Discovering the Magic of Leeds Castle in Kent: A Perfect Day Trip from London
If you find yourself in London and are craving a delightful escape from the city’s hustle and bustle, look no further than Leeds Castle in Kent. Nestled amidst the rolling hills of the English countryside, this historic gem offers a perfect blend of history, natural beauty, and fun activities for all ages. In August 2024, I had the pleasure of visiting Leeds Castle with a friend and her boyfriend, making for an unforgettable day trip.
Planning the Adventure
Our journey began with a bit of logistical planning, as my friend was staying with her boyfriend in the south of England while I was cat sitting in London. We wanted to find a spot that was convenient for both of us to reach, and Leeds Castle emerged as the ideal choice. With its rich history and picturesque setting, it promised an adventure we couldn’t resist.
To kick off our day, I hopped on a train from London Bridge to Maidstone East. The journey took about an hour, offering glimpses of charming English towns along the way. My friend’s boyfriend met me at the station, and we embarked on a short drive to the castle. For those without a car, there are bus options available from Maidstone (at the time of this writing, 10X takes just half an hour from Maidstone East to the castle car park), making Leeds Castle accessible for those without a car.
First Impressions and Entry
Upon arrival, we parked at the main parking area, which is nearly a mile from the castle itself. The ticket prices were on the higher side (currently £35.00 on site for the basic adult ticket), but they included unlimited visits for a year. Although this was a generous benefit, we didn’t foresee repeat visits, but still had to pay the same price for the day. You can also buy premium tickets that include extras like the short ferry and a round of mini-golf. The walk from the welcome center to the castle is relatively long, but there’s a shuttle trolley available. We decided to take the leisurely path through the lush gardens adorned with sculptures instead.
Exploring the Castle Grounds
As we approached the castle, the sight of its majestic moat took my breath away. Leeds Castle has undergone numerous renovations over the centuries due to fires and various owners’ preferences. The interior now resembles a stately vacation home from the 1930s rather than a medieval fortress, yet its beauty remains intact. Wandering through its rooms, we admired libraries filled with ancient tomes, paintings of past owners, and fascinating exhibits about former queens who called this castle home.
Despite being a Friday, as it was during the summer holidays, the castle was bustling with visitors. Families with children added to the lively atmosphere, reminding us that Leeds Castle is a beloved destination for people of all ages. Why? More on that below.
Beyond the Castle Walls
One of Leeds Castle’s standout features is its vast array of activities beyond the castle itself. After exploring indoors, we made our way to the expansive grounds where endless adventures awaited. After getting food, our first stop was the giant maze—a complex puzzle that had us laughing and navigating dead ends more than once. At the center of the maze, we climbed a rocky hill to enjoy panoramic views before descending into an intriguing underground grotto filled with sculptures.
As luck would have it, we arrived just in time for a meet-and-greet with some of the resident owls and hawks. Though we missed the falconry demonstration, getting up close with these magnificent birds was a highlight of our day. Some were even tame enough to touch gently—a truly memorable experience.
Dining and Leisure Activities
Leeds Castle offers plenty of dining options scattered throughout its grounds. From cozy cafes to family-friendly eateries, there’s something to satisfy every palate. After refueling with delicious treats, we explored more of what the castle grounds had to offer, even though it was getting a bit late to experience more. Mini-golf seemed to be a hit, an enjoyable activity for families or groups looking to add some playful competition to their visit, but that was barely scratching the surface of the 500 acres of parkland surrounding the castle
Wrapping Up Our Visit
As late afternoon approached, we reluctantly began our journey back to the welcome center. As we walked past the castle instead of taking the shuttle train, we explored the gatehouse ruins we’d overlooked earlier, which offered some amazing photo opportunities. Taking the scenic route allowed us soak in stunning views of Leeds Castle from different angles outside the moat.
Reflecting on our day at Leeds Castle, it’s clear that this enchanting destination offers something for everyone. Whether you’re drawn to its rich history or simply seeking an idyllic escape from city life, Leeds Castle delivers in spades. You can even book a night’s stay on the grounds! With so much to see and do within its walls and beyond them on sprawling grounds dotted with surprises at every turn—it’s easy to lose track of time here.
Final Thoughts
For those considering a day trip from London or exploring new corners of England’s countryside—Leeds Castle should definitely be on your list! While we didn’t make use of annual passes during our visit—we left feeling enriched by our experience nonetheless—and perhaps inspired enough for future returns when possible!
Leeds Castle is more than just another historic site. It’s an invitation into England’s past wrapped within an adventure-filled present!
Recent Comments