insideKENT Magazine Issue 88 - July 2019 | Page 46

VISITKENT
9 R E A S O N S T O V I S I T LEEDS CASTLE CONT.
6. A CARNIVAL OF HISTORY
It’s time to party as an incredible ‘Carnival of History’
arrives at the castle on the 27th-28 th July...and
everyone is invited! The dazzling riot of colour will
use large scale costumes and reenactors to travel
through nine centuries of the castle’s history across
two days. Join the procession, which will wind its
way from Castle Island around the estate to culminate
in an impressive finale set against the stunning castle
backdrop. Acclaimed national professional arts
companies, community participants, dancers, bands,
volunteers and reenactors will join forces to create
a vibrant and exciting procession built around key
moments in the extraordinary history of the county’s
iconic landmark.
7. THE TASTE OF KENT
In another nod to the anniversary, Leeds Castle
are the new face of Kent Crisps’ Salt & Vinegar
with Biddenden Cider flavour, teaming up with these
two top Kentish brands to champion the county’s
food, beverage and tourism offer. This exciting
collaboration showcases just how much Kent has to
offer from its tasteful food and quality beverages to
its incredible heritage spots. Grab a bag from locations
across the county and enjoy some of the best
local produce that Kent has to offer. They’ll even
be served as the snack of choice on all American
Airlines flights.
8. A G&T WITH A HISTORIC TWIST
Imagine Lady Baillie, the last owner of the castle,
and her houseguests in the 1930s whiling away the
evenings in the castle drawing rooms sipping on
their gin cocktails and enjoying jazz or playing
backgammon… Sound good? Well, you can get a
slice (with ice of course) of the action with Leeds
Castle’s brand new craft gin available in the online
and on-site gift shops. Another Kent local
collaboration to celebrate their anniversary, they
have teamed up with Copper Rivet Distillery in
Medway to produce a special edition Motte & Baillie
gin. The gin has been distilled in a limited batch of
900 bottles and is infused with specially selected
botanicals from the castle estate; sweet fig from the
Castle Island, floral rosehip from the Culpeper
Gardens and fragrant pine picked from the Lady
Baillie Mediterranean terraces. Each botanical was
handpicked by the Leeds Castle gardeners and given
to Copper Rivet’s head distiller to infuse the flavours
and create this unique craft gin.
9. A FAIRY TALE WEEKEND
With all of this going on, you’re going to need to
make a weekend of it and it just so happens that
Leeds Castle boasts some of the finest accommodation
in Kent. Live like a knight for the weekend in the
medieval-style glamping pavilions on the edge
of the Leeds Castle estate complete with luxurious
four-poster beds, warming wood burning stoves,
crisp cotton bedding and snug furry throws. Cook
your evening feast on the BBQs provided and as the
night draws in gather the family around the fire pits
for marshmallows and stargazing. Grab the whole
family and escape to the country for a magical
night under the stars. If you’re after something more
classic, book one of the beautiful holiday cottages
or B&B bedrooms for night of comfort and style in
the castle grounds. For a real fairytale experience,
book into the luxurious Battle Hall with its rich
oak-panelled dining room and exquisitely
furnished bedrooms – the perfect setting fit for this
very special occasion.
HEAD FALCONER MARK BRATTLE
FLYING INDIANA IN THE LEEDS CASTLE PARKLAND
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