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Leeds Castle News10 March 2021

Leeds Castle Announces Roadmap to Reopening

In January we were forced to ‘pull up its drawbridge’ to the public during the national lockdown, only permitting local visitors entrance to the beautiful grounds, gardens and playgrounds to enjoy exercise and fresh air.

Following the recent publication of the government’s roadmap out of lockdown, we are now able to announce our reopening dates for some of our most popular attractions and events!

The Leeds Castle Foundation plans to stagger the reopening of the attractions over the next few months in adherence to government guidelines. All charitable income raised from admission tickets goes back into the running and preservation of Leeds Castle and its estate and the continued support of visitors has never been more vital for the survival of this magnificent heritage attraction.

From 29th March, the rule of six or two households meeting outdoors comes into effect just as the Castle gardens burst into vibrant colours. Pre-book a ticket to explore the beautiful grounds and gardens in springtime, the spectacular carpet of daffodils, Narcissi and Anemones in the Princess Alexandra Gardens is not to be missed!

With outdoor sport and leisure facilities permitted to reopen; the Castle’s historic 9-hole golf course will welcome players back to its fairways from the 29th March, along with the reopening of family friendly Adventure Golf (admission ticket required).

From 12th April, the Castle shops, offering a wide range of quality gifts and souvenirs, look forward to serving shoppers again whilst elsewhere on the estate, the spiralling Maze and Grotto will also reopen with a one-way system in place for families to explore and get lost trying to find their way to the centre!

The Castle’s birds of prey are looking forward to seeing visitors again when the Bird of Prey Centre reopens on the 12th April. The popular falconry displays and experience days will resume from 17th May, offering the chance to get up close to these incredible birds.

With the government relaxing the ‘stay at home’ message, why not treat yourself and others in your household to a change of scenery with an overnight stay in one of the Leeds Castle self-catering holiday cottages? Guests of 6 or less can currently save 20% on stays until June, in the pet friendly Keeper’s House, located in a secluded spot on the Castle grounds overlooking the weir pond and the luxurious 5 star medieval Battel Hall Manor House.

From the 17th May onwards, the Stable Courtyard Bed and Breakfast and medieval style Knight’s Glamping tents will welcome back overnight guests. For a tasty treat or a belated celebration, Castle View Restaurant will reopen for evening meals with unrivalled night time views of the Castle.

Also from the 17th May, the historic Castle itself will once again open its magnificent doors for visitors to explore 900 years of history, from the Norman Cellars and Henry VIII Banqueting Hall through to the glamorous 1930s interiors of the last private owner Lady Baillie.

Exclusive Leeds Castle afternoon tea experiences return from the 13th June. Treat yourself or a loved one to a delicious treat of homemade sandwiches, cakes and tea or fizz, served on the Castle Island overlooking the Castle moat. Pre-bookable for selected dates, please see website.

Kent’s biggest and best outdoor classical music event, the much anticipated Leeds Castle Concert will return on the 10th July, with extra measures in place to ensure a safe but sensational event.

On the 13th & 14th August, ‘The Jungle Book’ children’s theatre will come to the lawns of the Castle. This funny, exciting and wildly entertaining larger-than-life outdoors musical will have the whole family howling with laughter. Tickets for both events are available by visiting leeds-castle.com/events.

If you are planning your wedding and don’t want to wait for restrictions to lift on the 21st June, Leeds Castle is offering packages to suit couples keen to tie the knot. The Castle or Maiden’s Tower Ceremony Only Package has been created to provide couples with a wedding ceremony to remember while ticking all the current guideline boxes. Magical morning ceremonies and romantic twilight ceremonies are also available, please visit the Weddings pages on our website for more information.

At Leeds Castle, the safety of our visitors and guests is our top priority. For this reason, we have made a few changes to the way we operate, including restricting visitor numbers to ensure the estate isn’t too busy, spacing visits, reducing queues with pre-booked time slots, using one-way systems and operating a cashless site. You will still receive a friendly greeting from our staff, but from a safe distance and whilst using PPE.

All reopening dates are subject to review based on the current schedule for the UK Government’s roadmap out of the national lockdown.