A Kentish jewel (Leeds Castle)

Member Name: kingsraconteur

Product:	Leeds Castle
Date:	29/05/09 (22 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Easy to get too, Excellent grounds, plenty to do, Nice riverside walks

Disadvantages: Can be a magnet for tourists, food is pricey

A lovely idyllic place to visit lurks not too far from London. From the M20/M25 junction you can get to this place in about half an hour without breaking the sound barrier.

I'm a tad more fortunate as I can get to this place in around 5-10 minutes from where I live.

Leeds castle is set in the heart of Kent. It's a splendid little attraction and on a clement day can be a most pleasing experience. It lies next to a village called Leeds (not the city up in Yorkshire) and is very well signposted.

Upon arrival you will be directed to an appropriate parking bay by a friendly steward. A brief walk among the grounds soon brings you to the kiosk/payment desk and you can begin your day.

Payment seems steep at first at £16.50. However, this is a year long pass which for me is very good value for money. Any time I wish to roam about the castle I am at liberty to do so within that year (provided there are no special events on). I think this is an excellent idea and more attractions should certainly follow suit.

The grounds/gardens around the castle are festooned with a great variety of botanical gems. Sometimes you can forget about the castle altogether and just spend your time ambling along in the gentle Kent countryside, especially on a Summer's day.

After a goodly walk you arrive at the gatehouse proper. The castle's heritage travels back into the time of 1278 and also became a favourite haunt of King Henry VIII a couple of centuries later.

In the castle itself you follow a pre-determined path and a host of guides are available to answer questions or offer advice. A word of warning though. If a coachload of tourists are around (quite a common occurence) you tend to find yourself hastening along. Alas it does spoil the ambience somewhat but I'm sure the owners of the castle won't complain too much!

I would guess it takes a good half hour to an hour to look around the castle and the interior has more the air of a stately home than a military base. There are plenty of paintings to gaze upon as well as a moat outside which adds to the scene.

Upon finishing the tour of the castle there is the Culpepper Gardens which feature an array of herbs/flowers. The scent in the summer is extremely aromatic. Nearby is the dog collar museum which holds surprise, surprise dog collars! An unusual collection is on offer but it certainly makes a change from the normal displays you might expect.

There is a restaurant in the grounds (which I haven't used) and an outlet offering snacks. A word of warning, I tend to have something to eat before I visit as I found the prices rather extortionate (£4.00 for a cheese baguette if my memory serves!)

There is also an aviary nearby. The range of exotic birds is surprising and believe me they do make quite a din for the visitors. Parrots, Macaws and even Ibis's peer back at their curious guests. It's almost worth a visit on its own.

Further along is a maze for the more adventurous (with a grotto in the middle) and an education centre which I haven't visited. There are also various birds of prey nearby which are used for displays by the falconry staff.

There are also pleasant walks by the river and it all adds up to a very enjoyable day. I'd recommend a visit for sure and do take advantage of the yearly pass if you are a local.

Summary: Certainly worth a visit.