This is marketed as The Loveliest Castle in the World and it is. my friend got married here last year (I uploaded the photo of us there) and it was just magical. Very classy venue, amazing main hall seats 100 - the food was excellent quality, lots of local produce used. the setting of the main house is fabulous for a wedding (up to 100 guests) but you will need to go onto the marquee or other buildings if you are more. Surrounded by a moat it is atmospheric in the evening, and has so much to recommend it to all types. There are things to do for children, walks and there is the castle and grounds to walk round. They are running a promotion at the moment, that if you pay once to enter the castle you can come back as many times as you like within 12 months - so if you live locally this makes it terrific value and there is certainly enough to see and do that you will want to come back a couple of times. read more

Leeds Castle - waiting for the bride to arrive - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me

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Visited April 2015: "Leisure stroll up to an incredible Castle" We got to the Leeds Castle, the first thing we were able to enjoy was the grounds. In the large garden, they had laid out an Easter Egg hunt for the children to complete. We were able to see different types of ducks, and get up close and personal to the peacocks. There were several different bridges going off from the Moat and rivers throughout the grounds. We were able to see the bailey, inside the castle, and various paintings of the family around the history of the castle. There were so many paintings regarding the royal family: The Tudors. There was also a gentleman playing the piano, whom was also taking requests. We completed the entire tour, and covered almost all 3 floors in about 2 hours. We did not see: segway tours, exhibition centre, get on the ferry, culpeper garden, Lady Baillie garden, maze and grotto, falconry shows, squire's courtyard playground, knight's realm playground, birds of prey, golf shop, and go ape! We paid for our tickets online, before coming to the UK. You are provided with a colored map with very details information. read more

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They make you buy a pass that lasts a year when you live 1000 miles away and are just there for a weekend vacation. I walked through the castle in 30 minutes. Next time I'll try Hampton Court. read more

Went to the Excalibur Fireworks display at Leed's Catle (Kent) last weekend. I can honestly say that they were the best fireworks Ive ever seen! The tickets were a bit steep at £16 a head, but the event was on from midday, with fireworks at 5.30, so you could make a day of it. They had jousting and falconry shows which were both very entertaining. All I would say is that the last jousting show ended about 3.45, so there wasnt much to do until the half 5 fireworks started. There are food and drinks stalls and some other bits and pieces, but after youve walked round them all, this probably took no longer than ten minutes. Im sure if the weather had of been better we wouldnt have noticed this as much, but it was shocking and we were freezing - willing the fireworks to begin! Well worth the wait though, as the display was arranged around a narrated The Legend of King Arthur tale and well selected music. I would love to go again next year, but will probably aim to arrive just before the display starts. Will definitely go to visit the castle and grounds seperatley when the weather is better. read more

The only word for this castle wow! set in the beautiful surroundings of the North downs and stunning tiny villages nearby, this castle is a must visit for both tourists and local residents alike. The grounds are, as would be expected, immaculate, free of litter and kept beautifully. The children will enjoy a ride on the small land train that runs from the car parks to the main castle and no one can fail to love a visit to the aviary. The castle runs numerous events throughout the year, the classical concert being probably the most famous. Having visited, and worked at, approximately 3 concerts now i can vouch for how good and how well run they are. Put some time aside one sunday and take a look for yourself, you can't fail to be impressed. read more

I loved it here so much, it's so much bigger than I thought it was. The tour round the castle was brilliant, I loved going from room to room seeing the history. The maze was a little frustrating when I couldn't find my way round but once I go to the middle I got to go through the grotto which was amazing. If you are after a day out where the whole family can have fun, go to Leeds Castle. read more

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We went GLAMPING! As we were going to be in the UK for 5 weeks, we wanted to stay at a castle for a couple of nights. The glamping experience at Leeds Castle was absolutely fantastic, i couldn't get over how WARM it was inside the tent despite the cold nights! The fireplace & fur blankets kept us nice & toasty :) Having access to the castle as well during the stay was a bonus as the castle was beautiful & on amazing grounds. We hardly saw or heard any of the other residents other than at dinner time so it was almost like our own personal get away. The BBQ area was great & right next to our tent, and it was nice to cook our own mean instead of having restaurant food again. The staff at the castle were incredibly nice, breakfast was always on time and I highly recommend a glamping stay to everyone! read more

This is an attractive castle set in the Kent countryside within easy reach of the M20 motorway. Updated by Henry VIII, it has been home to royalty for over 1000 years and a visit there will take you through its history. There is so much to do here or nearby, from hot air balloon trips to a round of golf and the Go Ape tree top adventure course. The falconry dipslay was truly spectacular and a walk around the grounds after a picnic on the grass was perfect. Take your own lunch, the cafe was disappointing and expensive. Otherwise a great day out for the whole family. read more

