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Leeds Castle is considered to be one of the most beautiful castles in England. It is located in Kent close to the city of Maidstone and was the favorite caste of King Henry VIII. Leeds Castle was built in 1119 by Robert de Crevecoeur and replaced an earlier Saxon manor, but during the centuries it was rebuilt many times and a lot of additions and extensions were made by the different occupants. In 1278 the castle passed into royal hands when it was given to King Edward I for a favor. Then in 1552 Leeds Castle passed out of the royal hands because King Edward VI gave it to Sir Antony St Leger in return of the favor to pacify the Irish.

Leeds Castle is surrounded by a moat and beautiful parkland. It is accessible through a stone bridge across which you walk to the castle. In 1926 the castle was bought by, Lady Baillie and she made complete refurbishment and turned the castle into a stylish country residence.

The Maiden’s Tower was built in Tudor times and used to be a bakery and brew house. Later Lady Baillie turned it into a guest house with its own cinema and today is used for special exhibitions and occasions.

The huge park land contains woodland, farms and beautiful flower gardens. The Culpeper Garden was redesigned in 1980 and was turned into a large cottage garden with low hedges and exotic flowers. The Lady Baillie Garden was designed in 1999 by the landscaper Christopher Carter. The garden is one of the favourite destinations for visitors to the castle.

The Aviary contains collection of exotic rare birds which were Lady Baillie’s favourite. The Aviary houses over 100 species from all over the world. There is also a small zoo with zebras, llamas, horses and dogs.

The Maze, Grotto and Turf Maze are also visitors favourite. The maze was planted in 1988 with 2,400 yew trees and exiting the maze you go through an underground grotto with chilling forms and mythical creatures.

Leeds Castle also has a Vineyard and produces tasty Leeds Castle wines.

Where is Leeds Castle: Maidstone, Kent

Opening Hours: Daily from 10.30am-6pm, during the winter till 4pm

Leeds Castle England


Leeds Castle England, Black Swan



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