Leeds Castle, Kent — castle

castle · Kent · England

Leeds Castle

Photo: Leeds Castle by Chensiyuan, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

About this place

Leeds Castle stands on two islands in the middle of a lake in Kent, a feature that has defined its character since the first stone structure was built here in the twelfth century.

Despite sharing a name with the Yorkshire city, it sits near Maidstone, and its name is thought to derive from the Saxon settlement that once occupied the site.

Royal ownership lasted for close to three centuries, from Edward I in 1278 until 1552, and during that time it passed through the hands of six medieval queens of England.

It is now run by the Leeds Castle Foundation and is open to the public.

Read more on Wikipedia

Facilities

Parking Café Toilets Shop Picnic area Restaurant Drinking water

Plan your visit

Nearest station: Hollingbourne Rail Station (1.1 miles)

Open year-round (364 days per year); check the official website for seasonal hours and event closures.

Nearby properties

Historic places nearby

Within 5 miles of Leeds Castle there are 2 historic properties, including 1 historic building and 1 castle, across English Heritage and National Trust sites.

1 English Heritage
1 National Trust
1 Historic building
1 Castle
See these 2 sites on the heritage map

Within 10 miles of Leeds Castle there are 8 historic properties, including 3 historic buildings and 2 castles, across English Heritage, National Trust and Churches Conservation Trust sites.

3 English Heritage
3 National Trust
1 Churches Conservation Trust
1 Historic Houses
3 Historic building
2 Castle
1 Church
1 Garden
1 Historic house
See these 8 sites on the heritage map

Within 20 miles of Leeds Castle there are 38 historic properties, including 13 historic buildings, 8 churchs and 7 castles, across English Heritage, National Trust and Churches Conservation Trust sites.

16 English Heritage
9 National Trust
7 Churches Conservation Trust
6 Historic Houses
13 Historic building
8 Church
7 Castle
5 Historic house
2 Garden
1 Museum
1 Chapel
1 Manor house
See these 38 sites on the heritage map

Facts

Type
castle
Location
Kent, England
Historic Houses Grade I
Official website

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