Leeds Castle | A royal retreat through the ages

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Headout is an authorized and trusted partner of the venue, offering curated experiences to enjoy this attraction. This is not the venue's website.

Leeds Castle sits on its own island in the Kentish countryside. This medieval castle boasts 900 years of royal history and was once home to medieval queens. Also ,explore the grounds where you can get lost in a towering yew maze, and even check out a quirky Dog Collar Museum. It's the perfect escape, and is just an hour from London!

Why visit Leeds Castle?

Explore 900 years of real history: Built in 1119, Leeds Castle has been everything from a Norman fortress and royal residence for six queens to Henry VIII’s private palace. Built in 1119, Leeds Castle has served as a Norman stronghold, a royal residence for six medieval queens, and a lavish retreat for Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon.
Easy day trip from London or Canterbury: Located just 1 hour from London and 45 minutes from Canterbury by road, it’s a top pick for a scenic day trip. Many guided tours also include stops at Canterbury Cathedral or the White Cliffs of Dover.
Unbeatable scenery and photo spots: The castle is famous for its picture-perfect setting, surrounded by a natural moat and set on 500 acres of parkland and formal gardens. Don’t miss the Lady Baillie Garden, the Great Water views, or a ferry ride on the Black Swan.
Not just for history buffs: Leeds Castle has lots of fun activities, including falconry shows, themed playgrounds, obstacle courses, walking trails, and much more
Events and experiences all year round: There are also many great events at Leeds Castle. Plan your visit around outdoor cinema nights, seasonal trails, concerts, car shows, and holiday events.

Things to know before booking your tickets to Leeds Castle

Ticket options: Choose between a flexible entry ticket (valid for 12 months) or a full-day guided tour from London with stops at Canterbury and Dover.
What’s included: Your ticket gives you access to the castle’s interior, gardens, maze, grotto, Dog Collar Museum, and birds of prey displays. Day tour tickets also include coach travel, a professional guide, and additional stops depending on the itinerary.
Ticket validity and timings: Standard tickets are valid for one year from purchase and can be used on any day—ideal if your travel dates aren't fixed.
Accommodation on-site: Stay overnight in a B&B, cottage, or glamping tent. It’s a peaceful way to enjoy the estate after hours and wake up inside castle grounds.

Your Leeds Castle ticket options explained

Go for: Leeds Castle entry ticket

Duration: Flexible

Guide: Multimedia

Wander through 900 years of history, from medieval queens to Tudor royalty.
Explore the parklands, circular estate walks, falconry displays, and the quirky Dog Collar Museum.
Upgrade to a full-day guided tour from London with expert commentary, Wi-Fi, and visits to Canterbury and the White Cliffs of Dover.

Recommended tickets: Leeds Castle Tickets

Go for: Full-day guided tour from London

Duration: 10.5 hours

Guide: Yes

Enjoy a guided visit to Leeds Castle with round-trip transport from London.
Visit Canterbury Cathedral (optional entry) and gaze at the dramatic White Cliffs of Dover.
Includes expert commentary, personal audio sets, free Wi-Fi, and a luxury coach ride.

Plan Your Visit to Leeds Castle

Opening hours:

Summer (29 Mar – 30 Sept 25)

Grounds and Gardens:10am – 6pm (last entry at 4pm)

The Castle: 10:30am – 5pm (last entry at 4:30pm)

Winter (October–March)

Grounds and Gardens: 10am-5pm (last entry at 3pm)

The Castle: 10.30am-4.00pm (last entry at 3.30pm)

Closed: The day of the Leeds Castle Concert (12th July 2025) and**** 24–26 December

Duration: Plan to spend at least 3–4 hours exploring the castle, gardens, maze, and other highlights.

Note: Timings may vary during special events, so check the official website before your visit.

Plan Your Visit

Address: Leeds Castle, Broomfield, Maidstone, Kent, ME17 1PL |
Find on Maps

By train: Southeastern services

Nearest station: Bearsted Station (5-minute taxi ride or 40-minute walk to the castle)

By bus: Stagecoach 10X (hourly service from Maidstone to Ashford, Monday to Saturday)

Nearest stop: Leeds Castle Main Entrance (1-minute walk to ticket office and Land Train pickup)

By car: Via M20, exit at Junction 8

Nearest parking: On-site parking is included with your ticket (3-minute walk to entrance)

Directions to Leeds Castle

Weekdays vs weekends: Visit Tuesday to Thursday for the quietest experience—these midweek days typically see the fewest visitors. Saturdays are the busiest, especially between 11am and 3pm, so aim for a morning slot atbefore 10:30am if visiting on a weekend.

