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Known as ‘The Loveliest Castle in World’, I am very fortunate to have this spectacular Kent landmark right on my doorstep. I’ve visited more times than I can count over the years so thought it was about time I wrote a blog post about it! If you’re searching for things to do in Kent, then read on for my ultimate Leeds Castle review.
Visiting Leeds Castle
Not to be confused with the city of Leeds in Yorkshire, Leeds Castle can be found in Kent, in a village called Leeds which is on the outskirts of Maidstone. If you’re travelling by car, then parking is ample. It is also within easy reach by train, which is particularly handy if you’re visiting on a day trip from London.
Opening times vary by season and attraction. Tickets start at £34.50 online (per adult) but are valid for a whole year. This is great if you plan on visiting more than once. There are also family and concessions tickets too. Note that dogs are not permitted – so please leave them at home!
A Brief History of Leeds Castle
Evolving from an 11th century Norman stronghold to a Royal residence and then later a private residence of an Anglo-American heiress, Leeds Castle has quite the history – spanning over 900 years! Its history is filled with “strong and visionary women”, having been owned by six medieval Queens of England. The most notable woman however is heiress Lady Olive Baillie. In the 1920’s, she was the castle’s final private owner. She restored the crumbling estate making Leeds Castle one of England’s finest country houses and a place for high-society parties.
Things to do at Leeds Castle
There’s plenty to keep the whole family entertained here and if you visit on a sunny day, then it’s a great place to enjoy a picnic beside the river. In this Leeds Castle review I will give a brief run down of what to expect.
Castle and Gardens
Firstly, there’s the castle itself. You can take a walk around the various rooms of the castle to see how it looked during the 1930s and Lady Baillie’s era. I personally prefer the gardens. There are several gardens across the estate but my favourite is The Culpeper Garden which was originally the castle’s kitchen garden. It has lots of neat little paths and an abundance of blooms, whatever the season.
Leeds Castle for kids
Leeds Castle is a great day out in Kent with kids. Head towards the back of the castle estate to find a variety of attractions for the whole family. Firstly, there is the maze. It’s been quite some time since I have attempted the maze but once you reach the centre, there is a small grotto to be discovered. There is also an adventure golf course close by. This is a small additional fee to take part but includes a cute miniature version of the castle to hit your ball around.
One of the newer attractions in this area is The Beach, although it isn’t really a beach, just a large sandpit. However, my toddler loves it! The sandpit/beach is a seasonal attraction, so if you’re visiting during winter then don’t expect it to be open. There are also a couple of playgrounds here too, castle themed of course. The Knights Stronghold playground is for children 6 and over, where as the Squires Courtyard playground is for smaller kids and even has a couple of ziplines which my daughter finds great fun. For bigger kids, you can find an obstacle course beside the Bird of Prey centre.
There is a cafe, toilets and baby change facilities in this area too.
Wildlife at Leeds Castle
It used to be famed for its peacocks and black swans (the black swan even features on the logo). Sadly they are no more, but you can see plenty of other birdlife here. You’ll mostly find ducks, white swans and geese. The Egyptian geese are particularly eye-catching.
As well as waterfowl, there is a Bird of Prey centre on the grounds. You can see the birds in their enclosures and there are ‘meet the keeper’ talks and falconry displays. During the summer months, these occur daily, however during winter they are usually only at the weekends or during schools holidays (weather permitting).
Leeds Castle offer falconry experiences too but these are an additional cost to your entrance ticket and must be booked in advance.
The Quirkiest Attraction at Leeds Castle
It wouldn’t be Quirky Little Planet without an honourable mention to the most unusual attraction at Leeds Castle. A dog collar museum. Yes, that’s right. There is a small museum dedicated to five centuries of canine neckwear. They were acquired from a private collection in the 1970s but has grown since then. The little museum can be found in the Stable Courtyard, opposite the cafe.
Getting around – the fun way!
