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Shrouded in mist, mystery and legend, Leeds Castle rises from its own lake amidst one of England's most picturesque counties; the survivor of 1000 years emerges into the 21st century pre-eminent among the great buildings of the British Isles.

Originally a Saxon royal manor built in AD. 857, Leeds became the stone Castle of the Norman Crevecoeur family. From 1278 Leeds was a royal palace where Edward I built the unique fortified mill and barbican. Falling to Edward II's troops in 1321 because his Queen was refused admission, the Castle was never again besieged as it's reputation for being a ladies Castle grew ever stronger. In it's illustrious history, Leeds Castle has been the home of six medieval Queens of England and will no doubt be graced by many distinguished ladies in the centuries ahead.

Henry VIII enjoyed the Castle immensely and the many Tudor windows bear witness to his architectural improvements. It was from Leeds that Henry started for his momentous meeting at the Fields of the Cloth of Gold with Francis I of France in 1520, embarking at Dover - an event recalled by the magnificent paintings in the Banqueting Hall.

In 1926, Olive, later Lady Baillie, bought Leeds Castle from the Wykeham Martins, the previous owners, and totally transformed it internally. Employing two international interior designers, Armand-Albert Rateau and Stéphane Boudin, Leeds Castle is probably the world's most complete memorial to these men.

Lady Baillie filled her house with fine furniture, ceramics, tapestries and paintings, all of the highest quality - her collection of 18th Century Chinese porcelain is remarkable, with many pieces recalling her fondness for exotic birds.

Lady Baillie's achievements culminated in the most radical development at Leeds Castle in its long history; by her will, the Leeds Castle Foundation was created to maintain the Castle, garden and park for the enjoyment of visitors in perpetuity. For more information on visiting Leeds Castle, just view their very Informative Website.

Wining and Dining

Leeds Castle is the ideal venue to celebrate any occasion, whether it's a special birthday, an anniversary or retirement dinner or even just a meal with friends and family.

With venues to accommodate between 10 - 200 people, they are never lost for suggestions to make an evening truly memorable.

As well as formal occasions, their experienced staff can organise private lunches for up to 50 people in summer or up to 90 during the winter - Christmas as you can imagine is something very special indeed at Leeds Castle.

Accommodation and Meetings/Conferences

All budgets can be catered for and they can offer you two residential conference centres. Within the Castle itself, they can accommodate 22 in single accommodation and up to 60 for a meeting or lunch with this number rising to 100 for the evening.

As well as 15 delightful bedrooms, all with direct dial telephones and televisions, the Culpeper Centre, situated across the moat from the Castle has meeting and dining facilities for up to 40 people. Popular for both training and sales meetings, the centre overlooks the lovely gardens and provides a tranquil yet stimulating setting away from the pressures of the City.

Opening Times - 2010:

All year: daily
Closed: 3rd July, 6th & 7th November and Christmas Day

1st April - 30th September:

Grounds: 10 am - 6 pm, last ticket sold 4.30 pm
Castle: 10.30 am - 5.30 pm, last entry at 5 pm
Shops: 10 am - 5.30 pm

Winter:
1st October 2010 - 31st March 2011:

Grounds: 10 am - 5 pm, last ticket sold 3 pm
Castle: 10.30 am - 4 pm, last entry at 3.30 pm
Shops: 10 am - 4 pm

Special private tours for pre-booked groups by appointment.

Admission Charges - 2010:

Castle, Park & Gardens:
Adult - £17.50
Child - £10
Child (under 4yrs) - Free
Concessions - £15
Group (15+) - £14

Every ticket (excluding special ticketed events) valid for one year, prices valid until 31st March 2011

Call for rates for visitors with disabilities.

More information on the garden can be found on The Gardens Guide.