Leeds Castle Reviews 41

I used to bring my children to Leeds Castle regularly with the annual pass and the they loved the Castle the History the armour on the walls the cellar and the big barrels. So today as National Lottery ticket day we took our grown up son back as he'd mentioned how he'd like to go back to the place he fell in love with History. The grounds are beautiful and he was impressed hiw landscaped they had become our disappointment came on going over the moat by nit going down the steeps to the cellar to enter. We queued a bit to get in then started a very static and " feminine/ Downton Abbey style" tour of the castle all the History of the Castle was missing nothing showing the kings that had used Leeds Castle the armour and things that grabbed a small boy to love History are missing. As we were talking when we left it has concentrated on the 1930s that's not even 100 years ago Leeds Castle is so much more. They grounds are lovely. Cafe very expensive. Not sure why the birds are in short shed like averies instead of the beautiful large ovaries which were there before. It was a nice few hours out but im glad we didn't pay to go in id have been very annoyed. Leeds Castle cater to all not just females lets get kids enthused for History from an early age esp boys

Unfortunately our visit was spoilt by the insistence of having our photograph taken to enable us to visit again this year. When queried we were told that it was necessary so that the tickets are used only by the purchaser. We refused so we will not be able to visit again. We were signposted to the terms and conditions but these state “ For validation purposes each Admission Ticket incorporates photographic
identification of the bearer. The image is stored securely and is not used for any
other purposes.” We don’t think this means the same thing. A very expensive and disappointing day.

We have been to Leeds Castle a few times and loved the whole experience. This year we visited the Christmas lights. Wow, wow, Wow. Absolutely stunning. So well thought through and the staff and volunteers must have worked so hard to put this amazing event together. Every turn had something new and beautiful. We will definitely be visiting again as this was something spectacular. I would highly recommend and not listen to some of the negative reviews . We loved it. Hats off to all involved who made it as magical as it should be this time of year. Thankyou.

Visited as part of a Kents Historic Highlights tour so cant comment on entry costs but were disappointed there was an extra charge for the audio guide.
We actually learned more about the castles history from the courier on board our coach as we journied.
Very little authentic historic ambience inside with many rooms having been mocked up with pastiche displays. No information displayed in any rooms.
From the outside the Castle is picturesque and the grounds pleasant.
Good day out for families as the site is set up as a visitor attraction rather than as serious heritage with activities and play areas.
Inadequate seating provision for eating
Gift shops very pricey.
BUT an historic building is safe and in use so that is good

We went for out wedding anniversary and booked to stay in St Margarets Tower on site. We had an amazing stay and felt so well treated by everyone.
The accommodation was inside the Castle and this meant we were able to roam around at night and really immerse ourselves in the atmosphere. The breakfast was really tasty and all the products for both meals (including our drinks) were all very local products. I would absolutely recommend booking and staying as well as visiting this beautiful castle.

Just stayed for the first time. What a wonderful place to visit and see. Would recommend this place to anyone. So much to do there and see. Loads for children and adults alike. The gardens and land are endless, we stayed two nights and didn’t see all of it. All the staff were great. The place is very clean. Accommodation was excellent, we stayed in a deluxe courtyard room. Views over the gardens and the lake. Soak up the atmosphere at night. The view restaurant is lovely, not excellent but very good. Breakfast was excellent. The castle is wonderful, captivating and historically really interesting and very well presented. Two night stay, breakfast and dinner , free entry to everything included about £600 in total. My wife loved it. We will return with family next time.

Brilliant day out and great events! Would definitely recommend.

Tried numerous attempts calling and emails left voice mail trying to enquire about upcoming car show August 9/10 2025.
No response or reply at all.
Not impressed but tickets to display my car was not cheap £20! Paid for back in March

We visited Leeds Castle on 14 May 2025 and purchased the Ultimate Explorer tickets, looking forward to a full day of activities, including the Adventure Golf. Unfortunately, the golf course was closed for maintenance, which was a real disappointment as it had been a key part of our plans for the day.

There was no notice about this closure on the website beforehand, and since we're visiting from out of town on holiday, we couldn’t simply come back another day. If we had known in advance, we could have planned our visit for another day during our trip.

We were advised by staff at reception to contact customer service about the issue. We’ve now emailed twice and, unfortunately, have yet to receive any reply. This lack of communication has added to our disappointment.

It’s a beautiful location with lots to enjoy, but the poor communication and unresponsiveness really let the experience down.

