Leeds Castle has existed since 1119, the first construction being a simple stone stronghold built by Robert de Crevecoeur in the time of Norman intrusions into England.
In 857 the site was owned by a Saxon chief called Led or Leed, who had built a wooden structure on two islands in the middle of the River Len. In 1278, the castle was bought by King Edward I’s Queen, Eleanor of Castile. The king enhanced its defences and (most likely) created the lake that surrounds the castle. Richard II’s first wife, Anne of Bohemia, spent the winter of 1381 at the castle on her way to be married to the king. Henry VIII transformed the castle in 1519 for his first wife, Catherine of Aragon.
Leeds Castle is a Grade I listed building and recognised as an internationally important structure.
Visit Leeds Castle
Facilities
Hours
October to March:
10.00am – 5.00pm
April to September:
10.00am – 6.00pm
Address
Maidstone ME17 1PL
Phone
01622 765400
Prices
| Valid until 31st December 2019 (unless stated otherwise) | Admission Tickets | Admission Tickets with online discount* | Freedom Pass |
| Adults | £26 | £25 | £34 |
| Senior Citizens (aged 65+) | £24 | £23 | £32 |
| Students | £24 | £23.50 | £32 |
| Children (aged 4-15) | £17.50 | £16.50 | £25.50 |
| Visitor with disability – Adult + Free Carer | £23 | £22 | £31 |
| Visitor with disability – Child (4-15) + Free Carer | £14.50 | £13.50 | £22.50 |
| Infants (under 4 years) | FREE | FREE | FREE |
| Family (1 Adult and up to 5 children) | £80 | £76 | n/a |
| Family (2 Adults and up to 4 children) | £80 | £76 | n/a |
| Five Year Ticket | £100 | £100 | n/a |
Location
Leeds Castle Gifts
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