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
Maidens Tower B&B

Maidens Tower B&B

4 out of 5
Leeds Castle Broomfield Road, Maidstone, England
Maidens Tower B&B
Knights Cottage

Knights Cottage

3 out of 5
Maidstone
Knights Cottage
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
The Windmill

The Windmill

4 out of 5
32 Eyhorne Street, Maidstone, England
The Windmill
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
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
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

While visiting Leeds Castle, immerse yourself in the beauty of the surrounding area with country walks and scenic tours. Don't miss the local farmers market for a taste of fresh produce. For those seeking leisure, enjoy activities like golf, spa treatments, and swimming. This enchanting destination offers a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation for all visitors.

Shopping

In Leeds Castle, you can enjoy quaint shops for unique gifts and souvenirs. If you're up for a drive, check out Ashford Designer Outlet (20.9km away) for great deals, or explore Bluewater Shopping Centre (32.2km away) and Lakeside Shopping Centre (35.4km away) for more extensive shopping options.

Recreation

Bearsted Golf Club, located 4.8km from Leeds Castle, offers a relaxing outdoor golfing experience surrounded by lush greenery. For a unique adventure, head to Silver Blades Ice Rink, 14.5km away, where you can enjoy ice skating in an energetic atmosphere. Kings Hill Golf Club, 16.1km from the castle, provides another excellent outdoor golfing option.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of Buckmore Park Karting, 12.9km from Leeds Castle, where you can race against friends on outdoor tracks. For snow sports, head to Chatham Ski and Snowboard Centre, also 12.9km away, offering exhilarating skiing and snowboarding experiences. Enjoy water activities at Bewl Water Outdoor Centre, 24.1km from Leeds Castle, perfect for outdoor fun.

Nightlife

The nightlife around Leeds Castle offers a mix of experiences. Catch a show at the Hazlitt Theatre, just 8.0km away, or unleash your inner child at the Wear 'm Out arcade, 4.8km away. For a cinematic experience, head to Cineworld Rochester, located 17.7km from the castle.

*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, often dubbed the magnificent Leeds Castle, offers a blend of culture and outdoor experiences, making it a must-visit for tourists. Explore the historic house and its stunning estate, perfect for family outings and leisurely strolls. Don't miss the opportunity to learn about the Leeds Castle Foundation and enjoy the scenic urban park surrounding this iconic landmark. With its rich history and beautiful grounds, Leeds Castle promises a memorable visit.

  • Mote Park: Just 6.4km from Leeds Castle, Mote Park offers a lush urban escape perfect for families. Enjoy scenic walks, outdoor activities, and a vibrant city atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for picnics and leisure.
  • Sissinghurst Castle and Garden: Located 14.5km away, this enchanting castle is renowned for its stunning gardens. Immerse yourself in the rich culture and romantic vibes as you explore the beautifully manicured landscapes and historic architecture.
  • Stoneacre: A mere 3.2km from Leeds Castle, Stoneacre is a charming historic building that showcases exquisite architecture. This site is steeped in culture, providing a glimpse into the past amidst its picturesque gardens.

Best time to go to Leeds Castle

The best time to visit Leeds Castle can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Leeds Castle falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Leeds Castle falls in January, 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 Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March44.2°F (6.8°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudyAverageAverage
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 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 Rain (Dry)Mostly 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

For a budget-friendly visit to Leeds Castle, plan your trip between December and February, when accommodation prices are lower. Thursdays offer the best rates, while Saturdays tend to be pricier. Use Expedia to find affordable eco-certified hotels, and consider package deals that combine flights and activities for added savings. Explore free activities around the castle, and make use of public transport to cut down travel costs. By sorting hotel options by price, you can easily find cheap accommodation that suits your budget.

  • 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: Utilise Expedia's search tool to refine your preferences, such as budget, preferred location, and the type of accommodation you’re after. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified option 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 some dollars by combining your Leeds Castle hotel stay with flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.