Leeds Castle

Maidstone

Type:Castle / Fort

Maidstone, Kent, ME17 1PL

Tel: +44 01622 765400

Exterior view of Leeds Castle, Kent

About

Just 4 miles south of Maidstone, Leeds Castle is one of the best preserved historic castles in South East England, as well as one of the most iconic.

The castle is set in over 500 acres of lush green parkland and is ideal for long relaxing strolls and picnics. Dating back to 1119, Leeds Castle has been altered, rebuilt and added to over the past 900 years.

You'll find medieval gatehouses and Norman foundations, Tudor towers and a Gloriette updated during Henry VIII's reign, as well as 19th century additions. All of this was lovingly restored during the mid 20th Century by Lady Baillie, the last private owner of Leeds Castle.

Not only was the stonework revived to its former glory, but Lady Baillie also filled Leeds Castle with a stunning and somewhat eclectic range of antiques, paintings and tapestries. Not surprisingly, this opulent home used to be a hit with film stars, royalty and politicians who were frequently invited to the many parties.

There are also plenty of attractions to keep the kids and everyone else entertained for an entire day. There's castle-themed playgrounds, falconry displays, a maze and underground grotto, and a whole host of different events and activities throughout the year.

There is also a scenic pay-and-play golf course nearby, as well as Segway Tours and a Go Ape high wire adventure course across this lovely stretch of Kent countryside.

Book Tickets

Guide Prices

Ticket TypeTicket Tariff
Explorer Annual Adult Disabled Ticket£27.00 per ticket
Explorer Annual Adult Ticket£30.00
Explorer Annual Child (3-15 years)£22.50
Explorer Annual Child Disabled Ticket£20.00 per ticket

Visitor with Disability ticket includes one free carer.

For groups and educational tours please contact us for information.

Facilities

Accessibility

  • Facilities for Hearing Impaired Visitors - Induction loop available
  • Facilities for Visually Impaired Visitors - Audio tour can be collected from the Dog Collar Museum.
  • Guide Dogs Permitted
  • Toilets for Disabled Visitors

Catering

  • On-Site cafe/restaurant
  • Picnic Site

Establishment Features

  • Conference facilities
  • Staff fluent in foreign languages ** (List of languages are separately given)

Parking & Transport

  • On site parking

Payment Methods

  • Delta accepted
  • Groups Accepted - Although pre-booking is not essential, it is advisable.
  • Maestro Accepted
  • MasterCard accepted
  • Special group rates
  • Visa accepted

Provider Preferences

  • In countryside
  • Indoor Attraction
  • Outdoor Attraction

Specialist Features

  • Family Fun
  • Marketed Towards Families

Tours and Demonstrations

  • Educational Visits Accepted
  • Guided Tours Available for Groups
  • Guided Tours Available for Individuals

TripAdvisor

Map & Directions

Awards

  • Regional and Miscellaneous -Beautiful South Awards Winners 2016/17 – Silver Beautiful South Awards Winners 2016/17 – Silver 2016
  • Regional and Miscellaneous -Beautiful South Awards Winners 2018/19 – Gold Beautiful South Awards Winners 2018/19 – Gold 2018
  • Regional and Miscellaneous -Beautiful South Awards Winners 2019/20 - Silver Beautiful South Awards Winners 2019/20 - Silver 2019
  • Tourism South East Award -Beautiful South Awards Winners 2023/24 - Silver Beautiful South Awards Winners 2023/24 - Silver 2023
  • Tourism South East Award -Tourism South East Member 24/25 - Bronze Tourism South East Member 24/25 - Bronze 2024

Opening Times

Open New Year
October to March (1 Oct 2024 - 31 Mar 2025)
DayTimes
Monday - Sunday10:00 - 17:00*
April to September (1 Apr 2025 - 30 Sept 2025)
DayTimes
Monday - Sunday10:00 - 18:00*

* Open every day of the year, excluding Christmas Day (open only to Fireworks ticket holders during the Fireworks Spectacular weekend).

* Castle opens: 10:30am
Last admission - 3pm
Shop open - 10am – 4.30pm

Dates and times marked with a '*' are provisional and may be subject to change

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