Family Fun At Leeds Castle
Review by Patricia Cleveland-Peck
The cost of taking kids out seems to be rising as our incomes diminish so it is good to find somewhere which at least tries to offer a bit more for your pound. Leeds Castle near Maidstone in Kent operate what they call a ‘keys of the castle’ ticket at £17.50 per adult, £15.00 per senior citizen and £10.00 per child (4-15) which lasts for a year and a day from purchase.
This is good value both because the Castle and its grounds are vast and it takes more than a day to explore them properly and also because numerous kid’s events are laid on throughout the year: forthcoming are Christmas at the Castle, Henry’s Horrid History, Jousting with Robin Hood and many more.
The moated castle itself must be one of the loveliest in England and the visit is laid out extremely well. Our 4 year old who is ‘doing’ castles at school recognised suits of armour, arrow slits in the walls, and turrets and was not bored for a moment – she particularly liked the portraits of children and seeing a ‘proper princesses’ bed’ . For adults the fact that the castle was occupied until relatively recently and contains some exquisitely furnished, yet lived-in rooms, adds an element of glamour.
Outside there are gardens, an aviary, a show in which all sorts of birds fly fee, a proper yew maze in which you can get lost and from which you return to the real world via an underground grotto and acres of parkland. Also lots of picnic areas – but don’t do what we did and leave your picnic in the car park - it is a long way to go back.
An excellent play area with a wooden fort based on the layout of the castle with secret tunnels, a ‘jousting area’ loads of bridges and rope nets to climb, kept our little one busy for well over an hour. It is extremely safe with a separate part for younger children.
My only caveat; of course for concerts and plays one expects to pay extra but children love making things, whether Halloween masks, Easter bonnets or Christmas decorations and the fact that an extra charge is made at the craft marquee, even though it is only £1.50 per child, does somewhat spoil the ‘keys of the castle ‘idea, as do any other small extra charges levied on children’s activities.
Otherwise, a lovely fun day out in a beautiful place.
Leeds Castle Maidstone Kent ME17 1PL is near Junction 8 of the M20 between London and Channel ports