Leeds Castle

My first adventure of the new year...

Our group of friends here had planned on going to Stonehenge, but unforeseen events led to several of our group to have to cancel. However, it was the morning of our adventure, and Holly and myself were up for anything! We played with the idea of going to Stonehenge ourselves, but opted for a shorter journey and save Stonehenge for another day. 

Getting to our destination was easier said than done. While we live in an age where technology is highly advanced, it is not always trustworthy... Most of our journey was easy and simple navigation with the infamous Google Maps. However, as we were getting closer to our destination, directions became more vague and less dependable. Not all this can be blamed on Google Maps as there seemed to be some road construction and learning the British motorway. However, Google Maps did take us to this tiny, narrow road, claiming to take us to our destination. Questionable doubts rose, and we missed the turn off. We were going to attempt a U-Turn (which I'm fairly certain would have been illegal, we are, of course, American tourists and don't know any better), but Google Maps had found us an alternate route. And so we followed.

The alternate route turned out to be another tiny, narrow road that was quite picturesque. We decided to be spontaneous and continue trusting Google Maps. There were many "ooohs" and "aahhs" as we took in the splendid countryside. However, those "oohs" and "aahs" were short lived and became "OMG! OMG! OMG!" and "we're going to die!" moments. We came to a low water crossing, it had been raining all the previous night and all that morning.. The water crossing the road was pretty wide and looked rather deep. As we contemplated crossing and deciding the best course of action was to attempt backing out the way we came, we were blocked by 2 cars. On the opposite side of the water crossing was a horse trailer waiting to see what was going on. 

Seeing as we weren't moving, it proceeded to cross the water which turned out not to be that deep! Feeling rather silly and certain all the parties trying to get by us were probably complaining in their vehicles, we forged the water crossing (successfully, I might add) and continued towards our destination.

We finally made it back to the main road in search of our destination. Google Maps indicated our turn and seeing the sign, we turned onto the tiny, narrow road feeling excited that we would be arriving soon. Our excitement was short lived as yet again there were no signs for our destination. We did manage to find the security entrance and was given directions to the main entrance. 

Google Maps off, we again set off. A short time later, we found ourselves turning into this large drive leading up to Leeds Castle! 

Leeds Castle

Leeds Castle is by far the best adventure I've experienced here in UK! Known as the "Loveliest Castle in the World", Leeds Castle does not disappointed- even in the cold winter months when many of the trees have lost their leaves and flowers are no longer blooming.

The castle is situated on 2 islands on the River Len. Construction began in 1119 as a Norman stronghold until 1278 when it fell into possession of Queen Eleanor of Castile, the first wife of Edward I. From there, the castle became a "dowry", passing within the lines of royalty for 300 years. During the Tudor reign, Henry VIII had the castle was transformed from a stronghold to a royal palace for his first wife, Catherine of Aragon. 

In the 1600s, Leeds Castle was sold due to financial troubles and became a private residence. The castle was restored during this time in the Jacobean style as it was sold between several families. Almost 200 hundred years later, Leeds Castle was near falling down and another restoration project (and largely what remains today with as little alteration as possible) was completed in 1823. In 1925, Leeds Castle was again sold and purchased by an Anglo-American heiress who became known as Lady Baille after her 3rd marriage. Much of the interior designs that can be seen in the castle today were implemented by Lady Baille. In 1974, Lady Baille entrusted Leeds Castle and 500 acre pack to the Leeds Castle Foundation. The castle was opened to the public in 1976. 

From the car park, we walked the grounds leading up to the castle. Even in the winter months, the grounds were beautiful. I would like to visit again during the spring or summer when everything is in full bloom. I imagine the grounds would be breathtaking! 

The castle was also very beautiful and interesting, especially the history as I briefly described above. It's amazing to think that parts of the castle date back to the 13th and 14th century! Leeds Castle has been greatly shaped by its history and owners (some of whom have greatly impacted Britain's history as well)! 

One legend has it that after Edward I first wife, Eleanor passed, he married the French princess Margaret and gifted to her Leeds Castle. Upon her death, ownership was transferred to Edward II, son of Edward I. Edward II left Leeds Castle under the supervision of Bartholomew de Badlesmere, Lord Steward of the royal household. During his reign, Edward II made many enemies including the Lord Steward.


One day, the Queen Isabella and several party members tried to gain access to Leeds Castle but were refused by Bartholomew's wife. Edward II then besieged the castle and captured Bartholomew, his wife, and children. Bartholomew's wife and children were imprisoned and Bartholomew himself was later executed.

After touring the castle, we ate lunch at the Fairfax restaurant and tried to find our way through the castle's maze. The maze was such fun and even had an unexpected treat at the end, an underground cavern tunnel called the Grotto! We then caught the end of the falconry exhibit in which some experts were talking about owls. As we made our way back to the car, we decided we didn't want to leave and would take up residency in a cottage located on the grounds of Leeds Castle and live with the current resident, Mr. Peacok! 

Leeds Castle is one experience I'll never forget. Our motto or theme for the day became "it's not that deep" as a reminder that things could probably be worse and that there is always a silver lining. Despite the constant drizzle and cool temps, we enjoyed ourselves, and not because it was a 'girl's day out', but because we got to see into the past and experience life there for a time. 

The journey home was fairly uneventful with the exception of one car load of idiots who cut me off and then just sat in the road craning their necks to see the car accident in the opposing lane- just hope no one was seriously injured!. Traffic going the opposite direction was backup or closed off for about 10 miles!

Until next time... 

*****UPDATE*****

While I thoroughly enjoyed my first visit to Leeds, I wanted to return during the spring or summer to really enjoy the scenery in full bloom. Two years later, I returned for another visit. Half the day was spent at Canterbury Cathedral and the other half at Leeds Castle. See below for some comparison pictures versus the beautiful winter and the spectacular summer! 

Photo Credit D.S.

Photo Credit D.S.

Photo Credit D.S.

Photo Credit D.S.