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Listed in the Domesday Book and originally the site of a manor for the Saxon royal family, Leeds Castle has been a Norman stronghold, royal residence for 6 of the medieval Queens of England, palace of Henry VIII and a 1920s country retreat. The Castle's last private owner, Lady Baillie, lovingly restored the Castle to its former glory and founded the Leeds Castle Foundation in 1974, a charitable trust. Today visitors can journey through 1000 years of fascinating history as they explore the castle, a treasure house of furnishings, paintings, tapestries and antiques.
Other attractions include: Knights' Realm Playground, Castle Craft Café, Children's Turf Maze, Hi Flyer Static Air Balloon*, Maze, Grotto, Pay and Play Golf Course*, Dog Collar Museum, Falconry, Bird Aviary, Special Events, Gardens, Vineyard, Gift Shops, Restaurant, Café, Go Ape High Wire Adventure Course*. (*Extra charge applies)
2010:
House-open daily from 11am until 4pm (last admissions) between 13 March and 31 October and between 27 November and 19 December 2010.
Gardens, Shops, Café-open daily all year from 10am until 6.30pm (dusk in winter). Shops & café close at 5pm.
PLEASE NOTE THAT AS LEEDS CASTLE IS OWNED BY A REGISTERED CHARITY IT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE HHA FRIENDS SCHEME AND MEMBERS & FRIENDS WILL HAVE TO PAY AN ENTRANCE FEE TO VISIT THIS PROPERTY
Key to the Castle - It's yours for a year and you only have to pay once! Tickets to Leeds Castle grant admission to the castle and grounds for one year from the date of purchase with the exception of our fireworks and concerts.
Please contact the property for up to date opening times
Leeds Castle is also a popular location for filmmakers and photographers. We can cater for both commercial and non-commercial projects and each enquiry is dealt with on an individual basis. Please fill in our Filming Request Form or Photo Shoot Request Form, both available on the Leeds Castle website, and we will contact you to discuss your project.
Filming/Productions of Interest: Queen Elizabeth - The Golden Age, The Apprentice (BBC), The Chris Moyles Show (Radio 1), T4 (Channel 4), The Antiques Roadshow (BBC)
Choose either to visit on a self-guided basis or come and do one of our nine themed workshops, each option provides a fun-packed itinerary ensuring that your class will gain the most from their day.
Enquiries & bookings - Workshop Information: helenellis@leeds-castle.co.uk
Bookings: 01622 767865 or groupbookings@leeds-castle.co.uk
All visits include access to the castle, grounds, aviary, maze and play area
Groups and special visitsBack to top
Listed in the Domesday Book and originally the site of a manor for the Saxon royal family, Leeds Castle has been a Norman stronghold, royal residence for 6 of the medieval Queens of England, palace of Henry VIII and a 1920s country retreat. The Castle's last private owner, Lady Baillie, lovingly restored the Castle to its former glory and founded the Leeds Castle Foundation in 1974, a charitable trust. Today visitors can journey through 1000 years of fascinating history as they explore the castle, a treasure house of furnishings, paintings, tapestries and antiques. | Tailor Made Facilities | | Visits to House | Yes | | Visits to Garden | Yes | | Other Events | Yes | | Light Refreshments | Yes | | Lunch | Yes | | Dinner | Yes |
| Contact Details | | Contact: | | Reception | | Address: | | Leeds Castle | | Town: | | Maidstone | | County: | | Kent | | Postcode: | | ME17 1PL | | Phone: | | 01622 765400 | | Email: | | enquiries@leeds-castle.co.uk |
Civil Ceremony and Wedding Reception
Available rooms include:
*The Dining Room provides an intimate location for ceremonies, small reception parties and dinner celebrations. The Library andDining Room can be used in any combination to create the perfect venue for smaller occasions.
*The Fairfax Hall & Terrace Room. The magnificent Fairfax Hall is an immaculately restored Kentish timberframed barn that dates from 1680. In a similar style, the adjoining Terrace Room offers some of the most breathtaking views of Leeds Castle. Doors lead out on to the terrace where guests can mingle on a summer's evening as they watch the castle's ancient stone walls in the twilight. The two are usually combined to create a splendid and memorable setting. Celebrate in style as you and your guests dance the night away, enjoying stunning views out over the castle.
*The Gatehouse is in one of the oldest parts of the castle and dates from the 13th century. Entirely self-contained, the Gatehouse's facilities include a reception area, private bar, cloakrooms and ceremony room, which offer an historic and intimate setting for marriage ceremonies and receptions.
*Situated in the Gloriette - the 13th century castle keep - the Henry VIII Banqueting Hall is named after the castle's most famous owner, and architect of many changes to the building. He was responsible for installing the magnificent bay windows, the panoramic views from which have changed little over the centuries. The largest room in the castle, measuring over 70ft in length, the Henry VIII Banqueting Hall provides a glimpse of what entertaining must have been like in Tudor times. With its heavily beamed ceiling and 16th century carved fireplace it is a majestic room, which can seat up to 100 guests for dinner. The hall is traditionally furnished and a blazing log fire provides the finishing touch in winter. Dancing can also be arranged in the nearby Heraldry Room.
For further details of room capacities and facilities please contact Leeds Castle or visit their website.
Picture a mediaeval castle, a royal palace and an elegant country retreat and you have Leeds Castle. Set on an island surrounded by a moat in the heart of Kent, the castle provides peace, privacy and security for residential and day conferences, meetings, corporate hospitality and banqueting.Leeds Castle has hosted important events since a reception took place in 1290 for Edward I and his French bride, Eleanor of Castile. In May 1520, an entire tented village was erected when Henry VIII, his queen Catherine of Aragon and a retinue of 4,000 courtiers stayed on their way to the \"Field of the Cloth of Gold\" tournament.
Olive, Lady Baillie, the castle's last private owner, wanted it to remain a place \"where people met and things happened\". In her day that ranged from legendary weekend house parties filled with Hollywood stars like Charlie Chaplain, Noel Coward and David Niven to secret political talks involving Churchill and General Montgomery during World War II. Now owned and operated by a charity established by Lady Baillie, the tradition of hospitality continues. In 1978 the Arab - Israeli peace talks, precursors to the first Camp David Agreement, took place in the castle, as did the Northern Ireland peace talks of 2004 hosted by former Prime Minister, Tony Blair.
One thousand years of history made by royalty, politicians and stars of their day. Now it's your turn.
For details of room capacities and facilities please contact Leeds Castle or visit their website.
Accommodation Type: Holiday Cottage
Three historic properties located within the Leeds Castle Estate are now available as self-catering holiday cottages. The properties have undergone a full refurbishment and provide luxury accommodation with all modern facilities, whilst retaining their charm.
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