Leeds Castle Tickets & Tours

4.6(922)

Headout is an authorized and trusted partner of the venue, offering curated experiences to enjoy this attraction.

Leeds Castle Tickets
























































Top things to do in London

Standing on its own island amid the Kentish countryside, Leeds Castle is a medieval masterpiece with 900 years of royal heritage. Once home to England’s queens, it now invites visitors to explore its gardens, maze, and the unique Dog Collar Museum, all just an hour from London.

What to expect at Leeds Castle

Leeds Castle reflected in a serene lake, part of the Leeds Castle, Canterbury Cathedral & White Cliffs of Dover Tour.
Leeds Castle surrounded by lush gardens in Canterbury.
Leeds Castle garden maze with lush green hedges and scenic countryside backdrop.
Children sitting on grass facing Leeds Castle across the moat.
Leeds Castle swans
1/5

Step into storybook England

Arrive through tree-lined paths as the castle appears reflected in its moat, still waters framing stone walls weathered by nine centuries of royal history. The air is quiet, broken only by birdsong and distant bells.

Wander through centuries of heritage

Cross the stone bridge to explore halls once graced by six medieval queens. Each room tells a layered story — from Tudor tapestries and portraits to the soft echo of footsteps on polished oak floors.

Lose yourself in the gardens & maze

Step outside into gardens that shift with the seasons — roses in summer, gold leaves in autumn. Try the winding yew maze, where laughter echoes through green walls before you emerge at the hidden grotto below.

Add depth with a guided tour or upgrade

Opt for a guided visit to uncover royal secrets, architectural details, and tales of intrigue from Leeds’ long history. Guided walks also give access to exclusive rooms not open with standard admission.

Discover curiosities & countryside calm

Visit the quirky Dog Collar Museum, stroll by peacocks on the lawns, and pause by the lakeside café. With tickets valid for a full day, you can linger, explore, and soak in the quiet beauty before returning to London.

Things to know before booking your Letickets

  • Standard ticket includes full estate access: Entry covers the castle interior, gardens, maze, grotto, Dog Collar Museum, and falconry shows. Tickets are valid for 12 months from the purchase date and can be used on any open day.
  • Guided day tours from London add depth: Upgrade to a full-day tour with coach transport, expert commentary, and stops at Canterbury and Dover—ideal for travelers without a car or those wanting structured exploration.
  • Audio guides and translations available: Multimedia guides come in 8+ languages, offering flexibility for self-guided exploration and detailed insight into each exhibit.
  • Stay overnight for a unique experience: Optional on-site stays in cottages, B&Bs, or glamping tents let guests enjoy the castle after hours and explore in early morning calm.

Your Leeds Castle ticket options explained

13430-london-leeds-castle-admission-tickets-02

Leeds Castle entry ticket

Duration: Flexible

Guide: Multimedia

  • Wander through 900 years of history, from medieval queens to Tudor royalty.
  • Explore the parklands, circular estate walks, falconry displays, and the quirky Dog Collar Museum.
  • Upgrade to a full-day guided tour from London with expert commentary, Wi-Fi, and visits to Canterbury and the White Cliffs of Dover.

Recommended tickets: Leeds Castle Tickets

Historic buildings and war memorial in Canterbury town center, England.

Full-day guided tour from London

Duration: 10.5 hours

Guide: Yes

  • Enjoy a guided visit to Leeds Castle with round-trip transport from London.
  • Visit Canterbury Cathedral (optional entry) and gaze at the dramatic White Cliffs of Dover.
  • Includes expert commentary, personal audio sets, free Wi-Fi, and a luxury coach ride.

Recommended tickets: Full-Day tour of Leeds Castle, Canterbury Cathedral & White Cliffs of Dover

Explore Leeds Castle

Leeds Castle interior with ornate fireplace and elegant seating area.

Castle Interiors

Step inside grand halls once home to six medieval queens. Wander through furnished chambers, Tudor tapestries, and portraits that trace 900 years of royal history.

Leeds Castle with green train on lawn, Kent, England.

Gardens & Grounds

Walk through themed gardens that change with the seasons — from fragrant roses to autumn gold. The sweeping lawns and still waters frame the castle from every angle.

Leeds Castle surrounded by lush gardens in Canterbury.

The Culpeper Garden

Explore the fragrant, cottage-style Culpeper Garden in bloom or stroll through and meet the garden's free-roaming birds and waterfowl.

Leeds Castle garden maze with lush green hedges and scenic countryside backdrop.

The Maze & Grotto

Find your way through the tall yew maze, where laughter echoes between green walls, before descending into the cool, sculpted grotto beneath.

Dog Collar Museum

A charming collection of canine history featuring centuries-old collars — from medieval iron restraints to velvet-studded pieces fit for royal pets.

