Leeds Castle Tickets & Tours
Leeds Castle Admission Tickets
Explore Leeds Castle and its surrounding verdant parks.
- Visit Leeds Castle, which is surrounded by 500 acres of parkland and a moat.
- Discover 900 years of history at the Gatehouse Exhibition — about the castle's evolution from a Norman stronghold to a royal residence to a beloved tourist attraction.
- Check out the Dog Collar Museum, which exhibits canine neckwear from over 500 years.
- Explore the Knights' Stronghold Playground and Leeds Castle Maze & Grotto.
- Inclusions: Entry into Leeds Castle.
- Schedule: The castle is open daily from 10:30 AM to 4 PM (last entry at 3:30 PM).
- Validity: This ticket is valid on the date and time selected during checkout.
- Redemption: Your ticket redemption point is at Leeds Castle.
- This ticket cannot be canceled, amended, or rescheduled.
Leeds Castle, Canterbury Cathedral & White Cliffs of Dover Tour
Explore the best of the southern United Kingdom on a day tour.
- Discover the lovely Leeds Castle, where your guide will walk you through the everyday lives of the Tudors.
- Admire the stained glass windows of one of the oldest cathedrals in England, Canterbury Cathedral.
- Stop at the coast to admire the incredible White Cliffs of Dover.
- Head south to Greenwich, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a rich maritime history.
- Private air-conditioned coach
- Professional Tour Guide
- Entry into Leeds Castle
- Entry into Canterbury Cathedral
- Personal audio sets
- Schedule: The tour lasts about 10 hours, starting at 9 AM and ending at 7 PM.
- Validity: This ticket is valid on the date and time selected during checkout.
- Meeting Point: Your tour guide will be waiting for you at the entrance of Victoria Coach Station.
- You may cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Nearly seventy kilometres south-east of London in the county of Kent lies Leeds Castle. The castle was constructed in 1119 on islands in a lake formed by the River Len. It served as a Norman stronghold, the private property of six medieval queens, a country house, and even as the palace of the infamous Henry VIII and his first wife, Catherine of Aragon.
Today, it is a beloved tourist attraction for families. It is also a great day trip destination from London. Read on to find out which is the best Leeds Castle ticket for you.
Visiting Leeds Castle Post-COVID 19
Leeds Castle reopened to the public in August 2020 with health measures and guidelines in place to ensure visitors’ safety. Different parts of the castle will open up in phases as per COVID regulations.
Health Measures & Guidelines at Leeds Castle
- The venue is operating at reduced visitor capacity with pre-booked time slots.
- Social distancing mandatory with one-way systems in place.
- Contactless payment only is allowed on-site.
- All staff are using personal protective equipment.
- Visitors are required to bring their own masks and keep them on at all times.
- Handwashing and sanitising stations installed throughout the premises.
- Leeds Castle Maze, Punting, Black Swan Ferry, Castle Train, and Gatehouse Exhibition are closed until further notice.
- Leeds Castle Fireworks Spectacular on the weekend of 7 and 8 November 2020 has been cancelled.
- Leeds Castle Christmas Market has also been cancelled.
Why visit Leeds Castle
Often referred to as “the loveliest castle in the world”, Leeds Castle in Kent is a visual treat for all visitors. While the structure and its surrounding verdant grounds are pleasing to the eye, the castle is also known for its array of family-friendly activities. It has falconry displays, adventure golf, a playground, and the popular Leeds Castle Maze, which was created in 1987 with 2,400 yew trees.
On the lake formed by River Len, this castle has been a Norman stronghold, a mansion, a country manor, and the private property of six queens. Today, it is a popular tourist attraction in Kent, visited by over half a million people annually.
Distance
Leeds Castle is 68 kilometres from London.
All Your Leeds Castle Ticket Options
A guided tour is an enriching experience, as you are accompanied by an informed guide who gives you insight into Leeds Castle’s history. Your transportation is taken care of, ensuring a smooth and hassle free experience.
