Visit Leeds Castle, The Loveliest Castle in the World
Leeds Castle is located 45 minutes from Canterbury England. It was built in 857 AD. It was a Royal Manor until 1278 when it became the Royal Palace of Edward I. Since then it has been the home of six medieval queens earning it the title of the Queen of Castles. There is so much history associated with this castle. It has been a fortified post, under siege after Queen Isabella was denied entry, a Governor was hung by the drawbridge chain, a witchcraft trial was held here, French and Dutch prisoners were confined here and set fire to part of the property and it was a convalescent home during WWII.
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The property was vacant for two years and in need of repair when it went up for sale in 1926. American Heiress and Socialite Lady Baillie purchased it for $873,000 and spent 30 years restoring it. She hosted many house parties with famous guests in the 1920s and 1930s. Lady Bailie set up the Leeds Castle Foundation to administer the castle after her death and the property was opened to the public in 1976.
Set on 500 acres in Maidstone, Kent on the River Len with a moat, drawbridge, formal gardens, and black swans, Leeds Castle is lovely indeed. Tour the castle’s beautifully restored rooms and displays of period clothing. Be sure to spend some time in the library searching for the hidden door. Watch a falconry demonstration and check out the aviary with over 100 colorful birds. The castle vineyard produces the award-winning Cuvée Castle Sparkling. It is available in the properties restaurant. Or, go punting, play golf, take a treetop adventure, explore the museum of 100+ antique dog collars, or enjoy the maze leading to an underground grotto. It is easy to understand why this castle consistently makes the Top Castles of England lists.
Leeds Castle is set in the English countryside and is easiest reached from London by day trip. There are restored cottages on the property for overnight guests. There are also Bed and Breakfast rooms available and glamping opportunities. Overnight guests beware, there is a ghost of a large black dog on the property.
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