Leeds Castle Grounds
20 pics. Leeds Castle in Kent that is. The long lake beside the castle and the path that passes the formal gardens and leads to the playground, maze, falconry display and a cheeky Jackdaw. Castle interiors here. See the castle website and tickets are valid for a year of repeat visits, yay. In the meantime enjoy ~.
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This is “Elsie” the land train from ticket office to the castle entrance (50 pence each). The walk is about 10-15 minutes and passes through some pleasant gardens.
Approaching the castle.
The time of my visit coincided with a flower festival. More of that in another post.
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There is a cafe and restaurant and a small dog-collar museum.
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Past the cafe and restaurant are the gardens.
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And, the tiered gardens beside the long lake and a view of the playground fort.
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“This year I will be mostly wearing my nose in the air”. | “She will too, she’s such a boy. I’ve got a long skirt you know”
There is a maze (keep turning left) with a turret at the center. Beneath the turret is a grotto complete with sounds of the sea, a doom laden voice reciting doom laden poetry and a tunnel to the way out. 🙂
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“And what are you laughing at. Just because I’ve got a comical looking face. I’ll have you know that I’m part of the entertainment”. “They don’t give these umbrellas to just anybody”.
“From me, Jack Daw, and all the other birdies, we hope you enjoyed your visit and do come again”. 🙂
Freed From Time 
Very nice. You’re a long way from home.
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October 2, 2015 at 17:00
? Aaah. Just got that. Update: Leeds Castle in Kent that is. Still no small jaunt. Initially went there to see the falcons, but worth the the visit anyway.
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October 2, 2015 at 17:42
Well they should have called it Kent Castle. It just doesn’t make sense to have Leeds Castle in Kent.
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October 2, 2015 at 17:44
It’s worse than that. There is nearby Leeds village. Somerset House is in London and there are 33 places in the world called Aberdeen.
Welcome to logical Britain. 😀 😀
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October 2, 2015 at 22:22
I love castles. Great photos Don! ❤
Diana xo
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October 3, 2015 at 01:23
Oh you smooth talker you. 😀 Ta! 🐻
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October 3, 2015 at 07:43
I believe I went here once as a child, but I was too young to remember it. I only know it from a photo on a grey day with an enormous moat, so I’m surprised to see all the grounds too! Lovely flower display, very skilled.
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October 4, 2015 at 11:35
You are probably right. There aren’t many castles in the south that have such a large moat and still standing. The only other two that I know of are Hever Castle and Bodiam Castle.
I will be publishing views of Lees Castle interiors soon, which might help to jog your memory further.
Thanks for the visit.and comment 🙂
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October 4, 2015 at 15:17
Oh so lovely and not over the top! I especially like those three archways, one over the brook. Beautiful.
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October 4, 2015 at 19:05
The one over the brook is the remnants of a fortified mill but I don’t know why it was fortified. I love these little mysteries. 🙂
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October 5, 2015 at 00:47
Ooh, I hadn’t thought of looking for castles down south (silly, really!). The sixth picture down is particularly lovely 🙂 How long did it take you to get there from London? I really rather fancy a go on that toy train…
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January 14, 2016 at 22:21
There is a public transport travel suggestion on the website, but it is unreliable in winter. Alternatively, Victoria to Maidstone East, down the hill to Jubilee Square, turn right to the No 13 bus stop. About 2.5 hours or about 2 hours by car.
There is also Hever and Arundel. But, as far as know, Leeds is the only one that you can photograph inside.
Closer to home is Strawberry Hill House here:-
http://wp.me/p4Fsag-20R
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January 15, 2016 at 00:12
Thanks for the info 🙂 I might look into it more when the weather is a bit warmer (I’m currently in semi-hibernation mode!)
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January 17, 2016 at 12:10