Experience the splendour of Leeds Castle in Kent Join us for a sumptuous dinner party and overnight stay in the Castle
It is a rare experience to join a house party in one of England’s oldest inhabitable castles, Leeds Castle in Kent. Walk around the tranquil estate after the public have gone, experience the splendour of the dining rooms, sleep in a state bedroom and wake to a spectacular view as the mist rises above the moat. When Lady Baillie completely redecorated and modernised the Castle in the 1930s, she made absolutely sure that her guests would receive the very latest in comfort and service. We hold true to her wishes today and the 2018 ‘Fine Dine & Stay’ evenings give you the opportunity to sample that golden era.
VALENTINE’S NIGHT IN THE CASTLE Wednesday 14th February What could be more romantic than to invite your special Valentine to enjoy an intimate dinner at “the loveliest castle in the world”. To add to the perfection of the evening, consider staying overnight in one of the luxurious Castle bedrooms and waking to views across the misty moat. On arrival you will be treated to a private tour around the Castle after it closes to the public for the day and given a glimpse into the glamorous world of the last private owner, Olive, Lady Baillie, a world which you too will experience during your evening. Chilled sparkling wine awaits you in the Library and then the Butler will call for a delicious three-course candle lit dinner to be served in the Henry VIII Banqueting Hall. Whilst you enjoy a carefully chosen menu using luxurious ingredients, soak up the romantic atmosphere as a harpist plays and enjoy a bottle of wine at your table for two. Relax with coffee and chocolates after dinner in the Library and for those staying overnight, retire at your leisure. Awake the following morning to a full English breakfast in the Castle Dining Room. Private Castle tour, evening drinks, three-course dinner £270 per couple Accommodation (twin or double): Castle State Bedroom £245 per couple Castle Standard Bedroom £195 per couple
To book your Valentine’s dinner visit www.leeds-castle.com/dining, Email Hospitality@leeds-castle.co.uk or call on 01622 767855. A full menu can be viewed online at the above web address.
THE DIAMOND HEIST MURDER MYSTERY CASTLE HOUSE PARTY Saturday 28th April Do you have what it takes to be a top secret agent? The Gem Gallery at The British Museum has a new exhibit, the most expensive diamond ever discovered. You are invited to the exclusive launch party, so dress to impress! But when the Maharajah Diamond goes missing, who on earth can have taken it? Will the secrets of the VIP audience get leaked by journalist Joe Blog? Can the sophisticated double agent get to the bottom of the case or will he be killed by the evil henchman? As actors help to set the scene, immerse yourself in this truly interactive evening of dinner theatre where you decide just how involved you want to be. The emphasis is on having fun, playing secret agent or suspect, solving the crime and above all, eating delicious food and drinking fine wine; and if you so choose, staying overnight in “the loveliest castle in the world”. Residential guests are invited to arrive at the Castle from early afternoon to enjoy the estate. Relax in the grand Library as you enjoy cocktails and then the Butler will call for dinner in the Henry VIII Banqueting Hall where a fine three-course menu awaits and the evening’s entertainment can commence. With the mystery solved, reassemble in the Thorpe Hall Drawing Room for after dinner drinks before those of you staying the night retire to your luxury bedrooms. A full English breakfast is served the following morning in the Castle Dining Room for overnight guests. Event price per person (excluding accommodation) £99 Accommodation (twin or double): Castle State Bedroom or Maiden’s Tower Bedroom £295 Castle Standard Bedroom £245
To book your secret agent dinner visit www.leeds-castle.com/dining, Email Hospitality@leeds-castle.co.uk or call on 01622 767855. A full menu can be viewed online at the above web address.
LEEDS CASTLE ‘40th ANNIVERSARY’ CLASSICAL CONCERT VIP PACKAGE Saturday 14th July Celebrating its 40th Anniversary this year, the Leeds Castle Classical Concert is established as a firm favourite in the calendar of outdoor summer events. The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra will return again conducted by John Rigby to play a wide and varied programme. It is wonderful to experience the concert and full range of entertainment in VIP style. To include an overnight stay in the Castle makes the experience even more special. Guests arrive from midday and those staying overnight check into their magnificent bedrooms before reception drinks and canapes for all are served on the Castle Terrace. A delicious two-course lunch is prepared for you in the Henry VIII Banqueting Hall, followed later in the afternoon with a Champagne toast on the Castle Island as the cannons are fired to officially open the concert. Watch the live entertainment, listen to the glorious classical music and see displays in the sky above from the comfort of your vantage point in the VIP marquee. As the evening draws in, take your seats for a special two-course dinner. An amazing firework display choreographed to the music will conclude the evening and as the crowds disperse, make your way back to the Castle for late night snacks and drinks before carriages at midnight. For those staying overnight, a full English breakfast will be served in the Castle Dining Room or the Castle View Restaurant the following morning. Event price per person (excluding accommodation) £295 Accommodation (twin or double): Castle State Bedroom or Maiden’s Tower Bedroom £365 Castle Standard Bedroom £300 Stable Courtyard Bedroom £235
To book this special 40th Anniversary VIP concert event visit www.leeds-castle. com/dining, Email Hospitality@leeds-castle.co.uk or call on 01622 767855. A full menu can be viewed online at the above web address.
