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 inhabited 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 2017 ‘Fine Dine & Stay’ evenings give you the opportunity to sample that golden era.
VALENTINE’S NIGHT IN THE CASTLE Saturday 11th February
There is no more beautiful place to spend a romantic night than Leeds Castle in Kent, quoted as “the loveliest castle in the world”. On arrival, your luggage will be taken to your luxurious bedroom and you’ll have time to enjoy the beauty of the estate. A private tour around the Castle after it closes to the public for the day provides a glimpse into the glamorous world of the last private owner, Olive, Lady Baillie, a world which you too will experience during your stay. Champagne 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 selected menu, soak up the romantic atmosphere as a harpist plays during your meal and enjoy a bottle of wine at your table for two. Relax with coffee and chocolates after dinner and for those staying, retire to your beautiful bedrooms with views across the moat to the countryside beyond. Awake the following morning to a full English breakfast with Bucks Fizz in the Castle Dining Room. Afternoon, dinner and accommodation per couple in Castle State Bedroom and Maiden’s Tower Bedroom (twin or double) £599 Afternoon, dinner and accommodation staying in Castle Standard Bedroom per couple £555
To book your Valentine’s dinner call 01622 767855, email Hospitality@leeds-castle.co.uk or visit www.leeds-castle.com/dining where you can also view the menu online.
MURDER ON THE HOME FRONT Saturday 29th April
The year is 1942 and the war is raging on the ground and above the skies of Kent. At the normally remote and tranquil Leeds Castle, murder is afoot! You are invited to the Castle for a charity gala to raise money for the war effort, but everything is not as it seems … 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 and be 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. Afternoon and dinner price per person (excluding accommodation) £99 Accommodation (twin or double): Castle State Bedroom or Maiden’s Tower Bedroom £295 Castle Standard Bedroom £245 Stable Courtyard Bedroom £150
To book this special murder mystery event call 01622 767855, email Hospitality@leeds-castle.co.uk or visit www.leeds-castle.com/dining where you can also view the menu online.
LEEDS CASTLE OPEN AIR CLASSICAL CONCERT VIP PACKAGE Saturday 8th July The Leeds Castle Classical Concert featuring the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra has become a much loved fixture in the summer calendar. It is wonderful to experience the concert and full programme of entertainment in VIP style. To include an overnight stay in the Castle as well, makes the experience even more special. Residential guests check into their magnificent Castle bedrooms on arrival at midday before reception drinks and canapés for all are served on the Castle Terrace. A delicious two course lunch is prepared for you in the Castle’s grand 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 classical music and entertainment in the skies above from the comfort of your vantage point in the VIP marquee and as the evening draws in, choose from a gourmet buffet and fine wines. An amazing firework display choreographed to the music will conclude the evening as you make your way back to the Castle for late night drinks before carriages at midnight. For residential guests, a full English breakfast is served in the Fairfax Hall to complete the occasion. Event price per person (excluding accommodation) £275 Accommodation (twin or double): Castle State Bedroom or Maiden’s Tower £345 Castle Standard Bedroom £295 Stable Courtyard Bedroom £220
To book this incredible VIP event, call 01622 767855, email Hospitality@leeds-castle.co.uk or visit www.leeds-castle.com/dining where you can also view the menu online.
TRAFALGAR NIGHT Saturday 21st October The greatest battle in British naval history and the immortal memory of Admiral Lord Nelson are commemorated for the first time this year at Leeds Castle with an evening of music, tradition, toasting and fine food. Following live music on a nautical theme with pre-dinner drinks, a traditional Trafalgar Night three course dinner will be held in the Henry VIII Banqueting Hall. During the course of the evening look forward to a full programme of entertainment as well as historical reports of this great maritime battle by a special guest speaker, who will conclude in the traditional way of proposing the toast to ‘The Immortal Memory’. After the celebrations, relax in the opulent drawing rooms for coffee and chocolates. Evening guests depart at midnight and residential guests retire to one of the magnificent Castle or Maiden’s Tower Bedrooms. A full English breakfast is served the following morning in the Castle Dining Room. The picture on the right ’Portrait of a young Midshipman” by Mason Chamberlain R.A. (1727-1787) is hung on the wall of the Turret Bedroom in the Castle. Evening price per person (excluding accommodation) £147 Accommodation (twin or double): Castle State Bedroom or Maiden’s Tower £295 Castle Standard Bedroom £245 Stable Courtyard Bedroom £160
To book for this nautical evening, call 01622 767855, email Hospitality@leeds-castle.co.uk or visit www.leeds-castle.com/dining where you can also view the menu online.