The estate is fairly walkable on foot however two of the attractions are the Black Swan Ferry and Elsie the Castle Train. Both of these cost a little extra than the standard ticket. If you purchase a Leeds Castle Ultimate Explorer Ticket then you can take six trips on either transport included in the cost.
Both the ferry and train depart from roughly the same location (an area just before you approach the bridge to the castle itself). The ferry will take you across the water to where the playgrounds are, which is great if you have kids who don’t want to walk. The train takes you back to the entrance, so is ideal for your journey back to the car park with those tired little feet!
Dining and Shopping at Leeds Castle
There are several dining options at the castle. You can find a kiosk selling drinks and snacks where the ferry and train depart from. There is a cafe next to the playgrounds and also plenty of picnic spots. In the Stable Courtyard there is another cafe which can get quite busy during bad weather, plus a few outdoor kiosks selling ice cream, chips, coffees etc.
If you prefer to pack a picnic then there are plenty of benches and deckchairs dotted around the estate. Or come prepared with your own picnic rug.
Lastly, there is the Castle View Restaurant, which I am afraid I cannot comment on in this Leeds Castle Review as I haven’t yet dined there! I have heard that their afternoon tea is excellent.
As far as shops go, a recent addition is the second hand bookshop, which can be found across the deckchaired Pavilion Lawn. (FYI, the Pavilion Lawn is my favourite spot to picnic as it doesn’t get too crowded). There is also the main gift shop which unlike most other attraction gift shops, actually sells really pretty stuff that you want to gift (or keep!) rather that plastic tat aimed at children. There are also a couple of other gift shops near the castle and mini golf too.
Other Activities
If you’re feeling adventurous then there is a Go Ape course on the estate grounds. You can also ride a segway around some of the grounds too. Both of these activities are run independently to Leeds Castle itself and are therefore bookable directly with the companies.
Staying at Leeds Castle
Believe it or not, you can actually stay at Leeds Castle too. There are several different accommodation options available.
- The Stable Courtyard Bed and Breakfast comes highly rated and offers double, twin, single and family rooms.
- If you want to actually experience staying right by the castle itself then consider booking The Maidens Tower. Because who doesn’t want to be a Queen for the day (and night!)?!
- For a peaceful adults only retreat then the Lakeside Lodges offer accommodations with private terraces and stunning lakeside views.
Accommodations include breakfast, toiletries and entrance to the grounds. There are other accommodations available, such as cottages and glamping, but advance booking is recommended. Leeds Castle host many weddings, so on-site accommodation gets booked up quickly!
Hotels near Leeds Castle
If you’re looking to explore more of Kent (may I suggest my favourite coastal town, Folkestone?) then a hotel close to the castle may be better suited to you. Some hotels I would suggest that are nearby are:
- Mercure Maidstone Great Danes Hotel: This hotel is right round the corner from Leeds Castle, about a 10 minute walk from the front entrance. There’s an on-site gym, pool and spa which is an added bonus.
- The Windmill: This is a local pub with cosy rooms, less than 1km from Leeds Castle and a short distance from Hollingbourne train station for exploring more of Kent by rail.
- Chilston Park Hotel: A 17th century manor house with great afternoon tea around a 10 minute drive from the castle.
- The Potting Shed: Part of the Elite pubs chain, the food is good and the location is around a 6 minute drive from the castle.
Leeds Castle Events
There are many events over the year that are held at the castle. Some (such as Motors by the Moat) are included in the ticket price. Others events like the Christmas Lights Trail are ticketed separately. In my personal opinion, the place is much more enjoyable on an average day. Event days are mega busy! When I did the Christmas light trail in 2025 it was so crowded that I didn’t fully enjoy the experience.
Final Thoughts on my Leeds Castle Review
If you’re looking for things to do in Kent, then Leeds Castle is a crowd pleaser that offers something for everyone. My daughter loves coming here. She is a big fan of spotting the ducks, frolicking in the sandpit and playing in the playground. Be sure to check opening times and directions before your visit and I guarantee you’ll have a lovely time.