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Leeds Castle, Maidstone, Kent

December 28, 2016

Leeds Castle sits in the depths of beautiful Kent countryside, yet is still easily accessible from the M20. Dating back to the 9th century the castle is described as England’s loveliest castle and is set in 500 acres of parklands and gardens. Having visited most of the local castles and stately homes in Kent and Sussex….Leeds had somehow escaped us. We decided a beautifully sunny Boxing Day was the perfect opportunity to visit this historical playground and escape the Christmas cabin fever!

Leeds castle is one of the luxury kent wedding venues featured on Fantasyweddingfinder.com and is well worth checking out for a fun day with your little ones. On arriving at Leeds Castle we were able to park a short walk away from the entrance. We waited in a short queue for our turn to get our tickets and were served by a friendly and efficient member of staff. We were informed that in addition to the usual activities available on site at Leeds, there was a special Beatrix Potter themed Winter Trail to celebrate her 150th Birthday. We were equipped with a Winter Trail treasure map, a map of the site and a general guide to the castle and grounds…we were set to explore!

Can we come in?

The Castle is set back a good 10-15 minute walk from the main entrance. There is the option of catching a little train for 50p which drops you off just outside the Castle buildings. We’d been stuck in the car for well over an hour that morning so chose to walk and stretch our legs. The woodland walk is pleasant, pretty and best of all…abundant with bird life! Logan loved chatting to the peacock and pigeons, whereas Daisy found the cheeky geese and ducks hilarious! The walk took us along walk ways and foot bridges until the Castle appeared on the horizon. It is indeed a stunning sight.

Exploring the Woodland Walk

Our visit found us arriving just before lunchtime so despite the appeal of the sight of the Castle, our stomach’s (or rather our children’s low blood sugar) dictated that our first port of call needed to be one of the Castle’s range of eateries. We decided the Maze Cafe would best serve our needs being described as fast service and good value for money. We chose a couple of burgers and chips and Daisy had a child’s lunch box to share with Logan. There’s no seating inside the cafe but plenty outside with a view of the boating lake. Our burgers were petite but delicious, with gherkin slices, relish and brioche bap to garnish. Daisy is a particularly fussy eater but found the sandwiches (cheese slices on white bread) to be to her liking. Overall we were really pleased with the quality and price of the food, with the service being friendly and prompt.

Burger & chips at the Maze Cafe

Energy levels topped up and with the play areas in view it was time to get active. There are two play grounds: Squires Court Playground for younger children and The Knights’ Realm Play area for those who need something more challenging. The playgrounds are also located right next to each other so that families with a wide range of age groups can all be catered for in one fun play session. Daisy loved the tunnels and steep slides in the Knights’ Realm area and Logan enjoyed the swings and walkways in Squires Court…win, win!

Squires Court Playground

Walking back towards the Castle we spotted the Maze. This is a proper maze and a great family challenge. We all started off methodically and patiently exploring options. Logan was firmly strapped into his pushchair for this activity…if we lost him he might be gone for days! After 10 minutes all logic had gone out of the window and we were individually trying each and every avenue in an effort to find our way to the mystical Grotto towering over the middle of the maze, tempting you with it’s presence as you aimlessly bumble around. Daisy was the only one who genuinely found her way to the Grotto …I had to be guided by a kind young man shouting directions from the Grotto..Matt left the maze and entered from the exit! And that was after nearly 25 minutes! So if you like a challenge…enter the maze, just make sure you pack overnight essentials just in case.

The Maze

Finally, we reach the Castle itself. Leeds is a perfect fairytale castle, with a shimmering moat and immaculate towers and drawbridges. We were told to leave our pushchair at the front gate, before being  guided down a stairway alongside the moat to the entrance.

Moatway walk to the Entrance

There is a well laid out route through the castle which avoids bottle necks and allows foot traffic to flow steadily. We were lucky that our visit was a fairly quiet time and we were able to see rooms and displays without a squeeze, but I understand it can get very busy in Summer months. Daisy loved the bedrooms and decor…Logan just wanted to climb into every single cordoned off area! Yes, stately homes and castles with a toddler can be sweaty work…however Leeds is visually stimulating and even whilst tolerating me holding him he was clearly engaged in his surroundings. We were lucky enough to catch the tail end of the Castle’s beautiful Christmas decorations…each room with it’s own gorgeous tree.

Peepo!
Beautiful festive trees

Leeds Castle is a wonderful family day out. We felt like we still had more to see despite spending a good 3.5 hours at the property. I’d love to visit again in the Summer to make the most of the gardens and outdoor features…but having said that I was amazed at just how much there was to do in Mid-Winter. I’d recommend visiting the Castle’s extensive website before a visit.. with a range of restaurants, accommodations and activities available on site it’s really worth doing your homework to make the most of your visit. Oh, and don’t forget your survival pack for the Maze…if you’re anything like us you’ll need it!

An adult ticket costs £24.50, child tickets are £16.50, under 4’s are free. Once you have bought your ticket you can use it to visit as many times as you like for a year. 