Leeds Castle - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me

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Leeds Castle is definitely an interesting place to go. Being a fan of reading the reading room pretty much had me drooling for a little while. Although I am quite saddened I didn't get to see the maze the architecture and scenery alone was worth a re-visit next time I go to the U.K. The gardens are beautiful, the rooms set up exquisitely and it is definitely a good day trip read more

Enjoyed a great day at Leeds Castle, take a camera and a packed lunch to enjoy! The grounds are beautiful, the little boat is like 50p or something which is reasonable somewhere like this, and there is a little train which is super cute, lots of ducks, geese and swans, a great falcon show with really friendly staff and a presenter which lots of info and great sense of humour, you can go see the baby birds too if they have them! So fluffy!!! Lots of people moan about the price but it's for a years entrance people!!! There is a maze with an underground bit and the castle is really cool and you can take photos inside and you can have events here and stay here and stuff, we saw wedding guests whilst we were there, just watch the M20 if your visiting any time soon, operation stack sucks! read more

My breath was taken away as we neared the beautiful Leed's Castle in Maidstone, Kent. Rolling hills, lush gardens, mazes, moats, lakes, and a black swan greet you before you cross the drawbridge to enter this historical fortress built in 1119. A short video shows has the castle has been altered and changed over the last 900 years. Originally built by a descendent of one of William the Conqueror's lords, it passed into royal hands in 1278 becoming part of the Queen of England's dower remaining in royal ownership until 1552 when it went private. An American heiress, Lady Baillie, bought the castle in 1926 and is responsible for the splendor and elegance we witness today. (A bit like Downton Abbey, where an American rescued the castle from ruin) A tour through the castle reveals rooms that are in keeping with the different periods. In the 1930's and 40's, Lady Baillie entertained many celebrities including Errol Flynn, Noel Coward, and Douglas Fairbanks. Elton John and Pavarotti have also been guests. Weddings and events are held at this palace and we witness a bridge and groom taking photos with the falconry team. It is a nice walk from the entrance to the castle, but if you have mobility issues or it is raining, take the castle train. This is a fairytale castle and it's mind boggling to know that families have grown up here. read more

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I'm not sure if Leeds castle is, as it bills itself "the most beautiful castle in England" because I haven't been to all of the castles in England. We visited on a miserable wet windy day and the walk from the ticket office to the castle itself was not the most pleasant 15 minutes of my life. The castle was pretty enough but it was disappointing to learn that only a small portion of the castle is original to the 12th or 13th century and the rest was much newer. The interior was redone by a wealthy heiress who restored the castle to match her romantic idea of what a castle should be like inside. Even the carved wooden details that look Tudor were carved in the 20s or 30s. Not sure why that bothers me so much but it does. The rooms were decorated in 30s and 40s tastes, for sure. One thing that got my attention was a closet full of 1920s shoes in the bedroom. Beautiful vintage shoes-I can haz? There wasn't as much to see or do here as at other castles. You are allowed to take photographs inside but I didn't take very many because nothing really stood out other than the exterior shots of the castle. There was an aviary at one time but signs indicated that it was now closed. I guess there's a hedge maze on the grounds but as it was about 30 degrees out, rainy and windy, we didn't go and check it out. I'm sure it's much nicer in the summer but I probably would not go back again if in the area. read more

Have visited Leeds Castle a few times - in fact, you only have to pay once then get to visit the whole year. Therefore, I have visited in most kinds of weather and although I'm not such a fan of the Castle, the grounds are beautiful. In the summer you can bring a picnic and enjoy the brief sun that we get, or in the winter wrap up warm with a hot drink and have a walk. However, the reason for my trip this weekend was the amazing firework display that they put on every year. Well worth the money. x read more

This is a nice day out for the whole family you can walk through the gardens and the mazes, go and see the flacon's and watch them being fed. Walk around the castle. Visit the souvenier shop. The only downside is the on site restaurant is quite expensive and there isn't a massive variety of food. However it is a nice day out and if you do pay to get in you get to use your ticket for the rest of the year for free read more

A really beautiful castle with stunning grounds and amazingly breathtaking vistas. We had a thoroughly great day out here, sat on the grass with a picnic and watched peacocks wander past us without a care in the world. As castles go this is one of the nicest we've been to and still very well cared for. Disabled friendly and carer gets in free which was a relief as the entrance is not cheap at all. read more

If you are lucky enough to live near Leeds Castle (as I am), then take advantage of the 'Key To The Castle' offer. This means that you pay the entrance fee once, and then all other visits are free for the next 12 months. This is excellent value as you would be hard pushed to enjoy all that Leeds Castle has to offer in just one visit such as:- - Falconry Display - Maze - Dog Collar Museum - Go Ape - Aviary - 9 Hole Golf Course - Segway Rides - Hot Air Ballooning as well as the castle and the grounds of the 'Most beautiful castle in the World' The gardens are beautiful, and there really is something different to see and enjoy every time you visit. read more

