What is Leeds Castle?
Leeds Castle is a castle in Kent, southeast England, built on islands in a lake. It is often described as one of the loveliest castles in the world and is not located in the city of Leeds in Yorkshire.
The castle dates back to 1119, when a Norman stone castle was built on the site. It became a royal residence for several medieval queens and for King Henry VIII.
The name comes from Led, or Ledian, an Anglo-Saxon chief who owned the land.
Gardens and activities
In the 1900s, the castle was bought by Lady Baillie, an Anglo-American heiress, who restored it and hosted famous guests. She left it to a charitable foundation.
Visitors can explore the castle's rooms, gardens, a hedge maze with an underground grotto, and a dog collar museum.
The castle hosts events such as concerts, fireworks and food festivals. Its setting, surrounded by water and parkland, makes it a popular wedding venue.
It is around an hour's drive from London, near the town of Maidstone, and is surrounded by about 500 acres of parkland.