A self-guided tour is one where you can explore Leeds Castle at your own leisure. You can choose when and how you want to go and arrange your own transportation, giving you the flexibility to make your own itinerary.
In a combo tour, you will visit Leeds Castle, along with one or more attractions like Canterbury Cathedral. You will go on this tour with an expert guide, and transportation is pre-arranged for a stress-free visit.
Discounted Leeds Castle tickets: Children under the age of 4 enter the castle for free, and those aged between 4-15 pay £17 for a ticket, compared to a regular adult entry price of £26. Seniors and students with valid ID pay about £24. Visitors with disability also pay a discounted price along with free entry for their carer.
Guided vs. Self-Guided Tours
- You will be accompanied by an expert guide.
- Guided tours are usually done as part of a group, where you can meet people from around the world.
- Your pick up, drop off, and transportation within Leeds Castle is included in your tickets.
- As part of a guided tour, you will follow a fixed itinerary to cover as much as possible within the attraction.
- You can explore Leeds Castle & grounds at your own leisure.
- Your self-guided visit is not done as part of a new group — you will be visiting the location with the people you plan the trip with.
- Transportation is not included in this self-guided tour; you will have to arrange for it by yourself.
- A self-guided tour is flexible in that you can set your own itinerary and visit the places you want to at your own pace.
Which Leeds Castle Tickets Are Perfect For You?
1. If you’re looking for something easy on the pocket...
If you're on a budget, purchase coach tickets as it is one of the cheaper transport options. You can get general admission tickets to Leeds Castle, but if you want to get information as well, get the tickets with audio guides.
2. If you want to delve deeper...
If you’re looking to discover Leeds Castle and learn about its history, take a guided tour. Your expert guide will give you all the information you need, and more. Additionally, your transportation is included in the guided tour, ensuring a smooth experience.
3. If you want to explore beyond Leeds Castle...
Go beyond Leeds Castle with combo tickets. You can visit other popular attractions such as Canterbury Cathedral and Dover Castle with your tickets. You will be accompanied by a tour guide and your transfers will be pre-arranged.
What to See at Leeds Castle
Explore the castle in all its glory and discover the history of the Leeds Castle. Constructed in 1119, the castle has served both military and leisure purposes. Once a royal residence, today it is a popular attraction in Kent.
One of the many attractions aimed towards children, the Knights' Stronghold Playground and the Squires’ Courtyard Playground feature fun activities like zip line, sand pits, fireman’s poles, and more.
A unique square maze with a circular pattern, the Leeds Castle maze is made of 2400 yew trees. Get lost in the maze and try to find your way to the grotto in the center.
This unique museum exhibits dog collars over the course of five centuries. The oldest one dates to the 15th century, and is one among the 130+ rare collars.
Featuring a range of birds like Hawks, Vultures, Falcons, and Owls, Falconry Display takes place behind the Maze.
Housing a variety of birds such as eagles, owls, hawks, and more, visitors can learn about these magnificent creatures at the Center.
Plan Your Visit to Leeds Castle
- Coach: You can take a bus from London Victoria to Hollingbourne Bus Station: Bus numbers 814 and 021 will take you till Maidstone King Street. From here, Bus number 10X will take you to Hollingbourne, which is a 15-minute walk from the castle. The duration of the journey will be close to four hours.
- Train: You can take a train from London to Bearsted Station, which is the closest train station to the castle. From here, you can take a coach shuttle service between April to September. From October to March, there will be a private shuttle service that you can avail.
- Car: One can also drive down to Leeds, Kent from London. The castle is located near Junction 8 of the M20. The journey will take you a little over an hour.
- Guided tour: As part of a guided tour, your transportation from London to Leeds Castle is arranged in a private air-conditioned coach.
