Leeds Castle
Leeds Castle, near Maidstone, Kent
Leeds Castle stands on islands in a lake formed by the River Len near Maidstone, with grounds that include the Culpeper Garden, a yew maze with a shell grotto and wide parkland.
Visit information checked 22 October 2026
Garden UK guide
Why visit Leeds Castle?
Leeds Castle is mainly a castle visit, but the grounds give a good half day in their own right. The castle sits on islands in a lake formed by the River Len, so the first view across the water is the highlight for most people, and walking round the lake shows the building from many angles.
The gardens include the Culpeper Garden, named after the Culpeper family who owned the castle in the seventeenth century. It is the part keen gardeners usually head for. The maze, opened in 1988, is made of 2,400 yew trees and looks like a topiary castle from above. At its centre is a raised viewpoint, and the way out is through a shell grotto, which children especially enjoy. The Birds of Prey Centre has hawks on display and free-flying falconry displays, and there are two castle-themed adventure play areas for younger and older children.
Inside the castle, rooms reflect the 1920s and 1930s restoration by Olive, Lady Baillie, the last private owner, who left the castle to a charitable foundation so the public could enjoy it. The gardens were opened in 1975 and the castle followed in 1976. Gardeners will find the main lesson here is in setting: water, lawn and trees used to frame a building. The estate also has a golf course and places to stay, so check what is open on the day if you only want the gardens and castle.
What to see
- The castle on its islands, seen across the lake formed by the River Len.
- The Culpeper Garden.
- The yew maze of 2,400 trees, with a shell grotto at its exit.
- The Birds of Prey Centre and its falconry displays.
- Castle-themed adventure play areas for children.
Leeds Castle through the year
- spring
- Fresh growth around the lake and in the Culpeper Garden make spring a good time for a walk round the grounds.
- summer
- The gardens are at their fullest, and long days suit the walk round the lake and the maze.
- autumn
- The parkland trees frame the castle well, and the maze is still green.
- winter
- The castle and grounds can be visited in the cooler months; check the official site for opening and any seasonal events.
The story behind the garden
A castle has stood on this site since the ninth century, and it was rebuilt in stone after the Norman Conquest. King Edward I's queen, Eleanor of Castile, bought it in 1278, and Edward probably created the lake around it. Henry VIII transformed the castle for Catherine of Aragon in 1519. The Culpeper family later owned it, and in the early nineteenth century the Wykeham Martins remodelled it in Tudor style, giving much of its present look.
Olive, Lady Baillie, bought the castle in 1926 and restored it, entertaining royalty and film stars there. When she died in 1974 she left it to the Leeds Castle Foundation, a private charitable trust. The gardens were opened to the public in 1975, the castle in 1976, and the yew maze was added in 1988.
Plan your visit
- Best for
- Families, castle lovers and visitors who want gardens, a maze and falconry in one day out.
- Getting there
- Leeds Castle is about 7 miles south-east of Maidstone in Kent, just east of the village of Leeds.
- Before you go
- Events and venue hire can affect access to parts of the grounds. Check the Leeds Castle website for current opening times and tickets.
Source: Wikipedia: Leeds Castle
Questions about visiting Leeds Castle
Is there a maze at Leeds Castle?
Yes. The maze opened in 1988 and is made of 2,400 yew trees, shaped like a topiary castle. At the centre is a raised viewpoint, and you leave through an underground shell grotto.
Who owned Leeds Castle last?
The last private owner was Olive, Lady Baillie, who bought it in 1926. When she died in 1974, she left it to the Leeds Castle Foundation so that it could be opened to the public.
What gardens are there at Leeds Castle?
The grounds include the Culpeper Garden, the yew maze and parkland around the lake. The castle itself sits on islands in the lake, which makes the walk round the water one of the best parts of a visit.
Is Leeds Castle good for children?
Yes. The maze and shell grotto, the Birds of Prey Centre with falconry displays and two castle-themed play areas make it a popular family day out. Check the website for what is running on your visit.
Garden features
Location
Leeds Castle, near Maidstone, Kent
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