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OPERA IN THE CASTLE Wednesday 18th July The scene is set for an enthralling and engaging evening of opera held within the wonderful surroundings of the Henry VIII Banqueting Hall. This year’s fully staged production will be a Mozart double bill: Bastien & Bastienne and The Impresario, two delicious one act comedies with gorgeous music, in which a pair of lovers tease and test their feelings for each other and a pair of actresses battle it out to be the prima donna. This intimate opera experience for residential guests invites you to arrive from 3pm to check into your Castle bedroom and enjoy the estate before assembling for drinks in the Library at 5.30pm. Surrounded by fine porcelain and Aubusson tapestries, early dinner will be served in the exquisite Castle Dining Room, ensuring you have plenty of time to enjoy the delicious two-course meal before the performance begins. Save a small appetite for afterwards, when sweet and savoury snacks will be served in the Drawing Rooms, with coffee available and a fully stocked pay bar. Retire to your luxurious Castle bedroom and awake to wonderful views across the moat and the prospect of a full English breakfast in the Castle Dining Room. Event price for two people (twin or double): Opera tickets included with accommodation in a Castle State Bedroom £449 Opera tickets included with accommodation in a Castle Standard Bedroom £399
To book this elegant operatic evening visit www.leeds-castle.com/dining, Email Hospitality@leeds-castle.co.uk or call on 01622 767855. A full menu can be viewed online at the above web address.
FIREWORKS SPECTACULAR HOUSE PARTY Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th November See the famous Leeds Castle Fireworks Spectacular in style and treat yourself to an afternoon and evening of fine dining, first class hospitality and entertainment. Prepare to be amazed by a breath-taking fireworks display choreographed to rousing music and set against the splendid backdrop of the 900 year old Castle. After checking into your magnificent bedroom early afternoon, take an exclusive VIP tour of the fireworks set-up and see how one of the South East’s biggest displays is created. Then indulge in a traditional afternoon tea served in the grand Henry VIII Banqueting Hall before wrapping up warmly and mingling with the crowds to enjoy live music and entertainers before the evening’s spectacular show begins. Return to the Castle and change into your finery for the evening ahead, before descending to enjoy a winter warming cocktail. Sit down to a splendid three-course dinner in the Banqueting Hall created for you by our dedicated fine dining chefs and then make your way to the opulent 1930s drawings rooms for coffee and chocolates, with a fully stocked pay bar available. Retire to your luxurious bedroom and wake to enjoy a full English breakfast served the following morning in the Castle Dining Room or Castle View Restaurant if you are staying in the Stable Courtyard.
Saturday 3rd November: Event price per couple (twin or double) Castle State Bedroom or Maiden’s Tower Bedroom £599 Castle Standard Bedroom £549 Stable Courtyard Bedroom £479 Sunday 4th November: Event price per couple (twin or double) Castle State Bedroom or Maiden’s Tower Bedroom £529 Castle Standard Bedroom £480
To book the Fireworks Spectacular event visit www.leeds-castle.com/dining, Email Hospitality@leeds-castle.co.uk or call on 01622 767855. A full menu can be viewed online at the above web address.
MURDER UNDER THE MISTLETOE Saturday 8th December What better way to get the taste buds tingling this Christmas than dinner with a dash of murder on the side? Following the death of Lady Hortense Thornley-Cruttock, her son, Sir Oswald and his wife Lady Cecilia invite you for a once in a lifetime opportunity to attend the auction of the highly valuable Thornley-Cruttock jewel collection. What could possibly go wrong? As actors help to set the scene, immerse yourself in this truly interactive evening of dinner theatre where you decide just how involved you want to be. The emphasis is on having fun, playing detective or suspect, solving the crime and above all, eating delicious food and drinking delicious wine; and if you so choose, staying overnight in “the loveliest castle in the world”. As a special guest you will be given hints and tips should you wish to come in costume. Residential guests are invited to arrive at the Castle from early afternoon to enjoy the estate. Cocktails will be served in the Library and the Butler will call for dinner in the Henry VIII Banqueting Hall where a fine three-course menu awaits and the evening’s entertainment can commence. With the mystery solved, reassemble in the Thorpe Hall Drawing Room for after dinner drinks before those of you staying the night retire to your luxury bedrooms. A full English breakfast is served in the Castle Dining Room the following morning. Event price per person (excluding accommodation) £99 Accommodation (twin or double): Castle State Bedroom £295 Castle Standard Bedroom £245
To book your Murder Mystery dinner visit www.leeds-castle.com/dining, Email Hospitality@leeds-castle.co.uk or call on 01622 767855. A full menu can be viewed online at the above web address.