Birds of Prey Centre

Watch falcons, owls, and hawks in flight during daily demonstrations that capture the castle’s country estate spirit.

Adventure Playground & Ferry Ride

Families can enjoy lakeside playgrounds and short ferry rides across the moat, adding playful moments to the castle’s serene setting.

Seasonal events & festivals

From Medieval jousting and firework nights to Haloween and Easter quests, open-air cinema, and Christmas lantern trails, there's always something special underway.

What to look out for at Leeds Castle

Leeds Castle with moat, Canterbury Cathedral, and Dover's White Cliffs on a London day trip.

The Moated Island Approach

Location: Castle Entrance

Cross the stone bridge to see the castle rise from its shimmering moat, an image straight from medieval England.

Leeds Castle garden maze with lush green hedges and scenic countryside backdrop.

Plan Your Visit to Leeds Castle

Leeds Castle with reflection in the surrounding moat, Kent, England.

Summer (April–September)

  • Grounds and Gardens: 10am – 6pm (last entry at 4pm)
  • The Castle: 10:30am – 5pm (last entry at  4:30pm)

Winter (October–March)

  • Grounds and Gardens: 10am-5pm (last entry at 3pm)
  • The Castle: 10.30am-4.00pm (last entry at 3.30pm)

Closed: Closed on Christmas Day. Castle may be closed for special events (e.g. Leeds Castle Concert – 12th July 2025)

Full Leeds Castle timings
Leeds Castle library interior with bookshelves and green sofa, Kent.

Best time of day: Mornings (right at opening) help avoid crowds and get softer light for photography.

Weekdays vs weekends: Visit Tuesday to Thursday for the quietest experience, these midweek days typically see the fewest visitors. Saturdays are the busiest.

Best season/months to visit: For cherry blossoms along the Culpeper Garden, plan your visit between mid-April and early May. For autumn colours, the Wood Garden trail is at its most vibrant from late October to early November.

Events: Leeds Castle hosts ticketed events like the Classical Concert (mid-July ), Fireworks Spectacular (early November ), and the Christmas Market (weekends in December).

Leeds Castle is set in the Kent countryside, near Maidstone, southeast England.

Address: Leeds Castle, Broomfield, Maidstone, Kent (ME17 1PL/1RG) | Find on Maps

  • By Train: Southeastern to Bearsted or Hollingbourne stations (5-min taxi/30–40-min walk to the castle). 
  • By bus: Stagecoach 10X (hourly service from Maidstone to Ashford, Monday to Saturday).
  • By car: Via M20, exit at Junction 8
  • Parking: On-site parking is included with your ticket (3-minute walk to entrance)

Green Travel: show same-day rail ticket for 20% off admission.

Directions to Leeds Castle
Children sitting on grass facing Leeds Castle across the moat.
  • Restrooms: Available throughout the estate, including accessible facilities for disabled visitors.
  • Baby changing facilities: Available in restrooms at the Visitor Centre and near the Maze, offering convenient access for families with young children during their visit
  • Lockers: Not available on site.
  • Stroller/buggy: Pushchairs not permitted inside the Castle, but there’s a buggy park outside. There are free baby slings loaned in the castle.
  • Picnic areas: Designated picnic spots are available in the grounds.
  • Gift shops: There is a Visitor Centre Shop near the main entrance, which you can visit without admission, and a Castle Shop inside for souvenirs.
  • Multimedia guides: Available in English, French, Spanish, German, Dutch & Italian, with Japanese, Mandarin and Ukrainian, with options for group tours.
13430-london-leeds-castle-admission-tickets-03
  • Wheelchair access: The castle and grounds are accessible, with ramps in cafés, lifts inside the castle, and step-free routes across much of the grounds.
  • Wheelchair rental: Wheelchairs are available on loan free of charge.
  • Terrain cautions: Some cobblestones (on the drawbridge) and sloping paths with the steepest garden slope 1:5.
  • Rest areas: Benches are strategically placed throughout the estate for visitors to rest.
  • Visual impairments: Touchscreen devices and keypad devices are available for visitors with visual impairments.
  • Sensory-friendly: There are sensory packs for hire from the Visitor Centre (aimed at neurodiverse visitors).
  • Accessible parking: Designated accessible parking spaces are available near the entrance.
  • Service animals: Assistance dogs are allowed in the castle and grounds; no other animals are permitted.
Afternoon tea set with pastries and tea at Kensington Palace exhibition.
  • Castle View Restaurant: Set in a 17th-century oak-beamed building, Castle View Restaurant serves classic British dishes with local ingredients and views of Leeds Castle. Admission is required for lunch, but evening dining (5:30 pm–8 pm) is open to all.
  • Stable Courtyard Café: Situated in the Stable Courtyard, this café offers a range of light meals, pastries, and beverages, ideal for a relaxed break amidst your visit.
  • Maze / Boathouse Café: Garden-side cafés with snack, sandwiches, and beverages.  Step-free access in Maze Café; Boathouse café access via a ramp.
  • The Parlour: Located near the Maze, The Parlour offers grab-and-go options like freshly baked sausage rolls, Cornish pasties, sandwiches, barista-style coffee, and a wide range of classic ice cream flavours. Ideal for a family snack or treat.
  • Afternoon Tea: Classic tea service (you’ll need to book in advance by email).
leeds castle events
  • State Bedrooms: Sleep overnight inside Leeds Castle itself in elegant, historic rooms with four-poster beds and stunning castle views (from £350 per night).

