insideKENT Magazine Issue 101 - September 2020 | страница 13

IN ASSOCIATION WITH
LEEDS CASTLE
The first place we will be visiting on our tour of
Kentish castles is the world renowned Leeds Castle,
whose tagline of ‘The Loveliest Castle in The World’
is confirmed after spending no more than a few
moments gazing up at the magnificent structure,
and across the beautiful grounds.
The castle, which was built in 1119 by Robert de
Crèvecœur - though it had previously stood as a
wooden structure, built in Medieval times - was
constructed to be a Norman stronghold, and has
since played its part in British royal history, becoming
the property of queens and a favoured residence
of Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon. According
to the castle it has also been ‘a Jacobean country
house; a Georgian mansion; and an elegant early
20th century retreat for the influential and famous’
and now in the 21st century it has evolved into one
of the most recognisable castles in Britain,
drawing visitors from local towns and tourists from
across the world looking to enjoy a classically British
day in the sun.
Once your eyes have finished marvelling at the
grandeur of the castle itself, be sure to take a relaxing
stroll around the exquisite grounds and indulge in
a real feast for the senses. The Princess Alexandra
Gardens lie along the River Len, and bathe the
ground in an astonishing array of colourful flowers
that emit the quintessentially delicate smell of an
English garden. Just a few of the stems that bloom
throughout the seasons are daffodils, narcissi,
anemones, azaleas and rhododendrons. An
abundance of flowers is not the only reason to visit
the gardens, there are lush green trees whose branches
reach down and gently stroke the river below, or
line the park's outskirts as an emerald border. If
something a little more exotic is in your sights, head
to the south-facing Lady Baillie Mediterranean
Garden Terraces. Exotic plants like cacti and
succulents litter the ground, and when the sun is
shining through the leaves onto the tan path below
it is reminiscent of being in a Spanish garden, not
the grounds of a traditional English castle.
There are also tons of activities available for people
of all ages. Just some of the programs on offer include
the adventure playground, adventure golf, a birds
of prey centre, multiple cafes, and would any castle
be complete without a maze* for visitors to get lost
in? We didn’t think so!
If you are more into eating and drinking than
running around after the kids all day, Leeds Castle
is the place to be, as both afternoon tea and dinner
are sorted thanks to Castle View Restaurant.
Located just across the lake, it delivers smashing
food, as well as sensational views of the castle, day
or night. We cannot think of anything better than
relaxing on the sun drenched terrace, while enjoying
an indulgent cream tea and a bottle of bubbles. Or
experiencing the haunting beauty of this centuriesold
structure at night over a moreish meal and a few
bottles of wine!
To avoid overcrowding and to ensure social
distancing measures are adhered to, there is
mandatory online booking in place, and only card
payments will be accepted on the grounds of the
castle. PPE is also in full effect so you and your family
can feel safe, and taken care of while enjoying your
experience.
*Maze current closed due to COVID-19 restrictions
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