Seasonal highlights: For cherry blossoms along the Culpeper Garden, plan your visit between mid-April and early May. For autumn colours, the Wood Garden trail is at its most vibrant from late October to early November.

Events: Leeds Castle hosts ticketed events like the Classical Concert (13 July 2024), Fireworks Spectacular (2–3 November 2024), and the Christmas Market (weekends from 23 November to 15 December). Check the official events calendar and book early—these sell out quickly.

Restrooms: Available throughout the estate, including accessible facilities for disabled visitors.
Picnic areas: Designated picnic spots are available in the grounds.
Shop: The on-site gift shop offers a range of souvenirs like Leeds Castle-themed homeware, mugs, scarves, and jewellery—as well as books, local treats, and gift sets
Baby changing facilities: Available in restrooms at the Visitor Centre and near the Maze, offering convenient access for families with young children during their visit
Multimedia guides: Multimedia guide is available in English, French, Spanish, German, Dutch & Italian, with Japanese, Mandarin and Ukrainian options for group tours. The guides feature dual headphone jacks and touchscreen operation for an intuitive, immersive experience.

Wheelchair access: The castle and grounds are accessible, with wheelchairs available on loan free of charge.
Rest areas: Benches are strategically placed throughout the estate for visitors to rest.
Assistance dogs: Assistance dogs are welcome throughout the Leeds Castle estate, including both indoor and outdoor areas.
Accessible parking: Designated accessible parking spaces are available near the entrance.
Visual impairments: Touchscreen devices and keypad devices are available for visitors with visual impairments.
Wheelchair rental: Wheelchairs are available on loan free of charge.

Bed & Breakfast At Leeds Castle

Photography: Personal photography is welcome across the estate. However, drones, commercial photography, and videography require prior permission. Please note that wheel-based toys, scooters, bikes, and barbecues are not permitted anywhere on the grounds.
Pets: Only assistance dogs are permitted on the estate. Pets are not allowed in the castle, gardens, or surrounding grounds to safeguard the free-roaming wildfowl.
Food & drink: Visitors are welcome to bring their own food and drink; please dispose of litter responsibly.
Smoking: Smoking is prohibited in all areas of the estate.
Pushchairs: Pushchairs are not allowed inside the Castle or Castle View Restaurant due to limited space. However, designated pushchair parking areas are available nearby for your convenience.

Leeds Castle Accommodation

On-site:

Castle View Restaurant: Set in a 17th-century oak-beamed building, Castle View Restaurant serves classic British dishes with local ingredients and views of Leeds Castle. Admission is required for lunch, but evening dining (5:30pm–8:00pm) is open to all.
The Parlour: Located near the Maze, The Parlour offers grab-and-go options like freshly baked sausage rolls, Cornish pasties, sandwiches, barista-style coffee, and a wide range of classic ice cream flavours. Ideal for a family snack or treat.

Note: Opening times vary seasonally. Card payments only.

Courtyard Café: Situated in the Stable Courtyard, this café offers a range of light meals, pastries, and beverages, ideal for a relaxed break amidst your visit.

At Leeds Castle:

State Bedrooms: Sleep overnight inside Leeds Castle itself in elegant, historic rooms with four-poster beds and stunning castle views (from £350 per night).

Stable Courtyard Bed & Breakfast: Comfortable rooms located in the charming Stable Courtyard, offering a cozy atmosphere and breakfast included (from £150 per night).

Holiday Cottages: Self-catering cottages on the estate, perfect for families or groups seeking privacy and a home-away-from-home feel (from £200 per night).

Battel Hall & The Oast: Spacious estate houses with private gardens, ideal for larger groups or extended stays (from £400 per night).

Knights’ Glamping: Luxury glamping tents with wool-lined interiors and open fires, combining rustic charm with modern comfort (from £175 per night).

