Explore Leeds Castle and its surrounding verdant parks.
Explore the best of the southern United Kingdom on a day tour.
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.
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.
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.
Leeds Castle is 68 kilometres from London.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.