Had a nice day out on sunday over the bank holidays , its nice garden, bird aviary and to make it lovely it has a very nice restaurant and bar and small shop for ice cream and snacks and all fun place for kids read more

Being local to Maidstone, I overlooked Leeds castle for most of my life. Actually once I gave in and went, I realised how much I'd been missing out. This place is amazing and completely lives up to it's reputation!! read more

This is a such a lovely place to be and the maze make you feel dizzy if you cant find the end, its really enjoyable!!! I love the birds around the garden everything was amazing...Especially peacocks, I love it. If you have never been there, you must definitely go. read more

Leeds castle thank you for your generous donation to our Diamond Jubilee event on Sunday 3rd June thanks again Parents is the word team

The whole family love Leeds Castle. We are regular visitors. The pay once, get in all year idea on the tickets is great! It means we use the grounds a lot during the year. It's great for the kids with lots for them to do, from the Maze to making use of all the space to play in, and no dogs to worry about( or their mess). As for the castle it self, it's well worth a visit. even the kids enjoy going round. Each trip finds something we hadn't seen before. Was disappointed more recently with the Aviaries not being open to the public any more. but at least they say the birds have all gone to good homes. The Bird displays still happen during most afternoons, which are great fun and everyone enjoys. read more

A truly magnificent place.

Zipping down the M20 with a local who was hosting us, we asked about Castles. Having never seen a real live castle except in movies, I wanted the whole enchilada. Beautiful grounds. Impressive architecture. And number one on the list: a moat. Leeds fit the bill. The grass is trimmed so close and maintained so meticulously it looks painted on a flat surface. Photos of the castle reflected in the moat with lush grenery in the background look too awesome to not be photo-shopped. There's even a garden maze you can wander around in. For a true-blue American, Leeds satisfied the castle craving. read more

Beautiful grounds, great castle, lots to do. You won't be disappointed visiting here. Highly recommend Leeds Castle.

Leeds Castle was a great experience, but for the entry price it would've been nice to have a little more interaction with the staff as you walked through. It was very much a self guided tour and if you missed the pamphlet in the first room it was next to impossible to know what was going on. Despite that it was great! The history of the castle came alive, it was absolutely stunning. Very family friendly, and the maze and gardens were a highlight!! Lots to do outdoors and the food was delicious at all the little restaurants! Once again great place for families! read more

Lovely castle and grounds. There's a maze in there that is really quite challenging so it's good fun and definitely gives a great feeling when you finally reach the centre. The inside of the castle is lovely. The price is a bit atrocious though, apparently it's gone up in the past couple years. It's now over £20 for an adult. Upside is that if you keep your ticket you can come back as many times as you like that year, but for someone who is rarely in the area, don't know if it's worth it, considering there are many castles around. read more

Lovely surrounding gardens as well as quite a lot to do in the area. They have a lot going on in different parts throughout the year well worth a visit. read more

Good family day out. The gardens are lovely! I walkedround during winter during my pregnancy and it was lovley! The bird part is amusing. The maze is excellent. read more

This is an expensive day out, with tickets costing around £15 for adults. There is quite a lot to see with some nice walks and some rather spectaular interoirs all very well decorated. There is a quaint little eating area where you may get harrassed by peacocks, but feels very authentic and medieval. Make sure you pick a nice day since a lot of the grounds are in open areas. I recommend trying out the maze, in can be infuriating but very satisfying to finish! read more

Fabulous place to visit. Lovely staff. Lots to do. Amazing play area for kids and a wonderful maze for all the family. The day ticket now gets you in the rest of the year for free. its wonderful, beautiful, you have to go! read more

MAIDSTONE PHOTO FACTORY, We are Leeds Castles Professional photographers and we are very priverliged to photograph weddings in the castle and the castle's grounds. We also photograph Events in the Fairfax and Castle! If you would like to book us to Photograph your Wedding day or Event at Leeds Casle or if your would like to view some samples of our work then Call us on 01622 730730 or Contact Leeds Castle direct read more

I love this place, not only is the castle beautiful but the gardens are amazing!! Every time I go I discover something new!! It is definitely a great day out with the family. read more

I visited Leeds Castle on 8th December 2013 for the christmas market event. It was an absolute con - we queued for nearly 45 minutes - I complained as there were children getting cold but they were not interested. When we eventually got in at £7 per person the market was simply a collection of shops selling tat - there was nothing christmassy about it. It was an event fuelled by pure greed. I have complained directly to Leeds castle - apparantly the majority of visitors found it 'charming' - how do they know? Please refer to trip advisor and you will find similar reviews to mine. I only write this as I was treating friends to a day out - we ended up in Thurnham at a lovely 18century inn in order to compensate for the dreadful afternoon we had experienced at Leeds Castle. read more

loved it when i visited