Had just been to highclere the day before and this house was boring in comparison. Only took 45 mins and really was the worst we’ve seen for the price you have to pay. There should be two prices . One for a year and one for one day. We have a years pass but won’t be using it.
Staff were constantly playing with their walkie-talkies. Lady on entrance hall permanently on her phone. Staff in house overall disinterested. Restaurant good. Adventure area good if you had small children. Not worth going for a day unless you live locally
What a lovely place for a day visit. The history is so interesting, and we enjoyed the audio tour, followed by lunch in the restaurant with a fabulous view of the castle.
What a fantastic day out! Leeds Castle really does offer much more than its name suggests, with a wide range of activities for all ages. We managed to squeeze in most of the available attractions despite only visiting for the day.
We went during English term time, which meant fewer crowds than during the summer holidays, although several school groups were in attendance. At times, it felt quite busy due to large groups moving around, so something to bear in mind for peak seasons.
????️ Entry & Value
Admission was pricey at £146 for our family to purchase the ultimate explorer ticket, but it comes with the bonus of an annual pass so return visits are free for a year. We also received six travel tickets valid for the ferry and train, which added value to the experience.
???? Adventure Park & Golf
After entering, we wandered through the picturesque castle grounds and headed towards the children’s adventure playground and mini golf. Before settling in for lunch, we explored the Stables area cafes to assess food options for our fussy eaters. One café had a decent selection, and we chose that for later.
The Knights’ Stronghold play area was a brilliant space for the kids to burn off energy, full of wooden towers, ladders, zip lines, and slides. We enjoyed the sunshine while they ran wild.
Adventure Golf was surprisingly engaging. It’s a 12-hole course with a mix of fun and tricky challenges even if you’re not exactly pros! The only downside was a noisy school group who disrupted play, a reminder that summer visits might be even more hectic.
???? Maze & Grotto
The hedge maze was one of the highlights. Well maintained and thoughtfully constructed, there were no easy shortcuts through it due to the hedging being grown over sturdy fencing. Reaching the centre rewarded you with access to a small tower with views over the maze and a map to help escape or the option to exit through an eerie underground grotto. We obviously went through the grotto. Take care on the stairs and uneven ground, especially if mobility is a concern.
????️ Food & Facilities
Lunchtime was less of a highlight. One of the cafés had shut by 1.30pm and the remaining outlet was nearly sold out of everything. No cold drinks, very limited snacks, and sandwiches running low. We managed some improvising for the kids by removing the ham from a panini to give them just cheese in it but we were left frustrated to see fully stocked storeroom crates not being used to replenish the shelves. Prices were fair but given the poor offering, could’ve been better.
???? Castle & Exhibits
Finally, the castle itself! The walk across the bridge and through the garden builds a lovely sense of arrival. The tour is well signposted and the rooms are immaculate, full of history and fascinating stories. Younger children, however, were less enthused so perhaps an interactive element like a scavenger hunt of hidden Lego figures or similar would help capture their interest.
???? Train & Ferry
The included travel tickets were a nice touch. The miniature train was efficient for getting to and from the car park, although the driver took a break just when we wanted to head back, so we opted to walk. The ferry across the lake was a big hit with the kids and saved a good 15 minute trek.
???? Extra Activities
We squeezed in the birds of prey area and a lap of the obstacle course. The latter could use some attention, it felt a bit worn down and wasn’t very engaging. A missing obstacle and hardened ground from the recent dry and sunny weather didn’t help.
???? Highlights
• Beautiful, well kept grounds and castle interiors
• Adventure play and maze were standouts
• Included travel tickets offer good value
• Engaging mix of history and activities for all ages
???? What Could Be Improved
• Food options were poorly stocked and not restocked
• Crowds from school groups can affect experience
• Some attractions felt a bit tired or under maintained
• Limited engagement for younger kids inside the castle
Overall, Leeds Castle provided a brilliant day out packed with activities, scenic surroundings, and opportunities for fun across generations. Just bring your own snacks, or plan lunch carefully!