‘What the Butler Saw’ at Leeds Castle

On now until the 21 October, a new exhibition will tell the stories from above and below stairs life at Leeds Castle in the 1930s, through the eyes of the servants.

As Downton Abbey and Upstairs Downstairs return to our screens this year, highlighting the lives of the owners and the servants of great houses in the 1920s and 30s, a special exhibition comes to Leeds Castle to tell the real stories of life at “the loveliest castle in the world”.

Leeds Castle, in Kent, was a playground for the rich and famous, as Lady Baillie entertained high society at weekends in the run up to the Second World War. And of course there were also over 30 servants in the castle who met the needs of the family and their guests.

Discover how former owner Lady Baillie’s life in London society and her household in the country is mirrored in the current popular television dramatisations.

Entrance to this exhibition is included with your Key to the Castle ticket.  We regret that some areas of display will be in the area of the castle which is not accessible to wheelchair users.

Key to the Castle tickets cost £19.75 for adults; £17.50 for seniors and visitors with disabilities (carer goes free); £12.50 for children (under 4’s free). Tickets are valid for 12 months so you can pay once and visit all year round.

Leeds Castle is located near Maidstone in Kent just off Junction 8 of the M20 and only one hour’s drive from London. Grounds open at 10am daily and the castle is open from 10.30am. Last admission is 3pm and gates close at 5pm. 

Additional Activities

World of Wings Shows

Exciting falconry and free-flying bird shows in a flying arena near the maze, daily shows - please check website for timings.

Go Ape!

Test your nerves and agility on the Go Ape! High wire forest adventure in the castle parkland. For further details and to book online visit goape.co.uk/sites/leeds-castle or call the Go Ape! telephone the booking centre on 0845 643 9215.

Pay & Play Golf Course

The castle’s scenic 9-hole, par 33 golf course offers a combination of blind tees, strategically placed bunkers and medieval moat to provide challenging and rewarding holes from start to finish. 9 holes from £9.99. Call the Golf Shop on 01622 767828 or visit leeds-castle.com/golf

Segways at Leeds Castle

Take a 40 minute escorted tour of the castle’s picturesque grounds on a Segway, the world’s only self balancing personal transporter. For further information and to book online visit segwaytours.co.uk or call 07895 057356.

Leeds Castle Holiday Cottages

Refurbished period cottages within the estate are available to book as luxury self-catering holiday cottages. Guests receive free visitor passes to the castle and grounds and get the run of the grounds after the day visitors have departed. Ideal if you have family or friends to visit and require accommodation, or to combine with special events at the castle.

The Stable Courtyard Bedrooms at Leeds Castle

Come and stay in the grounds of “the loveliest castle in the world”. The Stable Courtyard Bed & Breakfast at Leeds Castle are luxury en-suite bedrooms refurbished to the highest standard offering indulgence and comfort. A full English or continental breakfast made with fresh local produce, is served in the 17^th Century oak-beamed Fairfax Hall Restaurant between 8.30am and 9.30am. All bedrooms are equipped with tea trays, white towelling robes and digital flat screen televisions. During your stay you can enjoy a stroll around the castle grounds and gardens, beautiful at any time of the year.

For further information and bookings call 01622 765855 or visit leeds-castle.com/bedandbreakfast.

 

ADMISSION PRICES: Key to the Castle tickets – pay once and visit again and again

Adult £19.75

Senior Citizens/Students/Visitors with Disabilities £17.50 (carer goes free)

Children (4-15 yrs) £12.50

Group and education rates available on request by contacting the Group Reservations Co-ordinator on 01622 767865.

OPENING TIMES

OPEN THROUGHOUT THE YEAR

Castle closed for Classical Concert and Firework Spectacular. Castle and grounds closed Christmas Day. Please visit our website for up-to-date information or call: 01622 765400.

Castle opens 10.30am.

Last admission 3.30pm.

Gates close at 5pm.

Shops 10am – 5pm.

Grounds open at 10am daily. Latest entry to Castle is 30 minutes after last admission time.