Visit Leeds Castle and take advantage of the exclusive offer when traveling with Eurotunnel Le Shuttle.
Discover Leeds Castle
Nearly 900 years of history and over 200 hectares of wooded parkland and formal gardens nestled in Kent, that's what Leeds Castle has in store for you. Located in Kent, around 30 minutes from our terminal in Folkestone, this stunning castle boasts a unique history. You and your family will enjoy visits to the surroundings of the castle: labyrinth and cave, impressive falconry shows, various activities, boat trips in the moat of the castle, playgrounds and much more!
Visitors can take in the breathtaking view offered at first glance by the castle, which stands majestically on its moat. Open all year round, there is always new things to discover. Leeds Castle also organizes ticketed events throughout the year, including the spectacular fireworks display and classical music concert.
Don't forget to visit the Museum of Dog Collars
Dog collar museum
This unique collection of historic and fascinating dog collars collected over the years is now the only one of its kind in Britain.
Mrs. Gertrude Hunt very generously presented her collection of necklaces to the Leeds Castle Foundation in memory of her husband, John Hunt, the prestigious specialist in the Middle Ages.
The collection of over 100 necklaces and related pieces has since been expanded and enhanced by the Foundation itself. Spanning five centuries, the collection includes examples of collars ranging from fearsome restraints for the great hunting dogs of the past to canine couture for our companions in the 21st century.
The Dog Collar Museum is now housed in the new exhibit center located in Fairfax Courtyard.
Leeds Castle has something for everyone
Discover Leeds Castle
Open all year round, combining heritage and history, beautiful gardens, and attractions, it will be the setting for the memories you choose to create there. While swans glide majestically over the waters of the moat and peacocks strut through the gardens, impressive birds of prey soar above this former royal residence during falconry performances.
The castle library is a must see
In all seasons, the gardens are an explosion of colors. Clumps of bulbs and wild flowers in the spring in the Wood Garden, aromatic herbs and roses in the very English Culpeper Garden or borders of Mediterranean plants in the Lady Baillie Garden.
Take time to see the beautiful ‘Lady Baillie Garden’
Castle Island
The stone bridge by which one reaches the castle was originally a wooden drawbridge. The fortified house has hardly changed since the 13th century; it then welcomed serfs and horses and served as a fortification in the event of an attack. As we see it today, the castle is the result of more than 900 years of modifications and improvements. Its foundations are Norman and the fortified house medieval. The 'Gloriette', built by Edward I, was remodeled under Henry VIII. One tower dates from Tudor times and one of the mansions from the 19th century. All the buildings were also considerably refurbished in the 20th century.
Maiden's Tower
Named after a previous tower in which a recluse nun lived, the 'Tower of the Maiden' was built in Tudor times as a bread oven and brewhouse where the 'small beer' drunk with every meal was prepared, because it was healthier than water. During Lady Baillie's time, it was transformed into a "single corner" for guests, with a cinema room and smoking room on the ground floor before becoming the residence of her youngest daughter and her family until 2003. It now hosts exhibitions and offers its unusual setting for special receptions.
Leeds Castle, the most beautiful castle in the world
1,200 hectares of land originally surrounded the castle. The current park is not as extensive but contains several farms, groves, a golf course and various gardens. In spring, the Wood Garden, the 'tree garden' along the Len, is a particularly pleasant way to approach the castle. Its beds of daffodils, narcissus and anemones are a vibrant ode to colour. A little later in the year, it is the azaleas and rhododendrons that delight visitors.
Culpeper Garden
Named after the family that owned Leeds Castle in the 17th century, this garden was originally the estate's kitchen garden.
A garden of rare beauty
When Lady Baillie bought the castle, she transformed it into a flower garden. Then in 1980, it became an English garden designed by landscape gardener Russell Page.
With its informal layout and its small hedges, this very English garden has many roses, lupines, poppies and aurones, mixed with exotic flowers to create a profusion of colors and scents.
Lady Baillie Garden
Inaugurated in 1999 by HRH Princess Alexandra, Honorary Chair of the Leeds Castle Foundation, 'Lady Baillie's Garden' was designed by landscape architect Christopher Carter, where Lady Baillie's aviaries stood.
Facing south and in a Mediterranean style, this garden is particularly appreciated by visitors to the castle, who can rest there while enjoying beautiful views of Great Water, the estate's lake.
Location:
Leeds Castle
Maidstone, Kent
ME17 1PL
Tel : +44 (0) 1622 765400
www.leeds-castle.com
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