Leeds Castle Tours

Leeds Castle showing heritage architecture and a castle
Leeds Castle showing a castle, heritage architecture and a river or creek
Leeds Castle featuring heritage elements, a river or creek and heritage architecture
Leeds Castle showing chateau or palace and interior views
Leeds Castle showing heritage elements, heritage architecture and chateau or palace


Visit this grand castle on an island in a lake to see rooms decorated in medieval style, picnic in serene grounds and enjoy entertainment for all the family.

Leeds Castle is one of Kent’s most famous historic gems. It is surrounded on all sides by a picturesque lake, wildlife and scenic nature. With its museums, mazes, gardens and playgrounds, the site offers entertainment to suit visitors of almost any age.

The castle dates back to 1119 and has passed through the hands of several historical British figures, including King Edward I and King Henry VIII. Tour rooms laid out with period furniture and decoration.

Amble around 500 acres (200 hectares) of well-kept grounds. Get lost in the twists and turns of a hedge maze, then walk through the underground grotto that lies beneath. Admire the mythical deities carved into the walls of the grotto.

See birds from five different continents at the Falconry Displays and allow a hawk to land on your arm during the daily shows. Visit the Dog Collar Museum, the only collection in Britain that’s wholly dedicated to dog collars.

Take the kids to the Turf Maze, which leads to a mini castle made of wood at its center. Let youngsters explore the Knights’ Realm and Toddler’s Playground, which has towers, walls and castles to climb on.

Bring a picnic to one of many scenic spots in the parkland that surrounds the castle, including the Wood Garden, Culpeper Garden and Lady Baillie Garden.

See some of the best views of the buildings and grounds as you take a tour along the moat on a punt. Tours have a fee and are available March through October.

Leeds Castle is located 5 miles (8 kilometers) southeast of Maidstone and is a one-hour drive from London.You can also take the train from nearby towns in Kent county to Bearsted Station and then catch a coach shuttle service to the castle for a small fee.

There is an admission fee for Leeds Castle but your ticket is valid for a whole year so you can come and go as many times as you like. Children get in free on rainy days. The castle is open year-round.

Plan a trip to see Leeds Castle

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Reviews of Leeds Castle

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Terri

We planned a trip to Leeds the morning after staying at the Black Horse, and that’s why a baggage transfer was helpful.

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2 bedroom accommodation in Hollingbourne

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Kentish Oast, Cottage and Barn in stunning private grounds with swimming pool

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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Leeds Castle

When visiting Leeds Castle, you'll find a variety of activities to enhance your experience. Enjoy outdoor adventures, including scenic tours around the picturesque grounds. For golf enthusiasts, there are nearby courses to test your skills. After a day of exploration, unwind with a spa treatment or take part in wine tastings. Don’t forget to explore the local nightlife for a memorable evening in Maidstone.

Shopping

While visiting Leeds Castle, enjoy local shopping options like Nucleus Arts Rochester, located 12 miles away. If you're up for a drive, explore the Ashford Designer Outlet, 13 miles away, featuring a mix of designer brands and entertainment. For a larger market experience, consider Romford Market, 30 miles away.

Recreation

Weald of Kent Golf Club offers a scenic golfing experience just 4 miles from Leeds Castle, perfect for sports enthusiasts. For a peaceful retreat, visit White Horse Wood Country Park, also 4 miles away, where you can unwind amidst nature. Bridgewood Manor Day Spa, located 8 miles away, provides rejuvenating body treatments.

Adventure

For an adrenaline rush, visit Buckmore Park Karting, located 8 miles from Leeds Castle, where you can race go-karts on a thrilling track. Alternatively, enjoy the Chatham Ski and Snowboard Centre, also 8 miles away, for skiing and snowboarding excitement. For water adventures, head to Bewl Water Outdoor Centre, 15 miles away, perfect for outdoor sports.

Nightlife

Enjoy a night at the Hazlitt Theatre, just 5 miles from Leeds Castle, for a mix of culture and entertainment. For family fun, head to the Hop Farm Family Park's arcadeAdventureZone, 11 miles away, or catch a show at the Medway Little Theatre, also 11 miles from the castle.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Leeds Castle

Leeds Castle, known for its historic significance and magnificent architecture, offers a variety of attractions for visitors. You can explore the castle grounds and enjoy outdoor experiences in nearby urban parks and nature reserves. Whether you're interested in history or seeking family-friendly activities, Leeds Castle and its surroundings provide a perfect blend of culture and adventure for every traveler.

  • Mote Park: Located 4 miles from Leeds Castle, Mote Park offers a vibrant urban escape. With its picturesque landscapes, it’s perfect for family outings, outdoor activities, and enjoying the city's natural beauty.
  • Kent Life: Situated 6 miles away, Kent Life is a charming farm that immerses visitors in a friendly, historical atmosphere. Engage with farm animals, explore traditional buildings, and relax in a serene environment that captures the essence of rural life.
  • Historic Dockyard Chatham: About 11 miles from Leeds Castle, this maritime museum showcases rich naval history and culture. Discover fascinating exhibits on shipbuilding and maritime heritage, making it a must-visit for history buffs.

Best time to go to Leeds Castle

The best time to visit Leeds Castle can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Leeds Castle falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Leeds Castle falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January40.5°F (4.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February41.4°F (5.2°C)No RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March44.2°F (6.8°C)No RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April48.2°F (9.0°C)No RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
May53.6°F (12.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
June59.5°F (15.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
July63.7°F (17.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August63.5°F (17.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
September59.7°F (15.4°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October54.3°F (12.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
November47.3°F (8.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
December43.2°F (6.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Leeds Castle

To save money on your trip to Leeds Castle, consider visiting between December and February when prices are lower. Thursdays are the cheapest days for accommodation, while Saturdays tend to be pricier. Use Expedia to find budget-friendly options, and consider eco-certified hotels for sustainable choices. Combine flights, hotel stays, and activities for potential savings with package deals. Joining Expedia's One Key membership can provide exclusive discounts and cash back on future bookings. Lastly, explore free activities in the area to further enhance your experience without breaking the bank.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Leeds Castle are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Leeds Castle is Thursday. The most expensive day to stay around Leeds Castle is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to narrow down your options based on your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified option will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Leeds Castle with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

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Explore a world of travel with Expedia