Leeds Castle Events

Start with the gardens: Begin your visit at 10am with the Culpeper Garden or Lady Baillie Garden. These areas are at their quietest early in the day and offer a peaceful introduction to the estate, especially during peak seasons.
Visit the Maze early: The maze tends to get busier as the day goes on. Arriving soon after opening gives you more space to enjoy the challenge and explore the Grotto exit without waiting.
Use the Land Train or Elsie the Castle Train: If you're visiting with children or have limited mobility, hop on the Land Train from the main entrance to the castle or ride the vintage-style Elsie the Castle Train—ideal for saving time and energy across the large estate.
Picnic smartly: There are designated picnic areas throughout the grounds, especially near the Playgrounds and Pavilion Lawn. Bringing your own food is welcome, but barbeques are not permitted.
Catch the falconry displays: Daily flying demonstrations happen at set times near the Birds of Prey Centre. Arrive 10–15 minutes early to get a good view.
Explore beyond the castle: If time allows, follow one of the three signed circular walks—Woodland Walk, Lakeside Walk, or River Len Walk—for scenic views and wildlife spotting away from the crowds.

Beyond Leeds Castle

Canterbury Cathedral

A UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its Gothic spires and stained-glass windows. Visit the site of Thomas Becket’s martyrdom and explore its rich ecclesiastical history.

Dover Castle

A mighty fortress overlooking the English Channel with 2,000 years of history. Discover its medieval Great Tower and hidden wartime tunnels.

Frequently Asked Questions about Leeds Castle

Does my ticket cover both the castle and grounds?

A standard ticket includes access to the castle, gardens, maze, grotto, and the Bird of Prey Centre. Your ticket also gives you free return visits for 12 months (excluding special events).

Are there ticket options that include both the castle and other attractions?

Yes, you can choose a standard ticket for full access to the castle and grounds, or opt for a combo day tour that includes other landmarks like Canterbury Cathedral and Dover Castle

Is Leeds Castle accessible by public transport?

Yes. The nearest station is Bearsted, and a shuttle bus operates seasonally between the station and the castle. You can also take a taxi or local bus services from nearby towns.

How long should I plan to spend at Leeds Castle?

Most visitors spend 3-4 hours exploring the estate, including the castle interiors, gardens, maze, and falconry displays. If you're bringing kids or planning a picnic, you could easily make a full day of it.

When does my 12-month admission ticket become valid?

Your 12-month validity begins from the date you select at the time of booking.

Do I need to reserve a specific time slot before visiting?

No, your ticket allows entry at any time during opening hours on your chosen date.

What should I do if I feel unwell before my visit?

If you're unwell, contact your ticket provider to check if your booking can be rescheduled or refunded within their cancellation policy.

What happens if it rains on the day of my visit?

The castle stays open in most weather. Bring a raincoat or umbrella—indoor areas like the castle rooms and cafés offer shelter.

Can I bring my own food into the castle grounds?

Yes, you're welcome to bring your own picnic, but barbecues are not allowed anywhere on the estate.

Is Leeds Castle wheelchair-accessible?

Yes, nearly all areas of the castle (except the Maze and Grotto) are accessible. You can get more information on the official website.

Headout is an authorized and trusted partner of the venue, offering curated experiences to enjoy this attraction. This is not the venue's website.

Dive deep into Leeds Castle's illustrious past, the royal retreat with included access for select ticket holders.
Ride in style with our luxury, air-conditioned coach, and stay connected with onboard free Wi-Fi.
Benefit from your expert tour guide’s tales and enjoy clear, personal audio sets for a fully immersive experience.
Behold Canterbury’s majestic stained glass artistry and stand atop Dover’s iconic cliffs. A visual treat awaits!
Choose the ticket options without entry to Canterbury Cathedral to get free time to explore the area.

Inclusions

Full-day tour of Leeds Castle, Canterbury Cathedral & White Cliffs of Dover
Luxury air-conditioned coach
Professional tour guide
Personal audio sets
Free Wi-Fi
Entry into Leeds Castle
Entry into Canterbury Cathedral (optional)

Exclusions

Food and beverages

Tip: Pack a medieval-themed picnic! Enjoy bread, cheese, and apple juice for an authentic snack break.
Wear comfortable shoes as there will be walking involved.

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Day Trips

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Full-Day tour of Leeds Castle, Canterbury Cathedral & White Cliffs of Dover

Dive deep into Leeds Castle's illustrious past, the royal retreat with included access for select ticket holders.
Ride in style with our luxury, air-conditioned coach, and stay connected with onboard free Wi-Fi.
Benefit from your expert tour guide’s tales and enjoy clear, personal audio sets for a fully immersive experience.
Behold Canterbury’s majestic stained glass artistry and stand atop Dover’s iconic cliffs. A visual treat awaits!
Choose the ticket options without entry to Canterbury Cathedral to get free time to explore the area.

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Free cancellation

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

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Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.

10 hr. 30 min.

Guided tour