 

23 Comments

  • Coombe Mill

    January 7, 2017 at 10:38 am

    What a fab place to explore with the kids, Leeds castle really does look like a great family day out. Leeds castle really does look like a fairytale castle with sparkling moat, turrets and mystical maze. It’s great that you all managed to make it to the center of the maze and the Grotto hidden there, even if there was a small amount of cheating from the adults.

    Thanks for linking up with me on #CountryKids.

    1. jugglingonrollerskates

      January 7, 2017 at 4:20 pm

      We’d still be in there if we hadn’t cheated! 😉

  • jo

    January 7, 2017 at 1:20 pm

    Ohh that’s really good to know about Leeds Castle – I had thought it was quite expensive, but going back more than once makes it fantastic value. It’s on our to-do list – H, my daughter went on a school trip a couple of years ago but we’ve never been. Thanks – this has been really helpful! #countrykids

    1. jugglingonrollerskates

      January 7, 2017 at 4:21 pm

      It is quite expensive, but if you live locally and see it as an annual pass it’s actually good value. I’d love to go back in the Summer..there’s loads to do!

  • Keitha

    January 7, 2017 at 3:15 pm

    What an amazing place to explore! Your pictures show so many interesting things to see. I would love to try out that maze with my family. So far, we have only conquered corn mazes. Happy New Year! #countrykids

    1. jugglingonrollerskates

      January 7, 2017 at 4:25 pm

      The maze is a real challenge!! Just make sure you have an escape strategy!

  • Mary @ Over 40 and a Mum to One

    January 7, 2017 at 6:04 pm

    We very nearly went there on the way home when we stayed in Kent last month. I’d visited years ago and loved it, but the cost for a one off visit put us off to be honest, and we stuck with National Trust properties instead. I can see it being good value if you can visit more often though #CountryKids

  • chocolateandwineandillbefine

    January 8, 2017 at 3:35 pm

    Ah Leeds Castle is one of my favourites – so much to do and the play areas are just amazing! My mum got us vouchers for Christmas so we will be able to get a ticket again this year! I have to say I have never braved the maze in all the times I have been but maybe now is the time to try…. #countrykids

    1. jugglingonrollerskates

      January 8, 2017 at 4:42 pm

      I’d love to visit again in the Summer. It was particularly cold on the day of our visit..I can imagine it’s even better in the sun!

  • Pamela Agar

    January 8, 2017 at 10:12 pm

    I love your photographs – you’ve reminded me how wonderful Leeds Castle is. We haven’t been for at least a year, so I really must go back. You’re right about the maze, it really is properly challenging isn’t it! #CountryKids

    1. jugglingonrollerskates

      January 8, 2017 at 10:17 pm

      Thank you! I’m really getting into photography…but the beautiful backdrop certainly helps!

  • Sherry Cook

    January 9, 2017 at 6:35 pm

    This looks like a great castle to visit, we have been to Bodiam Castle but have actually never been to Leeds. That food is also making me hungry right now haha! #CountryKids

    1. jugglingonrollerskates

      January 9, 2017 at 7:49 pm

      Oh we love Bodiam too! Both great days out!

  • twotinyhands

    January 9, 2017 at 8:09 pm

    What a fab maze and plenty to do at the castle.. Ibcant wait for my little one to get older so he can explore places like this! #countrykids

    1. jugglingonrollerskates

      January 9, 2017 at 8:22 pm

      It won’t be long! My 16 month old loved exploring here…although was also rather keen to jump in the moat!

  • Heidi @him_me_three

    January 9, 2017 at 8:48 pm

    It’s been a long time since I went to Leeds Castle but it’s one of the best I’ve ever been to. I got hopelessly lost in the maze though and started to freak out as I’m claustrophobic! #countrykids

    1. jugglingonrollerskates

      January 12, 2017 at 1:38 pm

      Ha! Glad I’m not the only one then! It’s a great day out..

  • Rachel (@coffee_cakekids)

    January 10, 2017 at 11:12 am

    Sounds like a lovely place for a Boxing Day adventure! Lots of blue skies and sunshine as well. #countrykids

    1. jugglingonrollerskates

      January 12, 2017 at 1:39 pm

      Blue skies always help!

  • Michelle Twin Mum

    January 12, 2017 at 1:34 pm

    I hear wonderful things about Leeds castle, I think it needs to go on the hot list for this year, Mich x

    1. jugglingonrollerskates

      January 12, 2017 at 1:42 pm

      It’s on our sunny day list too! It was beautiful on Boxing Day…but mighty cold!

  • Our Year of Adventures 2016 – jugglingonrollerskates

    January 14, 2017 at 10:36 pm

    […] blue skies meant that we managed to enjoy a host of days out. We got lost in the maze at Leeds Castle. We enjoyed meeting the elves at the magical Groombridge Place in Kent and had a brilliant day […]

  • Juliet Evans

    March 8, 2017 at 9:49 pm

    Leeds castle has always been on our list to visit. It looks absolutely stunning and I’m sure upkeep of such a property must be colossal hence the pricey entrance fee however, for us this would be offputting because it’s a bit of a distance and we would be unlikely to visit mor then once in the year. Very tempted though, your pictures make it look so inviting and our kids would absolutely love it.

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