Accessibility in the Castle & Grounds
The Drawbridge & Entrance
The Castle is accessible for the majority of visitors via the main front door where there is a ramp. As Leeds Castle is a historic building, there are some restrictions. Visitors should be aware that there are approximately 45 metres of cobblestones across the drawbridge onto the Castle Island. Fire safety rules allow a maximum of two wheelchairs inside the Castle at any one time.
The Gatehouse
The Gatehouse is fully accessible for wheelchair users. There is also a fully accessible toilet in this building.
Inside the Castle
Once inside, visitors will be escorted on the accessible route starting in the Servants Room. This is against the flow of visitors, so there may be a short wait. Electric mobility scooters are not permitted in the Castle, however, Leeds Castle wheelchairs are available at request.
Between the Servants Hall and the corridor to the main visitor route, there is a wheelchair lift, which carries weight up to 225kg. The lift is 125cm in length and 80cm wide and can only be used when passengers are sitting in their wheelchairs. Leeds Castle wheelchairs are available if personal wheelchairs do not fit onto the lift. Our staff in the Castle are happy to assist with transfers into one of our wheelchairs. The lift is also fitted with a seat for those that require assistance without wheelchairs.
During normal opening hours, guided tours are not provided. However, staff are present to answer questions. The upstairs rooms are not accessible to wheelchair users. However, if a companion or helper wishes to visit these rooms, a steward can escort the wheelchair user back to the Yellow Drawing Room to wait for a short time, or watch a film of the rooms that they cannot access.
Princess Alexandra Gardens
The pathway through the gardens is accessible for wheelchair users and is approximately 900 metres long. The steepest slope is near the end of the walk, which has a gradient of 1:5 for a very short distance. There are several resting areas throughout the Princess Alexandra Gardens.
Culpeper Garden
Full of colour and scent, this typical English cottage garden is a sensory delight during the summer months. Paths are mainly brick or tarmac and wheelchair accessible. The garden has resting places and the lower path leads to the Maze area.
Lady Baillie Garden
This terraced garden overlooking the Great Water has a long, sloping path to allow access for visitors returning from the maze area. A fairly steep path then leads visitors out of the garden and back to the Fairfax Courtyard. Benches and pagodas throughout the garden offer places to sit and enjoy the scent and colour of its Mediterranean plants.
Maze & Grotto
We regret that the maze and underground grotto are inaccessible for wheelchair users.
Falconry Display
The Falconry Display is fully accessible to all visitors. Seasonal timings apply.
Dog Collar Museum
This unique collection of historic and fascinating dog collars can be accessed by all visitors.
Assistance Dogs
Visually and hearing impaired visitors can bring Assistance Dogs into the Castle and grounds. We regret that no other dogs are permitted.