insideKENT Magazine Issue 88 - July 2019 | Page 44

VISITKENT
9 R E A S O N S T O V I S I T LEEDS CASTLE CONT.
Set in the Kent countryside near Maidstone, the
castle boasts grand medieval and 1930’s interiors as
well as a 500-acre estate with parkland, maze,
woodland, gardens and a nine-hole golf course. The
castle itself has been a Norman stronghold; the
private property of six of England’s medieval queens;
a palace used by Henry VIII and his first wife,
Catherine of Aragon; a Jacobean country house; a
Georgian mansion; and an elegant early 20th-century
retreat for the influential and famous. Now, in the
21st century, it has become one of the most visited
historic buildings in Britain so be sure to add it to
your own summer to-do list.
As well as the annual calendar of Leeds Castle
events, including Motors by the Moat, medieval
jousting, the triathlon, the open-air cinema
programme and The Festival of Flowers, all of which
will have a ‘900’ twist, there will be a myriad of other
events and activities across the year to mark this
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special milestone so it’s the perfect time to discover
everything the castle has to offer. 2. YOUR QUEST AWAITS AT THE
KNIGHTS’ STRONGHOLD
We’re confident that we could come up with 900
reasons to visit this year, but we’ve decided to just
pick nine to shout about! Families rejoice! A brand new playground
launched this year named Knight’s Stronghold,
providing another spot in the grounds for your little
people to let off steam. With an entirely new layout,
the playground is fully accessible and will allow
all children to be thrilled by exciting and
imaginative play. Children will adore the design –
a replica of the castle itself – where they can navigate
spiralling slides, fireman’s poles, giant cargo
nets and zip wires. Climb to the castle turrets to
keep a lookout – and spot mum and dad in the
handy seating area below!
1. STEP THROUGH NINE CENTURIES
OF HISTORY
Walk through time in the beautiful woodland gardens
on your way to the castle and you can look forward
to stepping over a range of brand new bronze
timelines set within the pathway, each helping you
to discover key facts about the castle along the way.
For each century, there is a fascinating story and a
relevance to the sights around you as you arrive at
the drawbridge which crosses over to Castle Island.
A stroll and a history lesson in one!