Set within more than 550 acres of parkland and gardens in the Kent countryside, Leeds Castle offers visitors the chance to explore historic interiors, seasonal gardens and a wide range of attractions across the estate. Surrounded by a natural moat and beautiful landscapes, the Castle provides a unique setting for a day out in the Kent countryside.
Throughout its long history, the Castle has served many roles, including a Norman stronghold, the home of six of England’s medieval queens and a 1930s countryside retreat. Today, visitors can step inside the Castle to explore beautifully presented rooms and discover stories from more than 900 years of history through insightful multimedia guides.
There are many attractions to enjoy across the estate, from the colourful Culpeper Garden and the Lady Baillie Mediterranean Garden to the challenging maze and underground grotto. Families can enjoy adventure golf and playgrounds, including Knight’s Stronghold and Squires’ Courtyard, while the Bird of Prey Centre offers the chance to see a variety of birds up close and watch them in action in bird of prey displays. The wider grounds can be explored on foot along scenic walking routes, or by travelling across the water on the Black Swan Ferry or through the parkland aboard Elsie the Castle Land Train.
Leeds Castle hosts a varied programme of events and seasonal experiences throughout the year, including Summertime at Leeds Castle, the medieval spectacle of The Queen’s Joust, family activities during school holidays, and seasonal favourites such as Halloween at Leeds Castle and Christmas Lights at Leeds Castle.
Leeds Castle also offers a range of accommodation within the estate, including Holiday Cottages, luxury Bed and Breakfast bedrooms and the medieval themed Knight’s Retreat lodges. In addition, a selection of bedrooms ranging from battlement rooms to elegant state rooms can be booked as part of a private event within the historic Castle.
Opening hours vary throughout the year. Please check the Leeds Castle website for the latest opening times before your visit
Pay for a day and visit all year:
Adult tickets from £34.50
Child tickets from £24.50
Family tickets from £87
Travelling by Car:
7 miles east of Maidstone, Junction 8 of the M20 motorway, just 1 hour from London, 30 minutes from the Channel Tunnel and Channel Ports. Clearly signposted from all routes – following the brown and white tourist signs.
Satellite Navigation Systems:
If you are using a satellite navigation system, then please follow the brown and white tourist signs once you reach the A20, as your navigation system may incorrectly direct you to a private entrance where you will be redirected. Alternatively, please use the following postcode: ME17 1RG
Please note that if you are staying in one of our accommodation outlets, then please refer to the directions in your pre-stay emails, as they could differ from our main entrance directions.
What3words:
If using what3words please use as follows:
Main Entrance: spoiler.resembles.blogs
Hospitality Entrance: grips.heartened.broad
Travelling by Bus:
The 510 Bus Route operated by Stagecoach bus is now servicing the Leeds Castle bus stop within the grounds.
If you’re visiting by the 510 bus, please note that it comes into the Castle grounds on Saturdays. On other days, the service still runs to Leeds Castle, with stops conveniently located just outside our gates on the A20.
Travelling by Train:
Southeastern(Opens in a new window) runs frequent services to Bearsted and Hollingbourne stations. There are direct trains to both stations from: Ashford International (25-30 mins) and London Victoria (70-75 mins). It’s then a 5-minute taxi ride or a 30-40 minute walk to Leeds Castle.
Parking:
Parking at Leeds Castle is included in the cost of admission tickets. Please note that Leeds Castle cannot be held responsible for any loss or damage to vehicles or their contents whilst you are parked on site.
| Parking | Parking On Site Free Parking Blue Badge spaces |
|---|---|
| Refreshments | Cafe/Tearoom Restaurant Picnic Area |
| Childrens Facilities | Baby Changing Room Play Area / Playground |
| General | Public Toilets Cash Accepted Credit/Debit Card only Groups accepted Guided tours Audio Tours Available for private hire Gift Shop Online ticket booking |
| Accessibility General | Wheelchairs/Trampers available Disabled toilet Seating available for visitors with limited mobility Level access or access by ramp or lift to Café/Tearooms Level access or access by ramp or lift to toilets Designated parking for guests with disabilities |
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