or Elsie the Castle Train
  • One round of Adventure Golf
  • An exhilarating programme of events
  • Step into the 1930s in the beautiful Castle
  • Enjoy thrilling children’s playgrounds and maze
  • Spectacular birds of prey displays
  • Stunning gardens and 500 acres of parkland
  • Queens with Means cinematic experience
  • 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.

Location

Leeds Castle

Broomfield,
Maidstone,
Kent,
ME17 1PL
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How to find us

Address: Broomfield, Maidstone, ME17 1PL

What3Words: retain.behaving.grapevine

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.

Facilities
  • Toilets
  • Shops
  • Restaurant
  • Parking
More Info
How do I get to Leeds Castle?

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.

What are the Leeds Castle opening times?

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
What is there to do at Leeds Castle?

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.

Is Leeds Castle suitable for families with children?

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.

Can you bring your dog to Leeds Castle?

Assistance dogs are allowed, however, due to the abundance of wildfowl wandering freely across the estate, we regret that other dogs cannot be admitted.

How do the Leeds Castle annual passes work?

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).

Why is Leeds Castle so famous?

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.

Why is Leeds Castle called Leeds Castle?

Leeds Castle is supposedly named after a 9th-century Saxon nobleman named Ledian, who built the original wooden fortress on the site around 857 AD.

Other sources suggest that it is named after "Esledes", which possibly refers to the name of a stream mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086.

Choose your adventure

Leeds Castle Sculpture Trail

Uncover spectacular sculptures on an enchanting journey through the beautiful Leeds Castle grounds from the 23rd of August to the 5th of October 2025

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From
£41.50
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