Leeds Castle near Maidstone, Kent - A Complete Day Out, Maidstone, England

Whoever you are, an individual, a couple, a family, or a group Leeds Castle near Maidstone in Kent offers the perfect day out.

At the beginning of the twelfth century Leeds Castle was created on the site of a medieval wooden keep into a fortified castle surrounded by walls and a moat. This beautiful castle has served as a private residence for six of England’s medieval queens and is often referred to as the Queens’ Castle. Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon stayed here. It was a Jacobean country house, a Georgian mansion. After Lady Baillie bought the Castle in 1926 it became a retreat for the rich and famous. In 1974 Lady Baillie created a charitable foundation ensuring the castle was preserved as a place everyone could visit and enjoy.

Leeds castle stands proud in the centre of around five hundred acres of gardens and parkland. Lovely walks have been created to discover the gardens and the woodland area but for those who prefer not to walk there are other modes of transport. Elsie the Castle Train runs from the main entrance to the castle throughout the year. There is a small charge to use this service. During the summer the Black Swan Ferry Boat makes regular crossings across the Great Water from the castle drive to the maze and play areas. A small charge also applies for this service. Complimentary transport is available for those who have difficulty walking. Punting on the lake is also offered during the summer. An elegant wooden punt conveys its passengers through the ancient arches that span the moat as they circle the castle on a guided punt tour. For the more adventurous segway tours are also available. I chose to walk from the main entrance to the castle and I found plenty to distract me on my way. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).