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

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Hilton Woking

Hilton Woking

4 out of 5
per person
Oct 1 - Oct 5
found 19 hours ago
Roundtrip flight included
New York (NYC) to London (LGW)
9.4/10 Exceptional! (35 reviews)
Wish there are laundry facilities on site

Reviewed on Aug 1, 2025

Hilton London Gatwick Airport

Hilton London Gatwick Airport

4 out of 5
per person
Oct 1 - Oct 5
found 19 hours ago
Roundtrip flight included
New York (NYC) to London (LGW)
9/10 Wonderful! (3,030 reviews)
Very nice hotel and proximity to South Terminal excellent - we had early flight (5:25) so had to be up and out for 3am - had a very very noisy family near so unfortunately had no sleep. The Japanese Steak restaurant on site was amazing - shame about the family who kept us up as this would have warranted 5 stars

Reviewed on Jul 31, 2025

Cave Hotel & Golf Resort

Cave Hotel & Golf Resort

4 out of 5
per person
Sep 4 - Sep 10
found 10 hours ago
Roundtrip non-stop flight included
New York (JFK) to London (LGW)
9/10 Wonderful! (457 reviews)
Overall good stay, restaurant staff and cleaners were very polite and friendly. Very peaceful settings, easy parking. Loved the golfing range and price. Room was nice overall, modernised with electrical options for do not disturb, curtains, LED mirror, mattress and pillows were divine. Cleanliness (attention to detail) lacked at times, found a popped balloon under the seat upon check in, the drawers leather was peeling away and creaked whenever you opened or closed it, no toilet scrub brush, found hair in various places. Also, internet stopped working for like an hour one evening so couldn’t watch apps on tv. Pool and steam room area were well taken care of by cleaners, sweeping the water away and replacing towels etc. but the area itself is small, limited space to sit, in the pool there is only stairs to sit on other than 4 beds, jacuzzi bubbles very powerful so couldn’t have them on for long, under the stairs was quite rusty. Gym was small with limited facilities, but ok to go to in the morning when quiet. Forgot our sunglasses in the range area, they were not handed in to reception or the range staff unfortunately, so assumed to have been taken.

Reviewed on Jul 19, 2025

Popular places to visit

Some views from Maidstone in Kent taken around All Saints' Church and the Archbishop's Palace. Maidstone is the county town of Kent, England and lies 32 miles

All Saints The Parish Church of Maidstone

You can find out about the history of Maidstone with a stop at All Saints The Parish Church of Maidstone. Check out the spas and top-notch restaurants in this quaint area.

All Saints The Parish Church of Maidstone

Stoneacre

Enjoy an outing to Stoneacre during your stay in Maidstone. Check out the spas and lively bars in this relaxing area.

Stoneacre

Bearsted Golf Club

Enjoy a round of golf in Maidstone at Bearsted Golf Club. Check out the spas and top-notch restaurants in this quaint area.

Bearsted Golf Club

Wear 'm Out

Enjoy an outing to Wear 'm Out during your stay in Maidstone. Check out the spas and lively bars in this relaxing area.

Wear 'm Out

Mote Park

3/5(1 review)

Explore the great outdoors at Mote Park, a lovely green space in Maidstone. Check out the spas and top-notch restaurants in this quaint area.

Mote Park

White Horse Wood Country Park

After visiting White Horse Wood Country Park, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Maidstone. Check out the spas and top-notch restaurants in this quaint area.

White Horse Wood Country Park

Best Lodging Options Near Leeds Castle

Mercure Maidstone Great Danes Hotel

Mercure Maidstone Great Danes Hotel

4 out of 5
Hollingbourne, Maidstone, England
Mercure Maidstone Great Danes Hotel
The Stable Courtyard Bedrooms at Leeds Castle

The Stable Courtyard Bedrooms at Leeds Castle

4 out of 5
Leeds Castle, Maidstone, England
The Stable Courtyard Bedrooms at Leeds Castle
Maidens Tower B&B

Maidens Tower B&B

4 out of 5
Leeds Castle Broomfield Road, Maidstone, England
Maidens Tower B&B
Keepers House

Keepers House

3.5 out of 5
Maidstone
Keepers House
Knights Cottage

Knights Cottage

3 out of 5
Maidstone
Knights Cottage
Days Inn by Wyndham Maidstone

Days Inn by Wyndham Maidstone

3 out of 5
Roadchef Motorway Service Area, M20 Junction 8, Hollingbourne, Maidstone, England
Days Inn by Wyndham Maidstone
The Windmill

The Windmill

4 out of 5
32 Eyhorne Street, Maidstone, England
The Windmill
Delta Hotels by Marriott Tudor Park Country Club