While Leeds, Kent is charming throughout the year, the best time to visit the castle is between May and September. The weather is pleasant, and one can explore the castle and its grounds freely. However, please note that June-August is high tourist season in the city, so ensure you visit before or after this time if you want to visit when it is not as crowded.
Leeds Castle has quite a few eateries that one can head to if they are hungry. Currently, the Castle View Restaurant is open for visitors.
Starting Spring 2021, tourists can also have tea at the terrace in the restaurant with scones, pastries, and sandwiches.
You can also have Afternoon Tea at the Castle in one of the State Rooms with a variety of sandwiches and sweet treats.
When visiting Leeds Castle, you can pick from a variety of stay options. Choose from Bed & Breakfast, Manor House, hotels, or cottages — and if you’re feeling adventurous, you can even go glamping for a glamorous camping experience.
Here are some Leeds Castle accommodation options for visitors:
- Bed & Breakfast: Stable Courtyard Bed & Breakfast and Maiden’s Tower Bed & Breakfast
- Holiday Cottage: Keeper's House, Weir Cottage, Earl's Cottage, and Battel Hall
- Glamping: Knight’s Glamping on the Castle vineyard, which opens in 2021
You can purchase souvenirs and other things at the Leeds Castle shops. Alongside themed and seasonal souvenirs, you can purchase jewellery, decorations, scarves, snacks, and beverages.
You can also purchase Union Jack-themed memorabilia and local products such as Kent cider, liquor, and honey, among other things.
- Explore the Leeds Castle.
- Take a walk in the grounds.
- Visit the many gardens, such as Culpeper Garden, Princess Alexandra Gardens, and The Lady Baillie Mediterranean Garden Terraces.
- Aviary enthusiasts can head to Birds of Prey and Falconry Displays.
- Get lost in the iconic Leeds Castle Maze.
- Visit the Gatehouse Exhibition and Dog Collar Museum.
- Experience Leeds Castle Fireworks and Christmas Market in the winter.
Visitor Tips for Leeds Castle
- Ensure you wear comfortable shoes as covering the castle and the gardens requires a considerable amount of walking.
- Audio tours are currently unavailable, so if you are looking for a knowledgeable experience, go for a guided tour.
- If visiting with children, the best time to visit is between July and September, when there are many family-friendly activities in the castle.
- Currently, Leeds Castle admission tickets give visitors free repeat visits for 15 months from the date of purchase. The tickets can be used multiple times. Please note that this offer is valid till December 31, 2020, based on availability.
- Certain attractions like the Maze, Black Swan Ferry, and Gatehouse Exhibition are temporarily closed. Check in advance before you go to avoid disappointment.
All Your Questions About Leeds Castle Tickets Answered
While slightly more expensive, guided tours are a great way to explore Leeds Castle. You are accompanied by an expert guide and transport is arranged, ensuring a relaxed and stress-free visit.
Yes, Leeds Castle has been welcoming visitors after it reopened in August 2020. Several health guidelines are in place to ensure the safety of visitors.
Children under the age of 4 enter the castle for free. Children aged 4-15 pay £17 for a ticket, compared to a regular adult entry price of £26. Seniors and students with valid ID pay about £24. Visitors with disability also pay a discounted price along with free entry for their carer.
As Leeds Castle is only allowing those with pre-booked tickets, it is best to book them in advance to get the date and time slot you prefer.
Yes, you can. However, this is subject to availability — as the castle only allows visitors with pre-booked tickets, you may have difficulty finding one on the same day as most people book in advance.
Due to current health & safety regulations, audio guided tours have been temporarily suspended. If you would like to get information about the castle while you're visiting, you can take a guided tour.
A Leeds Castle tour usually takes about two hours. If combined with other locations, your tour could take up to 10-11 hours.
The best time to visit Leeds Castle is between May and September. If you're visiting with kids, July-September is a great time to visit as this is when there are a lot of activities and events at the premises.
Yes, nearly all areas of the castle (except the Maze and Grotto) are accessible. You can get more information on the official website.