Leeds Castle - Maidstone
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Leeds Castle, set on two islands on the River Len in the heart of Kent, has been home to royalty, lords and ladies for over 1000 years. Open all year round, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Tickets to Leeds Castle are valid for one year from the date of purchase, so you can visit the castle and grounds as many times as you like. Visitors are transported through 900 years of the castle’s history; an electric mix of period architecture, sumptuous interiors and family treasures waiting to be discovered. Our internationally renowned aviaries offer a fascinating glimpse into the world of modern conservation and captive breeding programmes. Black swans glide on the moat and waterways, peacocks wander through the grounds and birds of prey soar on the wind during daily falconry displays. The gardens offer continuous colour throughout the year. From a mass of spring bulbs and wild flowers in the wood garden, through fragrant herbs and roses in the quintessentially English Culpeper garden, to late flowering borders in the drought-resistant Mediterranean garden. Leeds Castle is not just a museum but also a place where people meet and special events bring the grounds to life. Conferences, meetings, weddings and banquets can also be arranged in the castle and other areas on the estate. We hope you enjoy your visit to Leeds Castle. Set in 500 acres of beautiful parkland, Leeds Castle is full of discovery. A blend of heritage, wonderful grounds and conservation awaits every visitor to this all year round attraction. Leeds Castle's last private owner, Lady Baillie, lovingly restored the Castle to its former glory and founded the Leeds Castle Foundation in 1974. The Foundation is a private charitable trust that works to preserve the castle and grounds. Key to the Castle - It's yours for a year and you only have to pay once! Tickets to Leeds Castle grant admission to the castle and grounds for one year from the date of purchase with the exception of our fireworks and concerts. Other attractions include: · Knight's Realm playground · Castle Craft café · Children's turf maze · Hi Flyer static air balloon · Maze · Grotto · Pay and play golf course · Dog collar museum · Falconry · Bird Aviary · Special Events · Gardens · Vineyard · Gift shops · Restaurant · Cafes Pay once and visit all year round Tickets to Leeds Castle grant admission to the castle and grounds for one year from the date of purchase with the exception of special ticketed events. Some daytime events may incur a small additional charge. Terms and conditions apply. Open all year round Adults £24.50 Senior Citizens/Students & Visitors with Disabilities £21.50 Children (4-15yrs) £16.50 Group and educational rates also available. GROUNDS OPEN AT 10AM DAILY April to September October to March Castle opens 10.30am 10.30am Last admission 4.30pm 3.00pm Gates Close 6.00pm 5.00pm Shops 10.00am - 5.30pm 10.00am - 4.00pm Castle Closed 5 & 6 November and Christmas Day 2011. Latest entry to castle is 30 minutes after last admission time. We regret no dogs can be admitted except for guide dogs or hearing dogs. Due to space restrictions pushchairs cannot be permitted inside the castle but a buggy park is provided. Bring the whole family to Leeds Castle, set in 500 acres of beautiful parkland and journey through 900 years of captivating history. Over the centuries the castle has withheld sieges; hosted the medieval Royal Courts of Europe; been a prison for witches, Kings and prisoners of war; a munitions store and a hospital; and welcomed some of the key figures in English history, from Henry VIII to Winston Churchill. The castle has always been a palace to entertain and impress, with every generation leaving its mark. Today’s interiors are the result of the massive refurbishment by top European designers throughout the 1920s and 30s for its last private owner, Lady Baillie. This year brings a new daily programme of activities and we are open every day. Whether you’re passionate about porcelain, eager to discover the parkland wildlife or are just looking for old fashioned fun, check our website daily to see what’s on this week. On rainy days in 2013 we’ll be bringing activities indoors – meet our owls, or enjoy storytelling in the warm restaurant over a mug of hot chocolate. The guides in the castle will be delighted to take time to show you our treasures, and there’s lots in the education centre for younger visitors. If it’s raining, children come in free! Please check the website before you come for details. Key to the Castle tickets to Leeds Castle are valid for one year, so you can visit the castle and grounds as many times as you like. | |||||||||||||||||||||||