DAYSOUT
A KENTISH CASTLE FOR EVERY OCCASION CONT .
LEEDS CASTLE
CASTLES FOR SCENERY SEEKERS
Leeds Castle
Visitors never forget their first breathtaking vision of Leeds Castle rising majestically from the moat . From its riveting history serving six of England ’ s medieval queens , to its elaborate transformation into an elegant 20th-century retreat by Anglo-American heiress Lady Baillie , Leeds Castle ’ s rich heritage has secured its place as one of the most visited historic attractions in Britain . 2022 saw Leeds Castle embark on a new adventure , new thematic displays and introduce visitors to one of the most sophisticated yet enigmatic female owners of the castle , returning to the glamorous 1930s . Glide into the exotic 1930 ’ s house party of Lady Baillie , as her guests and staff prepare for the weekend ahead , where music , dancing and dangerous liaisons were the order of the day . Revel in the gossip and cocktails , high stakes gambling and the sparkling mix of Hollywood stars , society ’ s finest and leading politicians all of whom partied within the castle ’ s walls .
Picturesque in all seasons , discover over 500 acres of stunning parklands , the fragrant Culpeper Garden and sun-drenched Lady Baillie Terraces . Let children ’ s imaginations run wild as they scale the turrets across the playgrounds . And don ’ t forget to watch in awe as majestic birds of prey swoop overhead and beautiful swans swim the moat .
Leeds Castle also plays host to The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra every year at the Leeds Castle Concert - a spectacular and unmissable event in Kent ’ s calendar .
Scotney Castle
A fortified manor house built in c . 1378-80 inspired by ' picturesque ' style , Scotney Castle is perhaps the closest castle we get to those from the pages of a fairytale here in Kent . A enchanting building of two halves , Scotney ’ s style is certain to have visitors enthralled . One half ( Scotney Old Castle ) is a medieval manor house while the other half ( Scotney New Castle ) is a Victorian mansion . The grounds , classed as a Site of Specific Scientific Interest , are the ultimate place of beauty . With formal gardens and over 700 acres of parkland and woodland to explore , featuring spectacular flower displays and a moat from which the castle seems to rise .
CASTLES FOR GARDEN LOVERS
Sissinghurst Castle
Nestled in what is arguably Kent ’ s most beautiful mass of countryside , The Weald , sits Sissinghurst Castle and Gardens . Created by poet and writer , Vita Sackville- West and her husband Harold Nicolson , who began this wondrous project in 1930 , Sissinghurst Castle is now an enchanting collection of intimate garden rooms that are adorned with lovely old-fashioned climbers and shrub roses . Grade I listed , home to a multitude of varieties and offering an array of colour all year round , the castle and gardens are heralded for their unique beauty and diversity . A perfectly juxtaposed representation of Sackville-West and her husband , the gardens are a prime example of how their contradictory tastes entwined to create a true thing of beauty . The castle itself however is not strictly a castle . Built in the 1530s as a house , it wasn ’ t until the 1700s that it coined its title . Used as a prison for French sailors who were captured during the Seven Years War , it was these men that nicknamed it ‘ le chateau ’ translating as ‘ the castle ’.
Chiddingstone Castle
With stunning grounds open every day of the year , a visit to Chiddingstone Castle will provide enchanting woodland walks , the serene sight of the fishing lake and spectacular views across the Kent countryside including the Greensand Ridge and the North Downs . With 34 miles of informal grounds to explore , you will also find an Ancient Egyptian-inspired grass maze , an avenue of Japanese cherry blossom trees and a Victorian orangery . Inside the historic house explore the collections rooms , Great Hall , Victorian Kitchen , Library , Servant ’ s Hall and discover the history of the castle in the Streatfeild Room . Highlights from the Ancient Egyptian , Japanese , Buddhist , Jacobite and Stuart collections of Denys Eyre Bower are on display throughout the castle .
Walmer Castle
Explore over eight acres of award-winning gardens in the grounds of a Tudor fortress turned country house . Built on the orders of Henry VIII to defend England ' s southern shores , Walmer Castle later became a home for the Lords Warden of the Cinque Ports — among them the Duke of Wellington and the Queen Mother . Inside the castle , discover stories and secrets from the castle ' s past including some remarkable objects such as a pair of original Wellington boots .
There ' s plenty to see in the glorious gardens - the pièce de résistance of Walmer , with flower-filled borders , a kitchen garden , wildflower meadows , shady woodland walks , the restored glen garden and the striking yew cloud hedge in the Broadwalk . Children will love the brilliant play trail through the woods too .
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