Leeds Castle and Culpeper Gardens

Head Gardener's Comment

The Grounds and Wood Garden

A 3,000-acre estate originally surrounded the castle. The parkland is now much smaller, but still contains farms, woodland, a golf course and several gardens.

In Spring, the Wood Garden alongside the River Len is a particularly lovely way to approach the castle. Its carpet of Daffodils, Narcissi and Anemones presents a vibrant burst of colour. Later in the year, the visitor is treated to the splendor of Azaleas and Rhododendrons.

The Duckery

Lady Baillie loved birds of all kinds, and asked her garden designer, Russell Page, and her French interior designer, Stéphane Boudin, to develop this pretty area of the parkland into a duckery. Today, in addition to the collection of rare and endangered species, many wild birds have made this haven their home. You may also see black swans, the symbol of the castle, as Lady Baillie was the first person to import them to the UK from their native Australia.

Help feed the ducks daily at 4pm.

History

The Culpeper Garden

Named after the family who owned Leeds Castle in the 17th century; the Culpeper Garden was originally the site of the castle’s kitchen garden.

During Lady Baillie's ownership it became a cut flower garden, but in 1980 garden designer Russell Page transformed it into a large cottage garden.

With its informal layout and low box hedges as a border this very English garden features Roses, Lupins, Poppies and Lads' Love, with exotic blooms mixed in to create a profusion of colour and scent.

The Lady Baillie Garden

Opened in 1999 by HRH Princess Alexandra, Patron of the Leeds Castle Foundation, the Lady Baillie Garden was designed by the landscape architect, Christopher Carter, on the site of Lady Baillie's original aviary.

With its south facing aspect and Mediterranean style, the Lady Baillie Garden is a favourite destination for visitors to the castle, where they can relax and enjoy superb views across the Great Water.