Leeds Castle Tours and Activities

Leeds Castle showing heritage architecture and a castle
Leeds Castle showing heritage architecture, heritage elements and château or palace
Leeds Castle which includes heritage elements, a castle and a river or creek
Leeds Castle featuring a castle and interior views
Leeds Castle


Visit this grand castle on an island in a lake to see rooms decorated in medieval style, picnic in serene grounds and enjoy entertainment for all the family.

Leeds Castle is one of Kent’s most famous historic gems. It is surrounded on all sides by a picturesque lake, wildlife and scenic nature. With its museums, mazes, gardens and playgrounds, the site offers entertainment to suit visitors of almost any age.

The castle dates back to 1119 and has passed through the hands of several historical British figures, including King Edward I and King Henry VIII. Tour rooms laid out with period furniture and decoration.

Amble around 500 acres (200 hectares) of well-kept grounds. Get lost in the twists and turns of a hedge maze, then walk through the underground grotto that lies beneath. Admire the mythical deities carved into the walls of the grotto. 

See birds from five different continents at the Falconry Displays and allow a hawk to land on your arm during the daily shows. Visit the Dog Collar Museum, the only collection in Britain that’s wholly dedicated to dog collars.

Take the kids to the Turf Maze, which leads to a mini castle made of wood at its center. Let youngsters explore the Knights’ Realm and Toddler’s Playground, which has towers, walls and castles to climb on.  

Bring a picnic to one of many scenic spots in the parkland that surrounds the castle, including the Wood Garden, Culpeper Garden and Lady Baillie Garden.

See some of the best views of the buildings and grounds as you take a tour along the moat on a punt. Tours have a fee and are available March through October.

Leeds Castle is located 5 miles (8 kilometers) southeast of Maidstone and is a one-hour drive from London.You can also take the train from nearby towns in Kent county to Bearsted Station and then catch a coach shuttle service to the castle for a small fee. 

There is an admission fee for Leeds Castle but your ticket is valid for a whole year so you can come and go as many times as you like. Children get in free on rainy days. The castle is open year-round.

Plan a trip to see Leeds Castle

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Mercure Maidstone Great Danes Hotel

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The Windmill

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Delta Hotels by Marriott Tudor Park Country Club

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2 bedroom accommodation in Hollingbourne

2 bedroom accommodation in Hollingbourne

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2 bedroom accommodation in Hollingbourne
Kentish Oast, Cottage and Barn in stunning private grounds with swimming pool

Kentish Oast, Cottage and Barn in stunning private grounds with swimming pool

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Kentish Oast, Cottage and Barn in stunning private grounds with swimming pool
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Leeds Castle

Leeds Castle offers a variety of activities for visitors, including picturesque country walks and scenic tours of the stunning grounds. You can also enjoy bird displays and indulge in a luxurious outdoor bath. For those planning a special occasion, the castle is a popular venue for weddings. Additionally, nearby golf courses and spa facilities provide ample opportunities for relaxation and recreation during your visit.

Shopping

Nucleus Arts Rochester is a charming store located 19.3km from Leeds Castle, perfect for unique gifts. If you're up for a drive, Bluewater Shopping Centre and Lakeside Shopping Centre, both offering a variety of shops and entertainment, are 20 and 35.4km away, respectively.

Recreation

Upchurch River Valley Golf Course, located 14.5km from Leeds Castle, offers a refreshing outdoor experience with its lush greens and scenic views. Meanwhile, Great Chart Golf and Leisure, 16.1km away, provides a delightful golfing atmosphere. For sports enthusiasts, Gallagher Stadium, just 8.0km away, hosts thrilling matches.

Adventure

For skiing thrills, visit Chatham Ski and Snowboard Centre, located 12.9km from Leeds Castle, where you can enjoy snowy slopes. Experience adrenaline-pumping action at Buckmore Park Karting, 14.5km away, or engage in water sports and outdoor activities at Bewl Water Outdoor Centre, 25.7km from the castle.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near Leeds Castle! Catch a show at the Central Theatre, offering cultural entertainment, or enjoy a family adventure at Wear 'm Out arcade. Don't miss the Hazlitt Theatre for a romantic evening filled with captivating performances, all within a short drive from the castle.

Find the best attractions near Leeds Castle

When visiting Leeds Castle in Maidstone, explore the spectacular castle itself and its beautiful grounds, perfect for family outings and cultural experiences. The Leeds Castle estate offers a blend of history and nature, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. Don't miss the chance to discover this remarkable castle in Kent, where you can enjoy the surrounding urban park and nature reserve, ensuring a memorable visit for all travellers.

  • Historic Dockyard Chatham: This maritime museum offers a fascinating glimpse into Britain's naval history, featuring historic ships, interactive exhibits, and a vibrant atmosphere that resonates with culture enthusiasts. Explore the historic ships and learn about the naval stories that shaped the nation.
  • Rochester Castle: Step into a world of romance and culture at Rochester Castle, an impressive medieval fortress overlooking the River Medway. Its well-preserved architecture and beautiful grounds make it a perfect spot for history lovers and those seeking picturesque views.
  • Diggerland: Experience a unique blend of adventure and family fun at Diggerland, where you can operate real diggers and enjoy various outdoor attractions. This amusement park is perfect for families looking for an exhilarating day out, filled with hands-on activities.

Best time to go to Leeds Castle

Visitor numbers around Leeds Castle is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Leeds Castle is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January40.5°F (4.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February41.4°F (5.2°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March44.2°F (6.8°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
April48.2°F (9.0°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
May53.6°F (12.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
June59.5°F (15.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
July63.7°F (17.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August63.5°F (17.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
September59.7°F (15.4°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
October54.3°F (12.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
November47.3°F (8.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
December43.2°F (6.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Leeds Castle

When visiting Leeds Castle, consider taking advantage of nearby free attractions like Mote Park and Vinters Valley Nature Reserve. For budget accommodation, the best months to visit are January to March, with Thursdays being the least expensive days to stay. Utilize Expedia’s search tool to find eco-certified hotels and sort prices from lowest to highest. Bundling your hotel, flights, and activities in an Expedia package can lead to significant savings. Look for great rates and last-minute deals to ensure an affordable and enjoyable trip to this historic site.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Leeds Castle are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to July to September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Leeds Castle is Thursday. The most expensive day to stay around Leeds Castle is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. For instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Leeds Castle with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.

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Explore a world of travel with Expedia