Leeds Castle

Unlike many castles like Windsor with its emphasis on a 'serious' tour of history and royalty, Leeds Castle is more informal and more set up for a longer visit with much emphasis on keeping the kids happy.

The extensive grounds has many walks, there is a large aviary, falconry displays, a maze, vineyard, golf course and much else. An ideal place to bring a picnic.

The maze was planted in 1988 with 2,400 yew trees. When viewed from the centre, part of its plan mirrors a queen’s crown.

Buzzards, eagles, falcons, hawks, vultures and owls delight visitors with displays by castle falconers Leigh and Jo Holmes. Audience participation is high, particularly for youngsters.

Leeds Castle has an interesting and fascinating history. It dates back to 1119, though a manor house stood on the same site from the 9th century.

A castle fit for a royal...

Leeds Castle passed into royal hands in 1278 and became part of the Queen of England’s dower - the settlement widowed queens received upon the death of their husbands.

Over the course of 150 years it was held by six medieval queens: Eleanor of Castle; Margaret of France; Isabella of France, Joan of Navarre; Anne of Bohemia and Catherine de Valois.

Tudor dynasties

In Tudor times Henry VIII visited frequently, notably with his Queen, Catherine of Aragon, and their entire court on the way to the tournament of the Field of the Cloth of Gold, which took place in France in 1520.

Henry’s son, King Edward VI, granted the castle to one of Henry’s courtiers for his services. Since then it has been in private ownership.

The roaring twenties

It was in 1926 that Olive Wilson Filmer, later to become Lady Baillie, followed in the footsteps of six of England's medieval queens and fell under the magic spell of Leeds Castle.

A restoration dream

Once the sale was finalised, Olive set about her goal of restoring the moated castle and grounds. Her dream was to create a largely medieval castle and turn the castle's Gloriette into a French Gothic fantasy.

A gift to the nation

Lady Baillie spent her latter years with her family and continued to beautify the Castle. On her death, in 1974, she bequeathed Leeds Castle to the nation in perpetuity under the charitable trust of the Leeds Castle Foundation.