Leeds Castle
Kent, England
Key facts
- Operator
- Leeds Castle Foundation
- Condition
- Intact
- Access
- Staffed, ticketed
- Nearest station
- Hollingbourne, 1.1 miles (straight-line)
- Stays
- Overnight accommodation available
Pinpoint
Broomfield, Maidstone ME17 1PL
Telephone 01622 765400
Possible Opening Hours*
*Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.
| Monday | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Thursday | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Friday | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Sunday | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
Leeds Castle sits on two islands in a lake in the Kent countryside - a moated stronghold with roots in the 9th century, later remodelled as a retreat for Henry VIII, run today by a charitable foundation as much as a family attraction as a historic site. Beyond the castle there's a maze, a grotto, falconry displays, and a small train and ferry around the grounds, which is why reviewers with local memberships treat it as a repeat destination rather than a one-off visit.
Who to know
Henry VIII · remodelled the moated castle as a retreat
Worth the trip
The maze and its underground grotto exit - reviewers with children rate this as the standout feature over the castle interior.
Before you go
Book tickets online in advance for a better price; some reviewers report the site now sells annual passes rather than standalone day tickets, so it's worth checking current ticket options before travelling if you're coming from a distance.
Reviewers enjoy Leeds Castle's grounds, activities and seasonal events, with several being repeat annual ticket holders who return year after year. However, more than one reviewer raises concerns about value for money - noting there are no day passes (only yearly tickets, which is expensive for those living further away) and, in one case, criticizing high prices, entry queues and a chaotic, under-resourced cafe during a busy bank holiday visit.
Maiden's Tower and B&B stays on site
“Absolutely loved it. Beautiful. Staff soo knowledgeable. But beware. No day passes only yearly tickets. You can come back but if you live far away it is very expensive. And dont tell me: oh, but if you have…”- Bernard Doring, visitor review
Practical notes from visitors
Quoted from individual Google reviews, not verified with the operator - treat as a steer, not gospel, and check before you travel.
- Parking
- “Arrived early, parking was well planned and well manned.” - Matthew Barrett
- Facilities
- “The cafe was pure, unorganised chaos (and this was before it got super busy) with a small menu too.” - Matthew Barrett
Plan your visit
- Combine this with
- Sutton Valence Castle is only 2.9 miles away - worth pairing into the same day. See Sutton Valence Castle →
- Tickets & opening times
- Check current prices and hours on the operator's own site before travelling - details change more often than any directory can track: https://www.leeds-castle.com/
- Data checked
- Ratings, review counts and the visitor-note quotes above were drawn from publicly available Google reviews. Castles change hands and adjust hours faster than any directory can track in real time.
For your stay
As an Amazon Associate we keep the site funded from qualifying purchases. More on how this works →
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LEGO Creator 3in1 Medieval Horse Knight Castle Toy
1,371 pieces that rebuild three ways - castle, joust scene or town - with six minifigures, for age 9 and up. Something for the kids to enjoy during a full day exploring Leeds Castle.
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Trendi Premium Wicker Picnic Basket Set for 4
A real wicker hamper with fitted plates, cutlery and wine glasses plus a separate cooler bag - a proper picnic setup for four rather than a bag of sandwiches. A good fit for a walk round the grounds.
Find it on AmazonSee more picks like this in The Castle Shop →
Common questions about Leeds Castle
Where is Leeds Castle?
Leeds Castle is in Kent, England, at Broomfield, Maidstone ME17 1PL.
Do you need a ticket to visit Leeds Castle?
Yes - Leeds Castle is a staffed, ticketed attraction run by Leeds Castle Foundation. Ticket prices and opening hours change through the year, so check the official site before travelling.
Can you stay overnight at Leeds Castle?
Yes - Leeds Castle offers bookable accommodation, so you can spend the night in the castle itself or within its grounds. See the Castles You Can Sleep In guide for the full list and how each stay works.
What is the highlight of visiting Leeds Castle?
The maze and its underground grotto exit - reviewers with children rate this as the standout feature over the castle interior.
Is Leeds Castle a ruin or still intact?
Leeds Castle is largely intact - Maiden's Tower and B&B stays on site.
