Leeds Castles

 

Leeds Castle is one of the most beautiful castles in England and is often referred to as ‘the loveliest castle in the World’. Leeds Castle has a chequered history which moves from its construction as an earthwork enclosure with wooden pallisades to a Motte and Bailey castle in the style of a Donjon by William the Conqueror to a fortified stone fortress built by King Edward I (r.1272-1307). William the Conqueror used enforced Anglo-Saxon labour for work on the construction of Leeds Castle. The original wooden castle was replaced by a fortified stone castle in 1119. An important feature of Leeds Castle is its access to the River Len. During the re-construction of Leeds Castle men by King Edward I equipment and building materials were transported by boats to the site of the castle. Once Leeds Castle had been built built fresh supplies, provisions and reinforcements prevented the castle occupants from being starved into submission during siege warfare. The decline of the feudal system saw castles built as fortified strongholds were no longer owned by feudal lords (this was seen as a risk to the monarchy). At this point in history King Henry VIII converted the castle into a Royal palace.

Leeds Castle is situated on the River Len where it was built by built on two adjacent islands. The name Leeds originates from the name of a chief minister of King Ethelbert IV ( 856-860) called Ledian ( it is not associated with the city of Leeds! )

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 a child-sized maze, a castle-themed playground, open-air concerts, falconry exhibitions, a working aviary, a vineyard, a grotto, restaurants and cafés.

There is also a scenic pay-and-play golf course nearby, as well as hot air balloon flights across this lovely stretch of Kent countryside.

Leeds Castle provides a venue for many country events in Kent. The castle can be booked for conferences, weddings, and other private gatherings. On the first Saturday of every month, the castle hosts Kentish Evenings, featuring a cocktail reception, a private Leeds Castle tour, and a five-course meal. In June and July, Leeds Castle hosts large open-air concerts, featuring music and performances.

Leeds Castle is just 40 miles from London, so it is easily accessible from London hotels. Trains run from London Victoria train station to Maidstone, four miles from the castle. There are also several good hotels in Maidstone, including the Grangemoor, a large, well-furbished hotel near the center of the town.

Leeds Castle is open daily, year-round from 10 am until 5 pm (3 pm in the winter). Admission for adults to the grounds and castle is about $25 per person. Admission to just the grounds is slightly cheaper. Family passes are also available.

Leeds Castle England may not be as famous as Windsor Castle, or as historically important as Scotland’s Stirling Castle, but its romance and beauty is unrivaled in British castles.