Leeds Castle

Leeds Castle, advertised as 'one of the loveliest castles in the world', is situated in Kent, and is famous for the wide, shimmering lake encircling the castle giving it a certain air of serenity.

As early as the mid-8th century, there was a manor house situated here, owned by the Saxon royal family, and it was given the name 'Leeds' after the little village close by.

Following the Norman invasion, the Norman barons found it necessary to build strong fortresses, so as not to be overwhelmed by the huge numbers of hostile English in the area, and so in 1119 a stone castle was built at Leeds.

Quite unusually, Leeds Castle sits on an island, surrounded by extensive grounds.

However, the visitor today is faced with a fascinating combination of royal palace, manor house and medieval castle, all having undergone periods of reconstruction and restoration. Internally, the rooms are furnished delightfully, with décor spanning the centuries, and many pieces of fine art.

Leeds Castle was a renowned royal residence from the time of Henry VIII, who spent large sums of money refurbishing and remodeling the buildings, and it remained so for over three hundred years. The castle remained a residence until 1974 when the last inhabitant passed away and left he castle to the Nation. 

Today, visitors can view this magnificent castle set in over 500 acres of landscaped parkland with its maze, grotto, waterfowl, aviaries, and vineyard.

Dale running through the hedge maze at Leeds

                            Black swan at Leeds                                                                                White Peacock