Bonjour lecteurs! If you are looking for family days out in Kent, we have some lovely walks coming up! And you can always check out my villages in Kent posts for ideas! Indeed, now more than ever, get some fresh air with the kids. And today, I have l’aventure parfaite for you! Let’s take you on an Autumnal Walk at Leeds Castle!
Leeds Castle
Unlike some might think, Leeds Castle is not situated in the North of the country! It is actually the name of a famous castle in Kent, near Maidstone.
First built as a Norman stronghold, it is now one of the most visited historic buildings in Britain. Henry VIII, with his first wife Catherine of Aragon, turned it into a magnificent royal palace. Don’t miss this Kentish gem!
En plus, its gardens and grounds will make the perfect family day out.
Grounds & Wildlife
I really recommend buying family tickets. This way, you get to enjoy the grounds at different times of the year and the picturesque place is worth it!
Let me take you on an autumnal walk as we visited Leeds Castle last week.
The whole place is beautiful, full of yellow colours and magnificent trees.
We started our journey, following the path to the castle amongst nature and the wildlife.
We made sure to stop by the bridge. It was time to make a wish!
See my stories on Instagram for more footage.
As soon as you arrive, the tone is set. You are in for some fresh air in while walking across 500 acres of beautiful grounds and gardens!
So much to explore! My little dragon was loving it!
The Castle
Once you reach the Castle in itself, pause by the lake and enjoy the peace while observing the black swans.
I believe there is a total of 7, but there could be more?
We were lucky to be able to visit the château just before the lockdown. You sign in and you get around the side. Follow the path by the River Len et voilà!
You get to see the castle’s facade. It was late afternoon and the sunset on the river was so pretty.
Go through the door and you are in for some history. The tour starts with the cave. Quelle bonne idée! Before you go up the stairs, stop by and see the beautiful Civil War cuirassier armour from the 17th century.
The castle is really big. My favourite room was definitely the dining-room, while Baba enjoyed the library.
He was quite amazed by all those books and the beautiful view of the river!
But we also stopped by the windows. You can see the inside courtyard and the well. All very medieval!
The Back Garden
After stopping by the official shop (we got some baubles for the Xmas tree!), we carried on up the little hill.
The back garden is truly beautiful and you can stop on one of the benches while relaxing. Seeing the river in the sunset was simply stunning!
Leeds Castle has so many attractions! You can even stay there in its many accommodations or enjoy an afternoon tea! We will certainly do that one day!
Play Areas
But then, Baba was eager to discover the play area. And we were in for a treat!
Indeed, with the Squires’ Courtyard Playground and the Knights’ Stronghold Playground, there is no way the kids could be bored!
No need to say that Baba had an absolute blast! Especially in the big castle!
He was running around, pretending to be a dragon! I was with him just in case he got stuck and I enjoyed the view of the gardens from this more modern castle!
Leeds Castle has really set up the game for families to have fun! Relax while the kids pretend to be king and queen et voilà!
Walking Back Home
Because it was quite late, the play area was not super busy. So it felt very safe.
And we enjoyed a walk back via the garden and the by the river.
It was so lovely to walk in the late afternoon on a sunny autumnal day. The colours of the trees really made it special and a bit romantique!
But also…
My little dragon was well tired but happy after so much exercise!
And he said it himself: ‘It was such a lovely day Maman!’
Mission accomplie! We made some beautiful memories and also got our dose of exercise and fresh air!
But there is more! You can also have fun at the Maze & Grotto or even have a game at the Adventure Golf.
And next time you visit Leeds Castle, don’t forget to also stop by and see the Birds of Prey.
We took it easy as we came in the early afternoon. But grab a picnic or some food and you can make it a day!
Leeds Castle – Le Verdict
Leeds Castle has so much to offer!
We loved walking in its beautiful grounds and gardens.
We observed the wildlife and were amazed by the beautiful trees.
And we learned so much about the local history too in the castle itself!