CHRISTMAS PARTIES IN THE FAIRFAX HALL Friday 7th, Saturday 8th, Thursday 13th, Friday 14th, Saturday 15th and Friday 21st Celebrate the Christmas season with your friends, colleagues or clients in the beautiful 17th Century oak-beamed Fairfax Hall, a wonderful setting decorated in true festive tradition with spectacular views across the moat to the Castle. Start the evening with a glass of sparkling wine prior to a sumptuous three-course dinner expertly prepared by our team of dedicated chefs. The Christmas Party menu offers delicious wintry dishes including traditional roast turkey served with pigs in blankets and chestnut stuffing, followed by a range of desserts, tea, coffee and mince pies. The party atmosphere begins with novelty crackers and poppers on your table. Dance the night away with a disco and stay refreshed throughout the evening with a cash bar. Evening guests depart at midnight while residential guests retire to the Stable Courtyard Bedrooms. Overnight guests have the choice of a full English or Continental breakfast the following morning in the Fairfax Hall. Event price: £65 per person on Fridays and Saturdays and £59 per person on Thursdays Stable Courtyard Accommodation: £150 per room including breakfast
To book your Christmas Party in the Fairfax Hall visit www.leeds-castle.com/dining, Email Hospitality@leeds-castle.co.uk or call on 01622 767855. A full menu can be viewed online at the above web address.
NEW YEAR’S EVE IN THE CASTLE Monday 31st December Champagne, fine dining, fireworks and dancing to a live band will ensure that your New Year will be a truly memorable night at one of England’s oldest treasure houses. Residential guests will have plenty of time to check into their magnificent Castle or Maiden’s Tower bedroom before the evening begins for all with Champagne served in the Library. Mingle with the other revellers and choose to join a guided tour of the Castle, gaining a glimpse into the life of the last private owner, Olive, Lady Baillie, who was one of the most influential hostesses of the 30’s. The start of the New Year’s Eve banquet will be announced and an exquisite four-course fine dining experience using only the finest ingredients will be served in the splendid Henry VIII Banqueting Hall. Enjoy coffee and chocolates in the opulent Castle Drawing Rooms and then take to the floor as you dance the night away to our live band. At the stroke of midnight, refill your Champagne glasses to toast the New Year and watch a spectacular fireworks display as the finale to a very special evening. Residential guests will be served a full English breakfast on the following morning in the Castle Dining Room. After breakfast consider a New Year’s day stroll around the estate. Evening price per person (excluding accommodation) £215 Accommodation (twin or double): Castle State Bedrooms and Maiden’s Tower Bedrooms £345 Castle Standard Bedrooms £295
To book your New Year’s Eve dinner in Leeds Castle visit www.leeds-castle.com/dining, Email Hospitality@leeds-castle.co.uk or call on 01622 767855. A full menu can be viewed online at the above web address.
NEW YEAR’S EVE IN THE FAIRFAX HALL Monday 31st December
Wave goodbye to 2018 and celebrate the start of the New Year at “the loveliest castle in the world”. The evening begins with a chilled glass of Champagne served in the Terrace Room of the 17th Century Fairfax Hall with spectacular views of the 900 year old Castle across the moat. A delicious three-course dinner, freshly prepared by our dedicated and highly skilled chefs, will be a celebration in itself with a vast array of mouth-watering dishes. After dinner, dance the night away with a disco before your Champagne glass is refilled for the midnight toast. As the clock strikes twelve, a spectacular fireworks display will commence high above the Castle turrets. Following the celebrations, evening guests depart and residential guests retire to the Stable Courtyard Bedrooms just a short stroll away. Residential guests have the choice of a full English or Continental breakfast the following morning in the Fairfax Hall. Evening price per person (excluding accommodation) £129 Stable Courtyard Bedroom (twin or double) £220
To book your New Year’s Eve dinner in Leeds Castle visit www.leeds-castle.com/dining, Email Hospitality@leeds-castle.co.uk or call on 01622 767855. A full menu can be viewed online at the above web address.