Delta Hotels by Marriott Tudor Park Country Club

4 out of 5
Ashford Road, Bearsted, Maidstone, England
Delta Hotels by Marriott Tudor Park Country Club
Kentish Oast, Cottage and Barn in stunning private grounds with swimming pool

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

Hollingbourne
Kentish Oast, Cottage and Barn in stunning private grounds with swimming pool
See all 801 properties in Leeds Castle
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

While visiting Leeds Castle in Maidstone, England, you can enjoy various activities such as golfing, indulging in spa treatments, and swimming. Don't miss the chance to explore the castle itself, where admission details can enhance your experience. The picturesque grounds and rich history make it a perfect destination for leisure and exploration.

Food and drinks

For a unique experience, visit The Chapel Down Winery, 15 miles from Leeds Castle, offering delightful wine tastings in a romantic setting. Alternatively, Shepherd Neame Brewery, 12 miles away, features a lively atmosphere perfect for enjoying local brews and a hearty meal.

Shopping

While visiting Leeds Castle, enjoy nearby shopping at Nucleus Arts Rochester, located 12 miles away, offering unique gifts and art. If you're up for a drive, check out Ashford Designer Outlet and Broadview Gardens, both 13 miles away, featuring a variety of stores and shopping experiences.

Recreation

Enjoy a round of golf at Bearsted Golf Club, just 3 miles from Leeds Castle, surrounded by beautiful landscapes. For relaxation, visit Bridgewood Manor Day Spa, located 8 miles away, offering rejuvenating body treatments. Explore the serene trails of White Horse Wood Country Park, 4 miles from the castle, for a refreshing outdoor experience.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of motor racing at Brands Hatch Circuit, located 18 miles from Leeds Castle, perfect for adrenaline junkies. For karting enthusiasts, Buckmore Park Karting is 9 miles away, offering exciting races. If skiing is your passion, visit Chatham Ski and Snowboard Centre, only 8 miles away.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near Leeds Castle! Catch a show at the Hazlitt Theatre, just 5 miles away, or enjoy family fun at the Hop Farm Family Park, 11 miles out. For more culture and romance, the Marlowe Theatre, situated 20 miles from the castle, is a must-visit.

Find the best attractions near Leeds Castle

Leeds Castle, known as the "loveliest castle in the world," offers a delightful mix of culture and outdoor experiences. Visitors can explore its spectacular grounds and surrounding nature reserves, perfect for family outings. Whether you're interested in the historic castle itself or the beautiful landscapes around it, there’s something for everyone to enjoy during your visit to this charming destination in Maidstone, England.

  • Mote Park: Just 4 miles from Leeds Castle, Mote Park offers a serene urban escape with stunning landscapes and recreational activities. Enjoy family-friendly trails, picturesque lakes, and lush greenery, perfect for a picnic or a leisurely stroll in a vibrant city atmosphere.
  • Sissinghurst Castle and Garden: Located 9 miles away, this enchanting castle is famous for its romantic gardens and rich literary history. Explore the beautifully designed gardens and immerse yourself in the cultural ambiance while discovering the legacy of Vita Sackville-West and Harold Nicolson.
  • Historic Dockyard Chatham: Situated 11 miles from Leeds Castle, this maritime museum showcases England's naval history. Wander through historic ships, interactive exhibits, and fascinating stories that bring the maritime culture of the past to life.

Best time to go to Leeds Castle

Visitor numbers around Leeds Castle is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Leeds Castle is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January40.5°F (4.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February41.4°F (5.2°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudyAverageAverage
March44.2°F (6.8°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudyAverageAverage
April48.2°F (9.0°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
May53.6°F (12.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
June59.5°F (15.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
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 Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
October54.3°F (12.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
November47.3°F (8.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
December43.2°F (6.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Leeds Castle

To save money on your visit to Leeds Castle, consider exploring nearby free attractions like Rochester Cathedral and Capstone Farm Country Park. The best time to visit is from November to January when accommodation prices drop. Book your hotel 1-3 months in advance for the best rates, or check Expedia for last-minute deals. Use their search tool to filter by budget and compare prices easily. Combine your hotel, flights, and activities for additional discounts, and sign up for Expedia's One Key membership to earn cash back on future stays.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Leeds Castle are November to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to July to August and October, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Book your hotel around Leeds Castle about 1-3 months out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool lets you define your budget, choose your ideal location, and much more. You can sort the results to display prices from lowest to highest, making it easy to find the most affordable hotels right away. Additionally, you have the option to refine your search by hotel type—if you select the "Eco-certified" filter, you'll find sustainable and eco-friendly accommodations available for booking.
  • 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.
  • 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.