We have not been for years and I actually forgot how majestuous it was!
I also really liked the enthusiasm of the volunteers too. They clearly have a passion for the grounds and it was truly lovely to witness!
All the staff was wearing a mask and social distancing was easy to put in place. There is so much space!
Book Your Tickets Now
So what are you waiting for!? Come and book now your annual tickets so that you can enjoy nature at different stages in the year!
Leeds Castle admission tickets grant you free repeat visits for 15 months from the date of your purchase. Family passes are £80 for the year (now extended to 15 months until the end of December).
I think we will definitely come back around Christmas time. I reckon there will be many decorations and it will truly feel magical!
All the income from admission tickets goes toward the running and preservation of the Castle and its estate. So not only you will be in for a fab day, but you will also help to preserve a national treasure!
Have you ever been To Leeds Castle in Kent? What is your favourite castle to visit in the UK? And your favourite place in the South-East?
Disclosure: We received free tickets to visit Leeds Castle. All opinions are my own as always! It is absolutely gorgeous!
I’ve always wanted to visit Leeds Castle but Kent is such a long way from us. One day!
Lots of great photos!
Looks amazing there! Love visiting castles!
I never knew Leeds castle was not too far away from us in Kent!! It looks absolutely amazing xx
Another wonderful day out for you. That little dragon certainly enjoyed himself!
Lovely place to visit I live about 3 miles away from here
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You should definitely go, it is so beautiful
Always wanted to stop off at Leeds Castle but the only time we pass we are “en route” to the ferry! One day we will get ourselves organised
Leeds Castle location has always confused me, but I guess there is a Liverpool Street in London, and a London street in Liverpool
It does look beautiful. Not so far away from us too but we’ve never been.
looks a lovely day out
I love visiting castles! This one looks amazing with glorious grounds.
I love Leeds Castle, it’s one of our favourites to visit
It looks very Grand, with gorgeous views. Just goes to show that you don’t have to travel far to have a good day out x
A place I’ve always fancied visiting. Hopefully one day. It looks lovely.
Looks a lovely place to visit, especially during the Autumn!
It looks in great nick , that library is as big as my flat . I can’t help wondering if the fishing is any good .
Looks an amazing place to visit
Leeds Castle is lovely, I have visited when staying with a friend.
This looks like a really lovely place to visit
This looks a lovely day out and very scenic wish I was more local ?
I have never been to Leeds Castle as my visits to Kent have always just involved the seaside towns but it looks like a great day out.
This looks lovely! Really liked Leeds but didn’t get to see much of the castle, hopefully will visit again!
This looks like a really good day out and looks like there is plenty for kids to do as well
Never been yet but it looks worth a visit
Autumnal walks are gorgeous with all the trees ablaze with colour
We went there once, it truly is a fabulous day out, we loved it, and the history behind it!
not been before and looks amazing, will have to take a trip there as not too far from us which I hadn’t quite realised
Leeds Castle is on our list but is a long way from us.
Edinburgh Castle is the best one I’ve visited, but I’ve not been there for quite some time!
We went to Alnwick Castle last year, which was pretty good…
This sounds like a really rejuvenating experience.
looks a great place to visit
Looks like perfect day out!
What a beautiful castle and fantastic autumn day for it glad you enjoyed
Thanks for this recommendation !
Looks great!
I love Leeds Castle and the grounds. Haven’t been there in years. Looks like you had a lovely day out!
Looks beautiful great photos
I have never been before but its on my list! I love how magical it looks!
Wow what a beautiful place ?
This looks like such a beautiful place. Just a shame it is soooooo far from me!
A fabulous day out. It is always good to see attractions cater for children, too.
Leeds Castle confuses me, I always think its near Leeds
We had an amazing day out two years ago at Leeds Castle, the castle is amazing to look around and we loved the owl show.
Some beautiful pictures. You can tell its Autumn!
It looks lovely there, my nephew is at Leeds University when lockdown over i might venture up there for a visit