Leeds Castle

This much-loved palace and home, surrounded by 500 acres of magnificent parkland and gardens and set in the middle of a natural lake, is one of the country's finest historic properties. Leeds is also proud to be one of the Treasure Houses of England. The site of a Saxon royal manor, a Norman fortress and a royal palace to the Kings and Queens of England, the chequered history of Leeds Castle continues well into the 20th century. The last private owner, the Honourable Olive, Lady Baillie, purchased the Castle in 1926. Her inheritance helped to restore the Castle and, prior to her death, she established the Leeds Castle Foundation which now preserves the Castle for the nation, hosts important international conferences and supports the arts. The Castle has a fine collection of paintings, tapestries and furnishings and is also home to a unique collection of antique dog collars. The Park and Grounds include the colourful and quintessentially English Culpeper Garden, the delightful Wood Garden, and, opening in Spring 1999, the new terraced Lady Baillie Garden with its views over the tranquil Great Water. An Aviary houses rare and endangered species from around the world and, next to the Victorian Greenhouses can be found a traditional Maze with its secret underground grotto. A highly popular and successful programme of Special Events is arranged throughout the year, details of which can be found opposite. OPENING TIMES - Open all year SUMMER: 1 March - 31 October Daily: 10am - 5pm (last adm). WINTER: 1 November - 28 February Daily: 10am - 3pm (last adm.). (closed Christmas Day). Also special private tours for pre-booked groups at any other time by appointment. Castle & Grounds closed 26 Jun & 3 July prior to the 21st Anniversary Open Air Concerts