Leeds Castle
Maidstone, United Kingdom
A castle on two islands in a lake, surrounded by parkland near Maidstone. There is plenty to keep children busy, including a maze and an adventure playground.
Leeds Castle stands near Maidstone in Kent, on islands in a lake fed by the River Len. A wooden castle built by a Saxon nobleman is said to have stood here since 857. In 1278 Queen Eleanor of Castile acquired the property; Edward I strengthened it and probably created the lake. In 1519 Henry VIII remodelled it for Catherine of Aragon. Lady Baillie bought it in 1926 and, on her death in 1974, left it to a foundation; it has been open to the public since 1976.
The grounds cover 500 acres (just over 200 ha) of parkland and three gardens. There is a yew maze planted in 1988 with a grotto at its centre, aviaries, birds of prey displays and two children’s playgrounds. By car, Leeds Castle can be reached from Junction 8 of the M20. Allow plenty of time for the castle, maze and park.
- Nearest town
- Maidstone, United Kingdom
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 51.2489, 0.6305
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- United Kingdom: Tolls on some roads, bridges or tunnels. Drive on the left. Some bridges and tunnels charge tolls.
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Bearsted Caravan And Motorhome Club SiteMotorhome stopover2 km from Leeds Castle · 66 pitchesMotorhomesElectricityShowersToiletsWi-Fi
- Hillside CampsiteCampsite5 km from Leeds CastleTentsCaravansElectricityShowersToilets
- Coldblow FarmCampsite5 km from Leeds CastleTentsMotorhomesElectricityShowersToilets
- Dunn Street Farm CampsiteCampsite16 km from Leeds CastleTentsCaravansShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Painters Farm CampsiteCampsite16 km from Leeds CastleTentsCaravansMotorhomesElectricityShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Broadhembury Caravan & Camping ParkCampsite23 km from Leeds CastleTentsCaravansElectricityDogs allowedWi-Fi
All campsites in United Kingdom · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Leeds Castle?
Leeds Castle is in Maidstone, United Kingdom, at GPS 51.2489, 0.6305. It is about 30 km from Whitstable.
Can you camp near Leeds Castle?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Knights Glamping, about 1 km away; within 25 km there are 84 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Leeds Castle?
Leeds Castle is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Kent: castles, Canterbury and the white cliffs.
What is there to see near Leeds Castle?
Places worth a stop nearby: Bodiam Castle (28 km), Canterbury Cathedral (32 km), Dungeness (44 km) and White Cliffs of Dover (51 km).
When is the best time to visit Leeds Castle?
The most pleasant months are usually May–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)