Leeds Castle and Culpeper Gardens
3.0/5 (7 ratings)-
Parties / Large Groups
Leeds Castle prides itself on the services that it offers to group organisers and the travel trade and continues to be one of the popular attractions for group visits. Our staff are one of our greatest assets. From stewards and guides, to the teams in the shops and catering outlets, they understand the needs of the group visit organiser and visitors traveling in a group. Please phone 01622 767865 for Group Bookings.
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Open House
Entry to the castle is included in the entry fee. The castle you see today is the result of over 900 years of alterations and changes. It has Norman foundations; a mediaeval gatehouse; the Gloriette, built by Edward I and updated in Henry VIII’s times; a Tudor tower; and a 19th century country house - all of which were substantially refurbished in the 20th century. The last private owner of the castle, Olive, Lady Baillie, left an indelible mark on the place. The heiress to an American fortune from her mother’s family and the daughter of an English Lord, she married three times. It was with her second husband, Arthur Wilson Filmer that she bought the castle in 1926, and embarked on a complete refurbishment, using the finest French architects and designers to create an elegant country residence. She filled the castle with art and antiques, collected on her frequent buying trips around Europe, and with glamorous house parties at which she entertained princes, film stars and politicians. Her guests enjoyed the use of the castle’s cinema, swimming pool, squash and tennis courts, and marveled at the extraordinary creatures in the grounds; Lady Baillie’s fascinating collection of birds and waterfowl, zebras and llamas as well as the more usual horses and dogs.
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Parking
Parking at Leeds Castle is free of charge. Parking is at the owners risk and Leeds Castle accepts no responsibility for damaged caused to vehicles parked within the estate. Dedicated, free, hard-standing coach parking is 2 minutes walk to the visitor reception area. The coach park is stewarded with experienced staff.
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Disabled Access
A carer visits for free with every disabled person. Most of the castle and its grounds are accessible to all visitors.
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Shopping
Browse in the three shops (one seasonal only) for a memento of your visit to Leeds Castle. Euros are accepted in the shops.
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Restaurant
You will find the Fairfax Restaurant and Café Bar serving a varied choice of dishes in the courtyard. Light refreshments can also be obtained from the seasonal kiosks in the courtyard, near the Park Shop and at the Maze. During winter months only the Fairfax Restaurant and Café Bar will be open.
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Light Refreshments
Yes, served in the Fairfax Restaurant and Café Bar.
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Alcohol license
Yes
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Special Events
Please see www.leeds-castle.com/events for more information. GARDENING & CRAFT FAIR WEEKEND (06 June - 07 June 2009) Local nurseries and garden centres set up stall alongside exhibitors showcasing the best of local and international crafts. Pick up gardening tips from the experts at the "Gardening Question Time" sessions with prizes and give-aways for the green fingered. More inspiration awaits in the castle gardens at the height of their summer beauty where the gardening team will be on hand to chat to garden lovers. "PLANT TO PLATE" FOOD FESTIVAL (05 September - 06 September 2009) A celebration of local produce, sustainability and traceability, and all the best of today's farming in the heart of the garden of England. Advice and ideas from the experts to inspire along with tips on beating the credit crunch by growing your own! Sample the finest food and drink from local suppliers and further afield, including Leeds Castle's own sparkling white wine. TUDOR FLOWER FESTIVAL (07 October - 11 October 2009) Historically inspired flower arrangements fill the castle rooms at this year’s Tudor Flower Festival. Floral designers, florists, flower societies and clubs compete for the best arrangement, with participants taking inspiration from old flower books, Tudor paintings and tapestries. Vote for your favourite display.
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Walks
Woodland Walk
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Accomodation on Premisies
If you require accommodation, the castle has 20 sumptuous bedrooms, five of which have four poster beds and original art deco marble bathrooms. Each bedroom has its own character and charm enhanced by original furnishings and antiques. All have en-suite bathrooms and many offer breathtaking views over the moat and surrounding parkland. Overflow accommodation is available close by on the castle estate offering a further 15 rooms. To ensure exclusivity, a facility fee is charged for conferences and banqueting in the castle. This covers the services of the conference team and butlers, meeting room facilities and audio-visual equipment. The castle and its grounds are open to the public every day. However, from 6.00pm, the areas you reserve are exclusively yours. Contact the Team Tel: 01622 767823 Fax: 01622 767855 Email: sales@leeds-castle.co.uk
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Family/Baby changing facilities
Facilities at the Main Gate & Stable Hill.
