Leeds Castle

Type:Castle / Fort

Leeds, Maidstone, Kent, ME17 1PL

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 5379 reviews5379 reviews

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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
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

Explorer Ticket - Visitor with disability Adult + Free carer £27 on-line and on-site £32
Ultimate Explorer Ticket - Visitor with disability Adult + Free carer £37 on-line and on-site £42
Explorer Ticket - Visitor with disability Child (3-15) + Free carer £20 on-line and on-site £22
Ultimate Explorer Ticket - Visitor with disability Child (3-15 years) + Free carer £27.50 on-line and on-site £29.50

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

Events

Saturday, 25th May 2024 - Monday, 27th May 2024

The Queen's JoustThe Queen's JoustJoin us for a bank holiday of exhilarating displays of combat and action, elegant and unusual equestrian, and medieval living and feasting.
more info

Saturday, 13th July 2024 - Saturday, 13th July 2024

Leeds Castle Open Air ConcertLeeds Castle ConcertIndulge in a world-class musical experience amidst the captivating ambiance of the glamorous and historic Leeds Castle.
more info

Saturday, 13th July 2024 - Saturday, 13th July 2024

Leeds Castle Open Air ConcertLeeds Castle Concert VIP Dining PackageBe our VIP guest at this year’s Leeds Castle Concert. Spend the day enthralled by world-class music, captivated by famous performers, and ‘oooh’ and ‘ahhh’ as fireworks fly overhead, all whilst sipping on Champagne, savouring delicious food and partying in style!
more info

Saturday, 10th August 2024 - Sunday, 11th August 2024

Motors by the MoatMotors by the MoatBack by demand, the immensely popular Motors by the Moat returns to Leeds Castle this summer.
more info

Saturday, 26th October 2024 - Sunday, 3rd November 2024

Halloween Characters at Leeds CastleHalloween at Leeds CastleDiscover The Guardians of the Grounds – A Haunted Halloween Quest at Leeds Castle!
more info

Saturday, 9th November 2024 - Saturday, 9th November 2024

Amazing firework display at Leeds Castle.Leeds Castle Fireworks Spectacular House PartyWatch the famous Leeds Castle Fireworks Spectacular in style, as you and your loved ones enjoy an afternoon and evening of fine dining and first-class hospitality, before you ‘oooh’ and ‘ahhh’ as a mesmerising fireworks display brightens the sky overhead.
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
      3121
    • Very Good
      1334
    • Average
      452
    • Poor
      227
    • Terrible
      245

    Recent Reviews:

    • Nellie P
      Province of Girona, Spain
      An enchanting experience
      5 of 5 stars
      Tuesday, 13th February 2024
      Leeds Castle is a captivating blend of history and natural beauty. The castle's architecture is awe-inspiring, and the well-maintained gardens offer a serene escape. The guided tour provided... Read full review
    • juliaandadam123
      Ashford, United Kingdom
      Trip Type:
      Friends getaway
      Christmas lights
      5 of 5 stars
      Sunday, 3rd March 2024
      We paid for the Christmas lights walkthrough and had a wonderful evening! It was easy to follow the route and we spent a good while in the food court/on rides for the children. It was heaving when... Read full review
    • Relax584344
      Enjoyable day, not amazing
      3 of 5 stars
      Monday, 18th March 2024
      Upon entering, I was impressed by the organisation evident from the outset. The staff efficiently guided the queue of cars to available spaces.. There is limited hard standing in the car park, which... 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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