Boasting over 900 years of British history full of fascinating royal connections and legendary stories of Hollywood parties held by heiresses, Leeds Castle is a true national treasure.
Bursting with outdoor adventures a go go, too, this beautiful venue is a vibrant, educational playground packed with surprises and unforgettable escapades for the whole family.
What’s more, pay for a day and you can visit again for free all year round!
Innumerable attractions and events to enjoy, along with a groundbreaking AI avatar, wonderful wildlife plus gorgeous gardens, history and culture galore to explore means there’s more than enough here to keep everyone entertained, visit after visit after visit.
From day trips to weekend breaks, with something new to discover every time, many moments of wonder await.
This is not your typical castle. Scratch below the surface and you’ll discover so much more beneath.
Get set for extraordinary experiences to remember forever…
Despite its name, this incredible castle is actually located in Kent.
The excitement begins at the estate gates, where adrenaline fuelled adventures and exhilarating events offering endless family fun await.
Wind through the stunning grounds to find alfresco adventures aplenty, along with a wonderful window into the medieval queens of England.
Designed to entertain and be a haven for all, from its castle beginnings to its elaborate transformation into a glamorous 1930s country house retreat, unearth over 900 years of rich’n’riveting history at the home of no fewer than six medieval queens followed by an influential, party loving Lady.
Set within 550 acres of sweeping parkland, glorious gardens and ancient woodland, with streams, rivers and a stunning moat to dream beside, summer sees the high energy excitement of Motors by the Moat and the Little People, BIG DREAMS – Inspirational Women Trail.
Get lost in the maze, make memories in the mythical underground grotto, immerse yourselves in nature as you meander through aromatic Mediterranean garden terraces and duck as majestic birds swoop spectacularly mere centimetres above your head, ahead of circling sky displays in a sight to behold at the impressive falconry displays.
With two children’s playgrounds, Knights’ Stronghold and Squires’ Courtyard, and a challenging 12 hole Adventure Golf Course to boot, alongside numerous year round attractions and jaw dropping annual events, such as the Fireworks Spectacular and Leeds Castle Concert, with segway tours and fun Castle Train and Ferry rides across the estate to enjoy, too, you’ll find something for all at this very special venue.
The ever popular GO APE is also on site, home to three thrilling high ropes courses and two axe throwing lanes.
Swing from tree to tree on the perfect adventure for your Tribe, with plenty of adrenaline fuelled action for kids, teens and grown ups alike!
Treetop Challenge – Climb rope ladders high into the trees, step from Tarzan Swings, navigate your way across tree to tree crossings and swoop along their famous ziplines on Go Ape’s flagship high ropes activity.
Treetop Adventure – This high ropes activity features platform to platform crossings and ziplines.
Treetop Adventure Plus – A step up from Treetop Adventure, take the leap on this thrilling, high ropes activity, featuring trickier platform to platform crossings and even bigger zip wires.
Axe Throwing – Step into the axe throwing zone in the castle’s grounds and challenge your friends and family in this bold, outdoor activity for kids aged 12+.
With a glitzy history and regal rooms that tell stories, after the queens, the castle’s subsequent owner was the glamorous Anglo American heiress and party lover, Lady Olive Baillie.
Glide into the 1930s country retreat, uncovering the original interiors filled with eccentric purchases of owners past, and learn of lavish parties with Hollywood’s elite.
Step back in time as you experience heritage created by visionaries crafting remarkable experiences, from the 9th to 20th century, and wonder at the cinematic history of our queens from the Middle Ages as they share their stories, in their own voices, as you stroll through the intriguing exhibits.
The captivating ‘Pilgrimage of Love: Eleanor of Castile’ exhibition explores the life and legacy of Eleanor of Castile (1241–1290).
The formidable Queen of England, who was married to King Edward I, was a powerful queen and Leeds Castle’s first female owner. Cosmopolitan and cultured, she had a huge impact on English art and culture of the 13th century.
Featuring the world’s first interactive, historical AI avatar, bringing Queen Eleanor to life and connecting visitors with the castle's colourful history, sees her life size avatar aware of, and responsive to, her environment in a revolutionary invention. The Queen can speak and answer visitors’ questions!
