Beautiful Leeds Castle (Leeds Castle)

Member Name: tanyatigerlily

Product:	Leeds Castle
Date:	10/09/09 (23 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Plenty of things to see

Disadvantages: None

Leeds Castle, near Maidstone in Kent, is reputed to be the most beautiful castle in England. I'm not sure if I would agree with this statement as I think there are many beautiful castles in this lovely country, but it is certainly beautiful and well worth a visit. I have been fortunate enough to have visited Leeds castle 3 times within the past year and have enjoyed it every time. The great thing about the entry tickets is that they are valid for an entire year after purchase:
Adults ticket: £16.50
Concession ticket: £13.50
Child ticket: £9.50
Audio tour: £3.00
There is plenty of free parking available.

Leeds Castle was built in the 12th century and has been continuously inhabited since then. It has also frequently been rebuilt with bits being added on every so often, the last rebuilding took place in the 1930's. Leeds Castle is not very big and is surrounded by a beautiful lake. The entire castle has been decorated to take you on a journey through the castle's history.

There is more to the castle than the buildings. Leeds Castles has a programme of activities running throughout the year (see the website for details) ranging from flower shows, to jousting tournaments to half-term activities focussing on children. I visited the castle during half-term last October with my friend and 3 children . . . there were so many activities and shows for the children to see and participate in that there was barely enough time to visit the castle itself! Leeds Castle also has the most spectacular children's play area which I have ever seen . . . you could definitely set aside a couple of hours for the kids to enjoy themselves here!

Leeds Castle is surrounded by beautiful immaculately kept garden with streams and ponds filled with ducks, geese and swans. The castle also has world famous aviaries with an active breeding programme. It is lovely walking through the aviaries looking at all the beautiful birds and parrots. They also have daily falconry displays which are a great favourite among children.

Leeds Castle maze is a bit of an enigma to me . . . I have tried finding my way through it many times and mostly I seem to end up back at the entrance. I have managed to get through the maze twice before and to exit you have to make your way through a fantasy grotto.

Another attraction at Leeds is the 9 hole pay-and-play golf course.

When you are feeling a bit peckish the castle's Fairfax restaurant does great lunches and teas. Alternatively there are a couple of café's which sell refreshments.

Opening times 10am - 6pm.
For more information visit www.leeds-castle.com

Summary: A great day out for the whole family