Leeds Castle Tours and Activities

Leeds Castle featuring château or palace and heritage architecture
Leeds Castle which includes a river or creek, heritage architecture and heritage elements
Leeds Castle featuring heritage elements, a river or creek and a bridge
Leeds Castle featuring interior views and château or palace
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 centre. 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 kilometres) 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.

Popular places to visit


Top Leeds Castle Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Mercure Maidstone Great Danes Hotel

Mercure Maidstone Great Danes Hotel

4 out of 5
Hollingbourne, Maidstone, England
Mercure Maidstone Great Danes Hotel
The Stable Courtyard Bedrooms at Leeds Castle

The Stable Courtyard Bedrooms at Leeds Castle

4 out of 5
Leeds Castle, Maidstone, England
The Stable Courtyard Bedrooms at Leeds Castle
Days Inn by Wyndham Maidstone

Days Inn by Wyndham Maidstone

3 out of 5
Roadchef Motorway Service Area, M20 Junction 8, Hollingbourne, Maidstone, England
Days Inn by Wyndham Maidstone
Delta Hotels by Marriott Tudor Park Country Club

Delta Hotels by Marriott Tudor Park Country Club

4 out of 5
Ashford Road, Bearsted, Maidstone, England
Delta Hotels by Marriott Tudor Park Country Club
The Windmill

The Windmill

4 out of 5
32 Eyhorne Street, Maidstone, England
The Windmill
2 bedroom accommodation in Hollingbourne

2 bedroom accommodation in Hollingbourne

Hollingbourne
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

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

1 bedroom accommodation in Hollingbourne

Hollingbourne
1 bedroom accommodation in Hollingbourne
3 bedroom accommodation in Hollingbourne

3 bedroom accommodation in Hollingbourne

Hollingbourne
3 bedroom accommodation in Hollingbourne
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

At Leeds Castle, you can enjoy a variety of activities, including golf, spa treatments, and swimming. Don't miss the beautiful fine trails for walking and exploring the stunning landscapes. Mote Park offers a lovely spot for relaxation and picnics, while scenic tours provide a chance to appreciate the castle's rich history and surroundings. It's a perfect destination for a leisurely getaway.

Shopping

In Leeds Castle, enjoy local shops for unique gifts and souvenirs. If you're up for a drive, the Ashford Designer Outlet, 20.9km away, features designer brands and family-friendly entertainment. Nucleus Arts Rochester, 19.3km away, offers artistic gifts. For a larger experience, Romford Market is 48.3km away.

Recreation

At Weald of Kent Golf Club, enjoy a round of golf amidst picturesque landscapes, just 6.4km from Leeds Castle. For a tranquil retreat, visit White Horse Wood Country Park, offering peaceful walks and nature, also 6.4km away. Indulge in relaxation at Bridgewood Manor Day Spa, located 12.9km from the castle.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of Buckmore Park Karting, located 12.9km from Leeds Castle, where you can race against friends on exciting tracks. For snow sports enthusiasts, Chatham Ski and Snowboard Centre, also 12.9km away, offers skiing and snowboarding adventures. Don't miss Go Ape at Bedgebury, 20.9km away, for an exhilarating zipline and ropes course experience in the great outdoors.

Nightlife

Enjoy a night at Hazlitt Theatre, 8.0km away, for a cultural experience filled with romance and entertainment. For some fun and adventure, visit Wear 'm Out, located 4.8km from the castle. If you're in the mood for a film, Cineworld Rochester is 17.7km away, perfect for a cinematic date night.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Leeds Castle

Leeds Castle, a magnificent historic castle in Maidstone, offers visitors a delightful mix of urban parks and nature reserves, perfect for family outings and cultural experiences. Explore the stunning grounds just a short distance from the castle entrance, where you can immerse yourself in the beauty of this iconic site. Whether you're seeking outdoor adventures or a glimpse into history, Leeds Castle has something for everyone to enjoy.

  • Mote Park: This expansive urban park offers a delightful escape just 6.4km from Leeds Castle, perfect for a family day out. Enjoy scenic walking trails, playgrounds, and tranquil lakes, all while soaking in the vibrant city vibes.
  • Stoneacre: Located 3.2km from Leeds Castle, this historic building captures the rich culture of the region. Wander through its charming gardens and admire the medieval architecture, immersing yourself in the area's heritage.
  • Kent Life: Situated 9.7km away, this working farm provides a friendly atmosphere with historical insights. Engage with animals, explore traditional crafts, and relax in the beautiful countryside, making it an ideal family-friendly destination.

Best time to go to Leeds Castle

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.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January40.5°F (4.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February41.4°F (5.2°C)No RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March44.2°F (6.8°C)No RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April48.2°F (9.0°C)No RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
May53.6°F (12.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
June59.5°F (15.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
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 RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
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 LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Leeds Castle

If you're planning a visit to Leeds Castle, consider travelling during the off-peak months of December to February for lower accommodation prices, with Thursdays being the cheapest nights to stay. Use Expedia’s search tool to compare hotel prices and filter by preferences, including eco-friendly options. You can save further by booking a package deal that combines your hotel, flights, and activities. Additionally, explore free attractions in the area to enjoy your trip without straining your budget, making your visit both memorable and affordable.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Leeds Castle are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, 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: Expedia’s search tool enables you to specify your budget, preferred location, and other preferences. You can arrange your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, ensuring you find the most affordable accommodation first. Additionally, you have the option to filter by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars 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