  • Stable Courtyard Bed & Breakfast: Comfortable rooms located in the charming Stable Courtyard, offering a cozy atmosphere and breakfast included (from £150 per night).

  • Holiday Cottages: Self-catering cottages on the estate, perfect for families or groups seeking privacy and a home-away-from-home feel (from £200 per night).

  • Battel Hall & The Oast: Spacious estate houses with private gardens, ideal for larger groups or extended stays (from £400 per night).

  • Knights’ Glamping: Luxury glamping tents with wool-lined interiors and open fires, combining rustic charm with modern comfort (from £175 per night).

Leeds Castle Events

Visitor tips for Leeds Castle

  • Don’t forget to bring a printed or digital ticket; you’ll need to present it at entry.
  • Use the “Green Travel” discount: Visitors arriving by train, bus, or bike can redeem 20% off entry at the Visitor Centre. 
  • Start by exploring the grounds and gardens first, then head to the castle interior — lines inside tend to form later in the day. (Castle opens around 10:30 am)
  • Get your multimedia guide device early, as some audio units run out midday. Bring wired headphones if possible (Bluetooth may not always connect).
  • Non-flash photography is allowed throughout castle and grounds. But, drones/aerial photography are prohibited unless prior written permission is obtained (licence, insurance, and castle approval required). 
  • Smoking is banned inside the castle and all enclosed areas.
  • On concert or event days, parts of the castle may be closed entirely (e.g. castle closed during Leeds Castle Concerts).
  • Pushchairs or strollers are not allowed inside the castle or Castle View Restaurant.  You’ll find parking for pushchairs nearby.

Beyond Leeds Castle

Canterbury Cathedral under a blue sky, part of the Canterbury and Dover Guided Day Tour from London.

Canterbury Cathedral

Discover one of England’s oldest cathedrals, known for its towering Gothic nave and centuries of spiritual heritage. Guided tours unveil stories of saints, pilgrims, and monarchs.

White Cliffs of Dover with boats on the English Channel.

Dover

Stand atop the legendary White Cliffs of Dover and look out over the English Channel. The sweeping views and sea breeze make for a fitting finale to your day’s journey.

Frequently asked questions about Leeds Castle tickets

What does a standard admission ticket include?

A standard ticket includes access to the castle, gardens, maze & grotto, bird-of-prey displays, Dog Collar Museum, and 500 acres of parkland.

Are skip-the-line or fast-track options included?

No, standard tickets do not guarantee skip-the-line. Some premium or timed options may reduce wait times.

Can I bring my dog with me?

No, dogs are not allowed inside the castle or estate (except service dogs).

How long should I plan to spend at Leeds Castle?

Most visitors spend 3-4 hours exploring the estate, including the castle interiors, gardens, maze, and falconry displays. If you're bringing kids or planning a picnic, you could easily make a full day of it.

How early should I arrive?

We recommend arriving 30 minutes earlier than your scheduled castle entry to enjoy the grounds.

Do I need to reserve a specific time slot before visiting?

No, your ticket allows entry at any time during opening hours on your chosen date.

What should I do if I feel unwell before my visit?

If you're unwell, contact your ticket provider to check if your booking can be rescheduled or refunded within their cancellation policy.

What happens if it rains on the day of my visit?

The castle stays open in most weather. Bring a raincoat or umbrella—indoor areas like the castle rooms and cafés offer shelter.

Can I bring my own food into the castle grounds?

Yes, you're welcome to bring your own picnic, but barbecues are not allowed anywhere on the estate.

Is Leeds Castle wheelchair-accessible?

Yes, nearly all areas of the castle (except the Maze and Grotto) are accessible. You can get more information on the official website.

Is Leeds Castle suitable for children?

Yes, children will enjoy the castle's interactive features like the maze, gardens, and bird displays. Some areas (e.g. narrow rooms) may be less ideal for strollers.

London Tickets
Scan code
Download the Headout app

Get Help 24/7

We Accept
VISA
MASTERCARD
AMEX
PAYPAL
MAESTROCARD
APPLEPAY
GPAY
DISCOVER
DINERS
IDEAL
FPX
Headout is an authorized and trusted partner of the venue, offering curated experiences to enjoy this attraction.