Leeds Castle

Leeds Castle: 18^th July 2011.

On the way home, we called at Leeds Castle. This is what Garry and Joanne particularly wanted to see, but couldn’t, so we called in to get some pictures and video for them.

The point that must be emphasised for overseas visitors is Leeds Castle is in Kent … and nowhere near the better-known Leeds, in Yorkshire!

It’s not a ruin; it’s livable-in, if not actually lived in. So, it’s more like a Stately Home than a castle, although  it does look vaguely castle-ish. Only the ruined gate-house looks as if it was once a defensive work. There’s very little to see here in the way of weaponry and armour … I don’t think it was ever attacked or laid siege to.

It stands on an island in a lake; probably one of the most photogenic castles there are, I’ll be putting a slide show of the best pictures up later

The restaurant and gift shop are located in the old stables, some distance from the castle itself, where there’s also a garden; for me, one of the best features. It shares that honour with the aviary, where birds from all over the world are displayed … or, in most cases, display themselves.

The castle itself is set in extensive gardens, which means it’s a fair hike from the car park. But, if you don’t want to walk all that way, you can ride on a ‘land train’.

And, if you live in England, read the fine print on your ticket, and don’t throw it away. It’s good for re-entry for a year and a day after its initial purchase!