Leeds Castle has everything you need for a good day out, especially if you have boys who need space to run around in! You don’t have to be in love with knights to enjoy it, added bonus if you are. There’s lots to do with many pretty garden areas to appreciate and plenty of places to purchase refreshments.
The great thing about Leeds Castle compared to some others, is that once you purchase your tickets, you can return as many times that year as you want to. We have now been back four or five times this year free of charge. Just make sure you have your photo taken for their system and keep your tickets somewhere safe. We would definitely suggest you pay the little bit extra to upgrade to a ‘freedom pass’ https://www.leeds-castle.com/eshop/Admission+Tickets+and+Freedom+Pass/Freedo as it gives you access to as many free ferry and train trips as you like. These are extra each time you use them if not.
As you enter, you walk to the castle through the grounds where you are surrounded by a variety of water birds.
You can then choose to visit the castle keep which is full of interesting things for kids to look at and steeped in history (avoid your kids taking in any pretend weapons as you can easily knock things by accident inside, this is from experience!). Buggies cannot be taken inside the castle but access with these is ok everywhere else.
Alternatively, you can head straight to the fabulous play areas.
You can do this on foot and just follow the main path or by hopping on the ferry that drops you off on the other side of the lake next to the outdoor play areas. One is designed for the younger kiddies and the other larger wooden castle style play area is for older children. However, they are currently well underway with building a brand new play area that looks brilliant! Opening April 2019 they said so check first to avoid any disappointment.
Over by the play areas there is a maze to try and find your way out of and a small, but brilliant, falconry area. There is a falconry flying display most weekends and during the week during peak season. If you’re interested in birds of prey the staff are very knowledgeable and my 8yr old was lucky enough to be offered a ‘behind the scenes’ tour. It was brilliant seeing him get up close and personal with these awesome birds.
If you’re all tired out on the way back you can hitch a lift on the castle train which takes you an alternative scenic route to the car park area/ shop drop off.
There is quite a lot of walking involved so if you have very little ones or reluctant walkers I’d recommend taking a buggy.
Food is not extortionate, but we often take a picnic as there are benches near the play areas and a grass area to sit on near the falconry display pen. Ice creams and hot drinks served there too.
The good thing about the return ticket is you get in free when they might have other popular events on such as the knights jousting and the Christmas market.
More information on how to make the most of your day here can be found at https://www.leeds-castle.com
A Stone's Throw 