Described as the ‘loveliest castle in the world’, Leeds Castle is a grandiose fortress nestled in picturesque countryside and surrounded by water. It is not just rich in beauty, though. Leeds Castle has a very rich history. It has been a Norman stronghold; the private property of six of England’s medieval queens; a palace used by Henry VIII and his first wife Catherine of Aragon; a Jacobean country house; a Georgian mansion; an elegant early 20th century retreat for the influential and famous; and in the 21st century, it has become one of the most visited historic buildings in Britain. Entry costs £26 for adults, £17.50 for children, and children under four-years-old can visit for free. Once you have bought a ticket, you can visit as many times as you like in the following year. For opening times and more information, visit: leeds-castle.com.

Timber 👣 & Shakespeare 🐾

June 21, 2019

Leeds Castle was already in the Domesday Book King William the Conqueror, the English Reichsgrundbuch, mention. It has been used gradually over the centuries as a Norman fortress, the residence of six medieval queens, as the palace of Henry VIII and as a sanctuary for the rich and powerful. In the more than 1000 years of its existence, the castle has survived many battles, housed powerful statesmen and inspired numerous artists. Today, it is led by the Leeds Castle Foundation and is the destination of many thousands of people seeking relaxation each year.

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Timber 👣 & Shakespeare 🐾

October 1, 2019

Leeds Castle was in its long history a Norman stronghold, the private residence of 6 English queens of the Middle Ages (Eleanor of Castile, Margaret of France, Isabella of France, Joan of Navarre, Anna of Bohemia and Katharina de Valois), a palace of Henry VIII and his first wife, Catherine of Aragon, in Jacobean times a country estate and a Georgian mansion.

In the 20th century the castle was an elegant retreat and today Leeds Castle is one of the most visited attractions in the UK.

Leeds Castle has Norman foundations, a medieval gatehouse; The Gloriette was built by Edward I and expanded in the times of Henry III, there is a Tudor tower and a 19th century country house.

The first castle was built by the Norman Baron Robert de Crevecoeur in 1119, at the time of Henry I, the son of William the Conqueror, on an island in the River Len. In 1278, one and a half centuries later, it came into the possession of Queen Eleanor, the wife of Edwards I.

For the next 300 years, the castle was a royal residence and part of the Wittum of the English queens.

Translated by Google •

Details

Informations

Distance 2.35 km

Uphill 80 m

Downhill 90 m

Weather

Today

Friday 7 November

14°C

11°C

0 %

If you start your activity now...

Max wind speed: 11.0 km/h

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Take Me There

Location: Broomfield And Kingswood, Maidstone, Kent, South East England, England, United Kingdom

Other Popular Places to Check Out

St Nicholas Church, Leeds

Hollingbourne Manor

Brother Percival Statue (Pilgrim's Rest)

River Len Weir and Wooden Bridge

View of Leeds Castle

Wooden Bridge Over the River (United Kingdom)

North Downs Way Singletrack – Kent Downs National Landscape

Daisy Field View in Kent Downs

St Margaret's Church, Broomfield

View of Boxley from the North Downs Way

Ancient Tree and Stump at Leeds Castle Park

View of the Countryside from Moat Road

Leeds Castle

1. The Mill Pub – River Len loop from Hollingbourne

2. View of Leeds Castle – River Len loop from Hollingbourne

3. Broomfield Woods – River Len loop from Leeds

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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