PRIVATE BANQUETS AND CELEBRATIONS Whether it’s a landmark birthday, a special anniversary or just a good excuse to bring family and friends together, the Castle is the perfect setting for your event any time of the year. Once you are through the front door, Leeds Castle becomes yours for the night. The Castle is available for private parties from 20 to 100 people on an exclusive use basis. Dinner can be served in the Castle Dining Room, with its delicate Chinese porcelain and Aubusson tapestries, while larger groups can dine in the Henry VIII Banqueting Hall. The 16th Century Maiden’s Tower on the Castle Island is a selfcontained venue offering two large flexible function rooms and five en-suite luxury bedrooms. French doors open into the garden, providing private outdoor space. The Fairfax Hall suits larger events such as themed dinners, school proms and wedding receptions and has an outdoor terrace where guests enjoy drinks overlooking the moat to the Castle.
Evening Dining Whether staying overnight in one of the accommodation choices at Leeds Castle or staying locally, guests are invited to enjoy seasonally themed bistro style evening meals in the award-winning ‘Castle View Restaurant’. The 17th Century oak-beamed setting offers a relaxed atmosphere with spectacular views across the terrace to the Castle lit beautifully at night.
To book an event, at please contact a member of our Hospitality team on 01622 767855, email hospitality@leeds-castle.co.uk or visit www.leeds-castle.com
ACCOMMODATION Bed and Breakfast Whether you are looking for a weekend away or travelling for business, the Stable Courtyard Bedrooms provide indulgent four star guest accommodation. Make the most of your stay by taking an evening stroll through the gardens when the grounds are closed to visitors. All rooms are en-suite and double, twin, single and family rooms are available to book up to six months in advance. For breath-taking views and five star luxury, upgrade your stay to the 16th Century Maiden’s Tower located on the Castle Island.
Holiday Cottages Leeds Castle boasts a number of luxurious self-catering holiday cottages each with its own period style and unique setting just a stone’s throw from the Castle. Whilst
retaining their historic charm, the cottages provide thoroughly modern facilities. Guests receive complimentary entry to Leeds Castle, grounds and attractions, plus use of a neighbouring hotel’s leisure facilities. Knight’s Glamping From April to September, Knight’s Glamping offers families and couples the chance to escape to the countryside for a camping holiday with a luxury twist. Our awardwinning medieval style striped tents are situated close to the Maze, a convenient 10 minutes’ walk from the Castle Island. Enjoy the luxury of a four poster bed, warming log burning stove, crisp cotton bedding and snug sheepskin rugs during your stay. Battel Hall Built in the 14th Century, Battel Hall is a fine and rare example of a medieval hall house with original architectural details and a large private garden. Until now the Hall has always been under private ownership, but it has recently undergone a complete renovation and is available to hire for weekends, holidays and much more. With five luxury double bedrooms each with en-suite bathrooms, it is a wonderful place for multi-generational family gatherings and celebrations.
For more information on Accommodation, please contact a member of our team on 01622 767823, email accommodation@leeds-castle.co.uk or visit www.leeds-castle.com/accommodation
HOW TO GET TO LEEDS CASTLE
Heathrow Airport
London
Ebbsfleet International Station
Canterbury Maidstone Ashford International Station Gatwick Airport
Royal Tunbridge Wells
Dover Folkestone Calais
A16
Road Leeds Castle is located near Maidstone at Junction 8 of the M20 between London and the Channel ports. Rail Frequent rail services from London Victoria to Bearsted Station. Plan your journey at leedscastlebytrain.com. A connecting service is available at a small charge. Sea and Eurotunnel Leeds Castle is just 25 miles from the Eurotunnel terminal, Folkestone and 38 miles from the port of Dover.
Leeds Castle, Maidstone, Kent, ME17 1PL Tel: +44(0)1622 765400
Air Gatwick Airport, 45 miles (45 minutes). Heathrow Airport, 67 miles (80 minutes). Stansted Airport, 66 miles (65 minutes). Luton Airport, 85 miles (85 minutes). Continuous motorway to all airports. Satellite Navigation Users If you are using a satellite navigation system, then please follow the brown and white tourist signs once you reach the A20 as your navigation system may incorrectly direct you to a private entrance where you will be redirected. Our postcode is ME17 IPB.
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www.leeds-castle.com Leeds Castle Maidstone Kent ME17 1PL 01622 765400