Leeds Castle

Type:Castle / Fort

Leeds, Maidstone, Kent, ME17 1PL

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 5510 reviews5510 reviews

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Tel01622 765400

Leeds Castle early morning sunrise.

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About

Set in 500 acres of Kentish parkland, Leeds Castle has been a Norman stronghold; the private property of six of England’s medieval queens; a palace used by Henry VIII and his first wife Catherine of Aragon; a Jacobean country house; a Georgian mansion; an elegant early 20th century retreat for the influential and famous; and in the 21st century, it has become one of the most visited historic buildings in Britain.

The Castle’s last private owner, Lady Baillie, bought the Castle in 1926 and transformed it into an elegant setting for glorious weekend parties. Sir Winston Churchill, Charlie Chaplin and John F. Kennedy are amongst the roll-call of many other influential guests who enjoyed Lady Baillie’s hospitality during this time.

All admission tickets last 12 months, meaning you can visit as many times as you like for up to one year. Visitors can also enjoy many attractions and events, including the Adventure Golf and Knight’s Stronghold Playground alongside falconry, stunning gardens and maze and grotto.


Leeds Castle also offers holiday cottages, bed and breakfast rooms on the grounds, medieval glamping, an extravagant manor house and the opportunity to stay in the luxurious Castle bedrooms or Maiden’s Tower as part of a private event or wedding celebrations.

Leeds Castle is located near Maidstone in Kent just off Junction 8 of the M20 and only one hour’s drive from London.

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Other Great Things at Leeds Castle

You can book a stay the have cottages and bed and breakfast rooms.

Leeds Castle is also a great place to book a meeting or your wedding, so please click through if these are of interest to you.

 

Book Tickets

Guide Prices

Ticket TypeTicket Tariff
FamilyFree
Adult (16+) On-line - Explorer Ticket£30.00 per ticket
Adult (16+) On-line - Ultimate Explorer Ticket£40.00 per ticket
Adult (16+) On-site - Ultimate Explorer Ticket£45.00 per ticket
Adults (16+) On-site - Explorer Ticket£35.00 per ticket
Child - On-site (aged 3-15 years) Explorer Ticket£25.00 per ticket
Child (3-15 years) On-line - Explorer Ticket£22.50 per ticket
Child (3-15 years) On-site - Ultimate Explorer Tick£32.50 per ticket
Child (3-15 yrs) On-line Ultimate Explorer Ticket£30.00 per ticket
Infant (under 3)Free

All disabled tickets include one free carer

Group Rates: https://leeds-castle.com/experience/group-visits/
Learning and Schools: https://leeds-castle.com/learning-schools/

Events

Friday, 22nd November 2024 - Wednesday, 1st January 2025

Children looking at Leeds Castle illuminated for ChristmasChristmas Lights at Leeds CastleA magical trail with new lights for 2024 – festive fun at historic and glamorous Leeds Castle
more info

Saturday, 23rd November 2024 - Sunday, 5th January 2025

Nutcracker characters outside Castle A Nutcracker Christmas at Leeds CastleGet ready to immerse yourself in the enchanting world of the Nutcracker at Leeds Castle this Christmas.
more info

Tuesday, 31st December 2024 - Tuesday, 31st December 2024

New Years Eve in the Castle
more info

Tuesday, 31st December 2024 - Tuesday, 31st December 2024

New Years Eve in the Fairfax Hall
more info

Facilities

Other

  • Audio Commentary in Foreign Languages
  • Educational Visits Accepted
  • Facilities for Hearing Impaired Visitors
  • Facilities for Visually Impaired Visitors
  • Family Fun
  • Groups Accepted
  • Guide Dogs Permitted
  • Guided Tours Available for Groups
  • Indoor Attraction
  • On-Site café/restaurant
  • Outdoor Attraction
  • Parking (free)
  • Parking Areas for Disabled Visitors
  • Picnic Site
  • Printed Material in Foreign Languages
  • Toilets for Disabled Visitors
  • Village Location

Accessibility

  • Disabled facilities (please call for details)

Establishment Features

  • Conference facilities
  • Staff Fluent in Languages - Other

Languages spoken

  • Dutch spoken
  • French spoken
  • German spoken
  • Spanish spoken

Parking & Transport

  • On site parking

Payment Methods

  • Euros accepted
  • MasterCard accepted
  • Special group rates
  • Visa accepted

Provider Preferences

  • In countryside

Travel & Trade

  • Min group size numeric qualifier - 15

TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating:

4.5 of 5 stars
    • Excellent
      3193
    • Very Good
      1352
    • Average
      474
    • Poor
      238
    • Terrible
      253

    Recent Reviews:

    • Jo T
      Trip Type:
      Friends getaway
      Leeds Castle Christmas Lights
      2 of 5 stars
      Wednesday, 18th December 2024
      We visited the Christmas lights this evening, arrived at 5.40, by the time we had parked and had tickets scanned, it was 5.55pm. We had walked the light show route and exited at 6.40, that also... Read full review
    • LincsHappytraveller
      Saxilby, United Kingdom
      Don't go here if you want history
      2 of 5 stars
      Friday, 20th December 2024
      We were so disappointed in our visit to the castle. The place has such a good reputation but it totally failed to impress us. So why were we not impressed? It's not really a castle. It's more like... Read full review
    • jon e
      Trip Type:
      Family
      Leeds Castle Christmas Lights
      2 of 5 stars
      Friday, 20th December 2024
      Really disappointing this year. Supposed to be nutcracker themed but apart from a cheap display at the entrance, nothing else…in fact the entire display this year was barely Christmas themed at... Read full review

    Map & Directions

    Road Directions

    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.

    Car parking at Leeds Castle is FREE.

    Public Transport Directions

    Southeastern run frequent services to and from Bearsted and a coach shuttle service run by Spot Travel is available from the station from April to September.

    Nuventure no.13 bus from Maidstone to Hollingbourne.

    Arriva no.13 bus from Maidstone to Hollingbourne.

    Leeds Castle is just 25 miles from the Eurotunnel terminal in Folkestone and 38 miles from the port of Dover.

    Opening Times

    Open New Year
    2024 Opening (1 Jan 2024 - 31 Dec 2024)

    * Apr-Sept: Grounds Open 10am-6pm. Last Ticket sold 4.30pm. Castle open 10.30am-5.30pm. Last entry to Castle 5pm.

    Oct-Mar: Grounds Open 10am-5pm. Last Ticket sold 3.00pm. Castle open 10.30am-4.00pm. Last entry to Castle 3.30pm.

    Awards

    • Visit BritainWe're Good to Go We're Good to Go 2020
    • Regional and MiscellaneousWTTC Safe Travels WTTC Safe Travels 2021

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    Ratings & Reviews

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