Romantic Leeds Castle

Visit the idyllic, fairytale Leeds Castle in Maidstone, Kent, England and add some adventure to your London vacations on your trips to London. This magical castle has often been called “the loveliest castle in the world”.

Leeds Castle was built in 1119 and served as a royal palace for King Edward l of England in 1278, and during the English Civil War was used as an arsenal and a prison and escaped destruction.

Over time, the castle has undergone many major improvements. In 1823, the castle was completed in the Tudor style and a sundial was added in an alcove along the stone wall.

The Castle is built on several islands in a small lake formed by the River Len.

A Barbican was added with a gatehouse entrance, a drawbridge over the moat, a gate and a portcullis.

Enjoy the Beautiful Scenery at Leeds Castle

There are many outdoor activities to entertain you while enjoying the beautiful scenery.

Take a romantic stroll through the stunning grounds of the park estate or get lost in the spiralling Castle maze made with 2,400 yew trees.

If you are a golf enthusiast, plan to spend time during your holidays in London at the Leeds Castle golf course and visit the fully stocked golf shop.

This romantic castle is surrounded by lovely landscape and in the Cascade Garden you can see water cascading from Cedar Pond.

Walking along the lovely River Len is exhilarating as the vibrant burst of colour appears in the spring in the carpet of Anemones, Narcissi and Daffodils.

In the summer, your senses will be delighted with the gorgeous Azaleas and Rhododendrons.

Take a stroll in the English styled Culpepper Garden to see the exotic blooms and a variety of flowers including Poppies, Lupins and Roses, or wander over to the Mediterranean styled Lady Baillie Garden.

For birdwatchers, discover the exotic birds from all over the world in the Aviary which is home to over 100 species. Watch the free-flying World of Wings bird show which features a variety of wonderful birds, including Eagles, Parrots, Black Kites and Storks.

Leeds Castle Fun Activities for the Whole Family

There are plenty of activities for the whole family and children can play in the scale model of the castle in the large playground built completely in wood.

Kids can explore the Secret Tunnels, scale the Revetment Wall, climb the Maiden’s Tower, or cross the bridge between the Castle and Gloriette.

There are many adventures to be enjoyed in the Knights’ Realm with rope walkways, slides and tunnels.

Enjoy Leeds Castle Cuisine

London tours of the countryside are not complete without a hearty lunch or snack. Whether you choose to relax and have a light bite at the Maze Market Grill, with its covered outdoor seating near the maze, or feast on a hearty meal at the Fairfax Hall Restaurant.

The 17th century oak-beamed Fairfax Hall Restaurant has spectacular views of Castle over the moat. Its wonderful rustic farmhouse kitchen has oak and wrought iron furnishings that add to the romantic ambiance.

Enjoy the excellent variety of fresh home-made dishes and cakes while you lounge and admire the views of the beautiful castle.

Shopping at Leeds Castle

In addition to great landscaping and superb restaurant, the Castle offers lovely shops for your London day tours with unique gift ideas and souvenirs for every occasion and family member.

There is a wide range of products including Leeds Castle wines, and new products are introduced frequently to provide visitors with unique items, including local foods.

Trips to London and Staying at Leeds Castle

If you would like to visit the Castle as part of your London tours, and its beautiful setting at a leisurely pace rather than simply a day trip, you can stay at one of the charming self-catering holiday cottages, which are luxuriously decorated with modern facilities, including modern bathrooms and fully-equipped kitchen facilities.

The interior of the castle has been beautifully decorated by a French architect and a Parisian decorator and the cottages are just as lovely.

Romantic Castle Accommodations

This would be very convenient especially if you plan to attend a special event at the Castle on one of your trips to London.

London Day Tours to Leeds Castle

There are several travel options to the Castle during your holidays in London.

You can rent an auto, take the train or relax on a guided bus tour which will take you to the Castle.

By Auto:

• Travel time is at least 1 hour from London
• 7 miles east of Maidstone at Junction 8 of the M20 motorway
• 30 minutes from the Channel Tunnel and Channel Ports
• 30 minutes from Dartford River Crossing
• Follow the brown and white tourist signs.

By Train:

• Take the train to Bearsted Station and then a shuttle bus to the Castle.
• The train services run frequently to and from Bearsted Station.
• Hollingbourne Station is closer, but has no shuttle service and is a 3 mile walk to the Castle.
• If you enjoy hiking, this may be an option for you but the station is on a deserted lane and may not be suitable for the lone traveller.

By Bus:

• Take one of the London Bus Tours to the Castle.
• These London tours may also include a visit to Canterbury Cathedral and the White Cliffs of Dover.

If you have booked one of the London tours and are on a tight schedule, do some research before you visit the castle and select the sites you would like to see. If you take the train or are driving, make sure to enjoy every venue at Leeds Castle.

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