In an unprecedented showcase, through original research, immersive interpretation and innovative technology, Queen Eleanor’s pioneering avatar delivers real time, empathetic engagements, offering incredible insights into her life and shaping the future of personalised experiences through transparent, ethical and human centred state of the art AI.
The first of its kind technology sheds new light on one of medieval England’s most remarkable yet overlooked queens, with the interactive exhibition also telling the timeless love story of Queen Eleanor of Castile and King Edward I.
Almost inseparable for over 35 years, they are regarded as one of the most successful royal couples in England’s history.
Queen Eleanor transformed Leeds Castle into a medieval fantasy, creating a home that was inspired by her own background and her love of myths and legends.
By merging cutting edge AI technology with brand new research, the castle has created a unique, interactive experience that will captivate visitors and make history more accessible than ever before.
Creating a more human relationship with the past, this unique attraction, developed by SKC Studios, gives visitors an unparalleled opportunity to meet Eleanor as a person with depth and personality, seeing people connect with the castle's history in ways that feel alive.
Unlike traditional digital interpretation, her avatar is aware of her surroundings and ingeniously recognises when a visitor approaches, inviting them to ask to explore Eleanor’s world with curiosity and confidence, thus enhancing visitor engagement exponentially.
The life size AI queen responds directly to questions, creating a dynamic, unscripted conversation that bridges seven centuries of history and transforms the visitor from observer to participant via SKC Games Studio’s state of the art conversational AI platform,1956 Individuals.
Queen Eleanor’s lifelike character converses naturally with visitors in the three languages she likely spoke during her lifetime, Spanish, English and French, enabling guests to engage in a deeply personal and interactive way.
Don’t miss this ultra rare chance to learn about Eleanor’s extraordinary life, her love of medieval romance and Arthurian legend, her business success and role as a patron and champion of the arts and culture and more!
Marking a step change for the cultural sector, the pioneering project fundamentally reshapes how history is accessed and experienced, demonstrating what forward thinking cultural stewardship truly means: safeguarding the integrity of heritage while using pioneering technology to unlock deeper, more dynamic access to knowledge for a new generation.
Information moves beyond static interpretation to become intelligent and immediately responsive, empowering visitors to ask their own questions and engage with the past in real time.
By sharing a meticulously researched story in a format that feels immediate and personal, that sense of connection realised through the unparalleled ‘Pilgrimage of Love: Eleanor of Castile’ exhibition opens up a whole new way of creating connections, which has always been at the heart of heritage interpretation.
Launched as part of Leeds Castle’s ‘Moments In Time’ programme, Queen Eleanor’s conversational AI avatar platform transforms customer engagement across various sectors.
By foregrounding her life, experiences and character, the exhibition opens up fresh perspectives on the queen’s personal narrative, values and complexities, revealing how her story continues to resonate today.
AI Queen Eleanor cleverly combines advanced AI technology with historical storytelling, resulting in dynamic, real time interactions which feel deeply personal and immersive.
Through their conversations with her avatar, guests will be able to connect with history in ways never before possible.
Eleanor exemplifies an exciting step for both cultural heritage and AI revolution. Combining advanced technology with ethical development, SKC Studios creates AI solutions that build trust, deepen engagement and foster loyalty.
With a focus on real time coupled with considerate interactions, the forward thinking company is rewriting the future of personalised entertainment experiences.
From self catering cottages and lakeside lodges to off grid cabins, accessible stays and historic manor house lodgings, Leeds Castle is a haven of tranquillity, with accommodation to suit all who are looking for a quiet escape with adventures right on the doorstep.
This impressive castle’s extensive grounds reveal themselves differently during a castle stay, when early mornings and long evenings belong entirely to guests staying exclusively on the estate.
Walk the lake path as the mist lifts, let the children loose in the playgrounds and discover the quieter corners of the parkland that most visitors never reach.
As a staying guest, you’ll have time to take in the entire estate, with a multi media guide to guide you through it.
With countless adventures and exciting experiences to explore, it’s no wonder this stunning castle secures its place as one of the UK’s most visited historic attractions.
Knights’ Stronghold & Squires’ Courtyard Children’s Playgrounds
Maze & Underground Grotto
Birds of Prey Centre & Displays
GO APE
World First Queen Eleanor AI Avatar
Fun Castle Train & Ferry Rides
Adventure Golf Course
Segway Tours
Castle Stays
Free On Site Parking