Extremely over crowded with no upper limit on numbers. Not possibly to access refreshments or activities due to volume of visitors. Paths & walkways dangerously over crowded. Expensive. Staff stressed.

Chaotic traffic for the jousting at the bank holiday weeekend. Cars queuing to get off M20 in both directions causing total mayhem for residents and local community. Very poor management on Leeds Castle part considering the cost of entering the castle .One person on the gate directing traffic is woefully poor and very poor planning for the logistics department.

Visited Leeds Castle for a friends birthday treat.
Very expensive (£75 for two) to get in but it was a special occasion.
Gardens are gorgeous with loads of bird life with chicks.
Lunch was really bad however, the staff were more interested in planning a break. There was barely anything left to eat (at 12:30pm?) I had a dried up old tuna baguette and my guest had some half size sausage roll that had seen happier days and thats all they had and those cost more than a fancy pub lunch elswhere, it was poor quality, lacked choice and very pricey.
A lot of things were closed and the boat trip man when we asked about going just got in his boat and sailed off alone. I stood there laughing it was that rude.
Castle is lovely but as a history buff I was disapointed it hadnt made more of the medieval history, it was mostly just Lady Bailey and 1920s themed and I know so much more happened there. Great shame.
I would advise go to gardens and do your own food and drink.

We have been visiting Leeds Castle regularly and although it's expensive for a a one-off visit the ticket is valid for 12 months, so regular visits make it good value. We recently had a Bird of Prey Experience which was excellent. Our hosts Sam and Joe were very knowledgeable and gave us very interesting details of each bird at the castle. The flying experience with the birds was great and we fully recommend it. You won't be disappointed.

Leeds Castle has always been my favourite place we had such a fantastic experience with the Knights activity put on for the children at Easter. They always do different things for the seasons, which we love. And as if it couldn't better they have now opened a second hand bookshop! Perfect day out.

All I can say was in Windsor room was lucky we were first to stay since room refresh was a very nice room staff were so nice and helpful that extended stay by a day it is extra nice as early morning walk you feel like you own the place on nice days also in evenings

Absolutely love this place: the grounds, staff, facilities, and food. 🥰😍 We have an annual ticket so we can enter all year. 🎟️🎫 We visited on Mother's Day for afternoon tea; it was absolutely beautiful. 💐🍰🥂 The staff are so lovely and happy, always smiling. 😊😄 We go to all the events and will keep going; we absolutely adore it. ❤️👍

I last went to Leeds Castle about 15 years ago, but I think it has deteriorated. No peacocks - I think there were peahens. Crumpled, not-ironed, damask linen table cloths in a 1920s 'dinner setting' (just sloppy - and insulting to us, the visitors), I had to ask for my (mediocre) roast lunch to be put in the microwave as it was only luke warm (waiting staff were excellent), door hooks in the ladies toilets were missing or broken and the soap dispenser broke on use, hot drinks were over-priced (for their quality) from a machine. Some of the rooms are lovely, the integration of dates/facts into cushions works well and the audio was good, but I thought £35 for a day ticket was expensive. My 3.5 hours cost me about £58. If a family lives locally and plans on going to the marvellous children's play ground regularly throughout the year, the cost might be worth it. To me, it is odd to charge the same for a 'one year pass' as they do for a single day ticket.

I visited with my husband, elderly mum, husband and autistic son. The grounds were stunning and the castle very interesting . . My only bug was that we paid a lot of money, and only saw half the castle, it was so very crowded. . We shared our experience with three coach loads of students plus lots of half term visitors. We ended up not being able to move in the middle of the castle. There were far too many people in the castle, it was a health and safety issue. Maybe timed slots could be booked like some of the national trust properties I’ve been to. We will come back, I hope the castle staff won’t admit sooo many people on the day we visit.

I hate coming on here to complain in hopes that I’m finally able to reach customer service but after multiple attempts leaving voice messages I’m not really left with any other option.

We were booked to see the castle and light trail on 7 December but it was cancelled due to bad weather. I was swiftly refunded for the lights but I’m unable to get a refund for the castle tickets. We do not live near enough and will not make the trip there again so won’t be able to go within the year (as we know we can reuse the tix for the year). We would simply like a refund for the entry tickets (over £100) but it’s impossible to even get a response on this issue at all. It’s been a real disappointment all around.

We went on the Checky blinders evening in the castle,
the venue was stunning the organisation was vague and the food did not come up to expectation unfortunately,
The acts on the who done it were lot of effort for little reward. never the less we had a good evening, and the venue was perfect