by Katie Hart | Nov 2, 2024 | My Travels
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!
by Katie Hart | Nov 1, 2024 | My Travels
In September 2024, I was cat sitting near the charming town of Sandnes, Norway, just a short journey from Stavanger. As the crisp autumn air began to hint at winter’s approach, I felt an irresistible urge to explore the stunning landscapes that this part of Norway is renowned for. After a bit of research, a scenic fjord cruise caught my eye—a three and a half hour journey from Stavanger to Lysefjord and Preikestolen (also known as Pulpit Rock). Priced at around $85 and conveniently bookable through Get Your Guide (affiliate link), it seemed like the perfect way to spend a day immersing myself in nature’s grandeur.
Getting There: The Journey Begins
The next afternoon, I embarked on my adventure with a bus and train journey to reach Stavanger. As I stepped out of the station, the city greeted me with its picturesque pond and the main road flanked by historical architecture—including a beautiful old church. The harbor was just a short stroll away, bustling with activity due to a cruise ship having docked. Despite the crowd, finding my designated boat tour spot along the west side of the harbor was easy.
The boat wasn’t overly crowded, likely due to the afternoon departure and shoulder season. Timing played a role here; as the cruise ship passengers would need to leave before the tour ended, most fellow travelers on my tour seemed to be locals or those staying in the area. Boarding was seamless—I simply showed my booking code from the Get Your Guide app and settled into my chosen seat.
Setting Sail: A Chilly but Picturesque Start
The boat itself was sizable, offering plenty of indoor seating with large windows perfect for viewing the stunning scenery. While tempting, I opted for an outdoor seat to capture the best photos despite the nippy weather. My jacket kept me warm enough, though I did wish for an extra layer as we set off into the fjord-dotted waters.
The first leg of our journey took us eastward, presenting breathtaking views of Stavanger’s skyline fading into the distance. Peppered along our route were quaint villages and vacation homes, each more enchanting than the last.
The Majestic Fjords: Nature’s Masterpieces
After about 45 minutes, we reached the entrance of Lysefjord, marked by a picturesque town and an impressive bridge we passed under. The fjord itself was a sight to behold, with towering cliffs rising dramatically from the water.
Our first major highlight was Vagabond’s Cave, an intriguing inlet where our boat skillfully approached closer for better photo opportunities. This spot proved popular with fellow passengers who crowded the deck to capture its mystique.
Next on our itinerary was Preikestolen—or Pulpit Rock. Known for its iconic flat-topped cliff that juts out above the fjord, many choose to hike up for a spectacular view from above. However, seeing it from below offered a unique perspective—an accessible alternative to appreciate its grandeur without scaling any heights.
The tour also included a stop near a charming area known for its friendly goats that trotted out eagerly as we approached—lured by the promise of treats from the crew.
A Waterfall Finale: Hengjanefossen
The turnaround point of our voyage was marked by Hengjanefossen, a stunning waterfall cascading down rugged cliffs into the fjord below. Our boat lingered nearby, allowing us ample time to admire and photograph this natural wonder before retracing our path back toward Stavanger.
As we journeyed back through familiar views, I decided to retreat indoors for warmth. There I indulged in a comforting hot chocolate and a delicious cinnamon roll topped with custard—perfect treats to savor while enjoying panoramic views through large windows.
Reflections on an Unforgettable Experience
Returning to Stavanger as the sun began its descent was equally captivating—offering new angles and lighting for final photos of this vibrant cityscape. As we docked back at the harbor, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for choosing this fjord tour over navigating ferries with their rigid schedules and limited photo stops.
For anyone visiting Norway, especially outside high tourist season when crowds are thinner and booking flexibility is greater, this scenic fjord cruise (aff. link) comes highly recommended. Get Your Guide made planning effortless while providing an enriching experience amid nature’s awe-inspiring beauty.
Whether you’re an avid photographer or simply someone yearning for tranquility amidst Norway’s majestic landscapes—a journey through its fjords promises memories that linger long after you’ve returned home.
by Katie Hart | Mar 20, 2017 | My Travels
New York City and a Smartphone
That’s how my travel journey began – with NYC and a Samsung phone that had seen better days.
Growing up, I had always wanted to travel. It seemed so romantic and glamorous, and I longed to visit the places that hosted so many stories I loved. But it seemed impossibly out of reach for a Western Pennsylvania girl who was barely making ends meet, didn’t drive until her late 20s, and got nervous at the thought of talking to strangers.
My parents did occasionally load all nine of us kids into a van and take us to visit friends and relatives. We went to Gettysburg twice, stopped by Niagara Falls for 15 minutes on the way back from our cousins’, and visited beaches near friends in Florida and Texas. But I was simply along for the ride.
Several years ago, my best friend mentioned a possibility of going to New York City rather inexpensively, since her family had a connection with someone who lived there. Things fell through, but we still talked about going, even though it would be more expensive. In early summer 2014, she told me her mom was planning a trip to NYC with her and her sister, and I was welcome to come along!
After lots of indecision and schedule changes, we were actually able to set up the trip for August, and I dived into research mode. As an introvert, new situations are always easier to handle when I know what I’m getting myself into. Since I also love possibilities (as a Myers-Briggs intuitive) and keeping my options open (as a perceiver), all plans have dozens of potential variations, that I also like to make sure are researched. But I knew since we also had a very limited 2 1/2 days in the city I needed to make the most of every hour.
My friend and I bounced suggestions off each other on the days leading up the trip, and I tried out a bunch of travel apps and loaded everything good I found onto my phone. I didn’t realize until we got to the city that everyone else didn’t have smartphones. I had also done more research than anyone on transportation. Even though everyone else had been to NYC before and I hadn’t, I became the group’s guide more and more often as the trip progressed.
I discovered I loved it. I could figure out the best way from point a to point b (thanks to Google Maps) and know whether we should take a bus, the subway, or walk. I easily grouped attractions into an optimal order based on location and opening times. People with more experience relied on my advice and things turned out well!
That was one of the most empowering experiences of my life. I realized if I could plan small pieces of this trip for others, I could easily plan large pieces of more extensive trips for myself! I didn’t have to wait to travel with a still-not-materializing husband, or book only prepackaged tours that skipped half the places I wanted to see (along with being super pricey). With the internet to do research and a smartphone to navigate, I could travel anywhere I pleased!
Now all I needed was time and money.
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