Leeds Castle

About the museum

A castle has stood on the islands in the River Len since Saxon times, and in 1119 a Norman noble rebuilt it in stone. In 1278 it was bought by the queen of Edward I, Eleanor of Castile, and Edward I made it a favourite residence, strengthening its defences and probably creating the great lake around it. In 1321 Edward II captured the castle after its keeper's wife refused entry to his queen. Later medieval queens and kings stayed here, and in 1519 Henry VIII had it remodelled for his first wife, Catherine of Aragon.

Much of the present castle dates from the early nineteenth century. In the twentieth century its last private owner, Lady Baillie, restored and modernised it in the 1930s and entertained many guests there. Her influence can be seen in the interiors, which are furnished in the style of the 1930s.

Lady Baillie left the castle to a charitable foundation, and it has been open to the public since 1976. Today the estate has about 500 acres of parkland and gardens, as well as a maze, playgrounds, a falconry display, the Dog Collar Museum and a calendar of events. Visitors pay once for a ticket that stays valid for a year.

Highlights

• The castle on its lake, with 1930s-style interiors
• Bird of prey centre with flying displays
• Maze with a grotto
• Gardens: Culpeper Garden, Lady Baillie Mediterranean Garden and Princess Alexandra Gardens
• Dog Collar Museum with historic dog collars

Permanent exhibitions

• The Castle – Furnished rooms in the style of the 1930s, the era of Lady Baillie, who restored the castle and entertained guests here.
• Dog Collar Museum – A collection of historic and unusual dog collars, open to all visitors.

Founded

1119

Operated by

Leeds Castle Foundation

Admission & discounts

Prices shown are online prices for the Explorer ticket, which is discounted against the gate price (adult £38.50, child £28). Tickets are valid for 12 months from the date selected, so one payment covers repeated visits. Tickets cannot be bought by phone. A 20% discount is offered to visitors who arrive by train, bus or bicycle, redeemed at the Visitor Centre.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Wheelchairs are free to borrow, and a free accessible mobility bus runs near the ticket office on most days (not on special ticketed event days). The castle has step-free access through the front door, but there are about 45 metres of cobbles across the drawbridge, and fire safety rules allow no more than two wheelchairs inside at once. A wheelchair lift links the Servants Hall to the main route; the upstairs rooms are not accessible, and electric scooters are not allowed inside. Step-free access exists to the gatehouse, shops, play areas, golf course and Maze Café, but not to the maze mound or the grotto. Accessible toilets are at several points in the grounds, including adult changing facilities at the Boat House Café. Hard-standing spaces for disabled visitors are about 100 metres from the mobility service. Sensory backpacks and a quiet places map are available. Assistance dogs are allowed in the castle and grounds.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Baby changing facilities
• Playground / play area

Two playgrounds (Knights' Stronghold and Squires' Courtyard), a maze with grotto, a castle kids' obstacle course, a beach, adventure golf and bird of prey displays are included or available. Family events and activities run throughout the year. Pushchairs are not allowed inside the castle or the Castle View Restaurant, but there is a buggy park. The nearest baby changing facilities are on the Castle Island and in the Stable Courtyard.

Getting there & parking

Postcode for satellite navigation: ME17 1RG. Follow the brown and white tourist signs from the A20, as satellite navigation may direct you to a private entrance. The castle is 25 miles from the Eurotunnel terminal at Folkestone and 38 miles from the port of Dover. Bicycles are not allowed in the grounds, but cycle stands are in the visitor car park.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Restaurant
• Museum shop

Castle View Restaurant, Stable Courtyard Café, Maze Café and the seasonal Boathouse; gift shops and a pre-loved bookshop.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events
• Weddings / ceremonies

Hire for weddings, private parties and corporate events, including meetings and team building.

Plan your visit