FIREWORKS HOUSE PARTY Saturday 4th November & Sunday 5th November Treat yourself to an exceptional afternoon and evening of fine dining, first class hospitality and entertainment at the Leeds Castle Fireworks Spectacular. Prepare to be amazed by a breathtaking fireworks display choreographed to moving images and glorious music set against the beautiful backdrop of the 900 year old Leeds Castle rising majestically from the moat. After checking into your magnificent Castle or Maiden’s Tower Bedroom, take a fascinating VIP tour of the fireworks set-up and see how the South East’s biggest display is created. 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 where Winter Pimms’ awaits to warm you through, before it’s time to change into your finery. Take your seats for a splendid three course dinner in the Banqueting Hall and after your meal, coffee and chocolates will be served in the opulent 1930s drawing rooms to complete the evening in true style. A full English breakfast is served the following morning in the Castle Dining Room. 4th November: Event price per couple (twin or double) Castle State Bedroom or Maiden’s Tower Bedroom £599 Castle Battlement Bedroom £550 Stable Courtyard Bedroom £475 5th November: Event price per couple (twin or double) Castle State Bedroom or Maiden’s Tower Bedroom £519 Castle Standard Bedroom £470 Stable Courtyard Bedroom £395
To book the Fireworks Spectacular event, call 01622 767855, email Hospitality@leeds-castle.co.uk or visit www.leeds-castle.com/dining where you can also view the menu online.
MURDER UNDER THE MISTLETOE Saturday 9th 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. You 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. Afternoon and dinner price per person (excluding accommodation) £99 Accommodation (twin or double): Castle State Bedroom or Maiden’s Tower Bedroom £295 Castle Standard Bedroom £245 Stable Courtyard Bedroom £150
To book this special murder mystery event call 01622 767855, email Hospitality@leeds-castle.co.uk or visit www.leeds-castle.com/dining where you can also view the menu online.
CHRISTMAS PARTIES IN THE FAIRFAX HALL Saturday 9th, Thursday 14th, Friday 15th, Thursday 21st, Friday 22nd December 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 wintery 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 rocket balloons and trumpets 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. 9th, 15th & 22nd December: Evening price per person £65 (excluding accommodation) 14th & 21st December: Evening price per person £59 (excluding accommodation) Stable Courtyard Bedroom (twin or double) including breakfast £150 per room
To book a Christmas Party in the Fairfax Hall, call 01622 767855, email Hospitality@leeds-castle.co.uk or visit www.leeds-castle.com/dining where you can also view the menu online.
NEW YEAR’S EVE IN THE CASTLE Sunday 31st December Champagne, fine dining, fireworks and dancing to a live band will ensure that the start to your New Year will be a truly memorable night at one of England’s oldest treasure houses, Leeds Castle in Kent. Residential guests will have plenty of time to check into their magnificent Castle State or Standard Bedrooms 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, Lady Baillie, who was one of the most influential hostesses of her day. 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 in the New Year and watch a spectacular fireworks display as the grand finale of a very special evening. Residential guests will be served a full English breakfast in the following morning the Castle Dining Room. Evening price per person (excluding accommodation) £215 Accommodation (twin or double): Castle State Bedroom and Maiden’s Tower Bedroom £345 Castle Standard Bedroom £295
To book New Year’s Eve at Leeds Castle call 01622 767855, email Hospitality@leeds-castle.co.uk or visit www.leeds-castle.com/dining where you can also view the menu online.
NEW YEAR’S EVE IN THE FAIRFAX HALL Sunday 31st December Say goodbye to the old year and celebrate the start of the new 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 New Year’s Eve in the Fairfax Hall call 01622 767855, email Hospitality@leeds-castle.co.uk or visit www.leeds-castle.com/dining where you can also view the menu online.
PRIVATE BANQUETS AND CELEBRATIONS
Whether it’s a landmark birthday, a special anniversary or just a good excuse to bring family and friends together, Leeds Castle is the perfect setting for your event. Once you are through the front door the Castle becomes yours for the night. The Castle is available for private parties for 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 will enjoy 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 Guests staying overnight in our accommodation are invited to enjoy seasonal 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, beautifully lit 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 bed and breakfast. 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 eight weeks 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 is currently undergoing a complete renovation and will be available to hire for weekends from summer 2017. With up to eleven double bedrooms each with en-suite bathrooms, it will be 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