Leeds Castle and Sculpture Trail – 23 August to 5 October 2025

Published 28.05.2025

Nestled on two peaceful islands in the heart of Kent, Leeds Castle rises from a glassy lake like something from a fairytale. With over 1,000 years of history, it has been a fortress, a royal residence, a noble estate, and today, a cherished heritage destination. Whether you are drawn by its royal past, romantic gardens, or modern-day attractions, Leeds Castle offers an unforgettable journey through the ages.

The story begins in AD 857, when a Saxon noble—named Led or Ledian—built a modest wooden fort on an islet in the River Len. This early fort laid the groundwork for the magnificent castle that would come to define the landscape. In 1119, Norman Lord Robert de Crèvecoeur replaced the timber fort with a formidable stone structure. Built on two islands and surrounded by a natural moat.

By 1278, Leeds Castle had caught royal attention. Eleanor of Castile, wife of King Edward I, purchased the estate. Edward transformed it, adding curtain walls, a barbican, and the Gloriette—a grand keep named in Eleanor’s honour. Over the following centuries, the castle earned its reputation as the “Castle of Queens,” having passed through the hands of six queens consort: Margaret of France, Isabella of France, Anne of Bohemia, Joan of Navarre, Catherine de Valois, and Catherine of Aragon. Even Elizabeth I stayed here - briefly imprisoned before her coronation.

During the Tudor era, under Henry VIII, Leeds Castle transitioned from fortress to a lavish palace. It became a favourite residence of Catherine of Aragon and played host to preparations for the Field of the Cloth of Gold, a dazzling diplomatic summit between Henry and Francis I of France in 1520. After 1552, the castle passed out of royal hands and into private ownership. It changed families over the centuries—each adding their own mark, from Jacobean features to Gothic touches and landscaped gardens. The castle evolved from royal retreat to stately home, adapting with the times.

By the 1920s, Leeds Castle had fallen into decline—until it rescued by Lady Olive Baillie, a wealthy Anglo-American heir with a love for grandeur and style. In 1926, she purchased the castle for £180,000 and enlisted the help of renowned French designer Stéphane Boudin to reinvent the interiors.

The result was a breathtaking blend of medieval drama, Regency elegance, and Art Deco flair. Lady Baillie transformed the castle into a glamorous social hub, famous for its legendary parties, exotic pets—including zebras and black swans—and sophisticated charm. Before her death in 1974, she established the Leeds Castle Foundation to ensure the estate would be preserved for future generations and enjoyed by the public.

Today, Leeds Castle welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. There is so much to see and do—from strolling through award-winning gardens and getting lost in the maze, to exploring the grotto, watching falconry displays, and browsing the quirky Dog Collar museum. For those seeking a unique experience, overnight stays are available in elegant lakeside lodges.

Adding a contemporary twist to its historic landscape, Leeds Castle is currently hosting the Leeds Castle Sculpture Trails from 23 August to 5 October 2025. These trails blend art with nature, inviting visitors to explore striking outdoor installations by British and international artists. The sculptures are located across the estate’s gardens, woodlands, and lakesides, offering moments of surprise and reflection around every corner. The artworks are inspired by nature, wildlife, or conservation, and crafted with sustainability in mind. The trails are designed for all ages and provide a creative, interactive way to experience the grounds.

Visiting Maidstone then pop into Fremlin Walk Car Park. Park on a regular basis? Then why not purchase a monthly season permit got Just £95.00 book online here: https://www.sabaparking.co.uk/en/car-park/fremlin-walk-car-park or download  our Saba You-Go-To Parking app.