London Excursions

Leeds Castle

Set atop a lake in a picturesque valley in Kent, with imposing battlements and a 500-hectare Tudor garden, Leeds Castle has been described as ‘the most beautiful castle in all the world’. Once a residence of British Queens and a playground for King Henry VIII, it has been open to the public for 25 years, revealing the majesty of a bygone age. With so much to explore, Leeds Castle requires a full day for visitors to tour the castle, get lost in the maze and picnic in the gardens or dine in one of the restaurants and tea rooms.

Address: Maidstone, Kent; E-mail: enquiries@leeds-castle.co.uk; Website: www.leeds-castle.com; Telephone: (0)1622 765 400; Transport: Coach, bus or train from London; Opening time: Grounds: Daily 10am (last ticket sold at 3pm, gates close at 5pm). Castle: 10.30am to 4pm (last admission at 3.30pm). From 21 March to 30 September opening hours are extended by two hours in the afternoon; Admission: £15 (adults), £9.50 (children 4-15). Concessions available