Leeds Castle, Lady Baillie's Kent Home
Leeds Castle - Lady Baillie's Kent Home
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Leeds Castle - Lady Baillie's Kent Home
Leeds Castle is probably most peoples' idea of what a castle should look like with ancient stone walls and a moat. In fact it's built on two islands and surrounded by the waters of the river Len. It is undoubtedly one of the most impressive sights in Kent.
There was a wooden castle built on the site in the 9th century and it is believed to have been the seat of the Saxon Kings. The present castle was constructed soon after the Norman conquest and became a royal palace in the reign of Edward I. It remained a royal castle until, after the death of Henry VIII when it was given to Sir Anthony St Leger and after that remained in private hands.
The last owner was an American heiress, Lady Baillie who bought it in 1926 and then set about restoring the castle and grounds to their former glory. The house was left to the nation in 1975 following the death of Lady Baillie.
In addition to the furnished rooms there are a number of attractions including a dog collar museum, a golf course, a maze, which was planted with 2,400 yew trees and a grotto at its centre. The impressive park and various woodland walks around parts of the 500 acres of land that comprises the estate, are open all year round.
The aviary was established almost 50 years ago by Lady Baillie, and is now home to over 100 species. It was opened in 1988 by Princess Alexandra who is the royal patron of the Leeds Castle foundation. In addition to the aviaries there is a duckery which is a haven for a stunning collection of waterfowl. In the 1930’s some of the first known black swans were introduced onto the castle moat.
The interior of the castle is breathtaking, it includes several rooms furnished in an imitation of the original style. This includes the queen’s room, bathroom, and the Henry VIII’s Banqueting Hall.
Leeds Castle also has rooms for hire in aid of any special occasion, there is a dedicated team who will help and advise on and facilitate any special event, including conferences, dinners and weddings. Leeds Castle is also home to various events, including concerts and festivals. Here is a selection of some of the planned events 2008. Please see the website for more information.
The castle is at Leeds near Maidstone and is signposted from Junction 8 of the M20. Wheelchair access everywhere except top floors of Castle and Maze
Special Events 2012
Will appear here soon.
Visit the regularly updated website at www.leeds-castle.com for the full programme of special and ticketed events.
LEEDS CASTLE ATTRACTIONS:
Gardens
The gardens offer continuous colour throughout the year, from a mass of spring bulbs in the Wood Garden, through fragrant roses and summer country garden favourites in the Culpeper Garden, to late flowering borders in the Mediterranean Lady Baillie Garden.
Aviary
See rare and exotic birds in the Aviary and learn about the castle’s contribution to important global conservation projects and breeding programmes. Become a “Keeper for a Day” to find out what goes on behind the scenes at the Aviary.
Dog Collar Museum
Contains the largest display of antique dog collars in the world. The impressive collection of around 100 collars traces the history of canine neckwear from medieval to Victorian times.
Maze and Grotto
Follow the winding path through the Yew Maze to a raised viewpoint giving panoramic views, then return through a magical grotto representing the underworld back to daylight.
Knights’ Realm Playground
Based on a scale model of the castle and built entirely in wood. Children can climb the Maiden’s Tower, joust along an aerial runway and zip wire to the ground at amazing speed. The Toddler’s Play Area close by is designed for under 5’s.
ADITIONAL ACTIVITIES
Pay & Play Golf Course
The castle’s scenic 9-hole, par 33 golf course offers a combination of blind tees, strategically placed bunkers and medieval moat to provide challenging and rewarding holes from start to finish. Call The Golf Shop on 01622 880467 or visit www.leeds-castle.com
Go Ape!
Test your nerves and agility on the Go Ape! high wire forest adventure in the castle parkland. For further details and to book online visit www.goape.co.uk or call the Go Ape! telephone booking centre on 0845 643 9215.
Segways at Leeds Castle
Take a 40 minute escorted tour of the castle’s picturesque grounds on a Segway, the world’s only self balancing personal transporter. For further information and to book online visit www.southernsegway.com or call 07895 057356.
Admission Prices - 1 April 2011 to 31 March 2012
- Adults £18.50
- Senior Citizens (over 60yrs) £16.00
- Students & Visitors with Disabilities £16.00
- Children (4-15yrs) £11.00
All children must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
Opening Times
Open all year round.
Closed to day visitors on 16 & 17 July, 5 & 6 November and Christmas Day 2011.
1 April to 30 September 2011 (Summer)
Open: 10am daily
Last ticket sold (last entry): 4.30pm
Gates close at 6pm
Castle Opening Times
Open: 10.30am-5.30pm
Last entry to the castle is at 5pm
Contact:
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Leeds Castle
Maidstone
Kent ME17 1PL -
01622 765400
All times, descriptions and rates are liable to change.
Please refer to our disclaimer, Yourcounty does not have any responsibility for the content of external websites.
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