2019
Experience the splendour of Leeds Castle in Kent. Join us for sumptuous dinner parties and overnight stays in the Castle
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2019 is a very special year to stay for a House Party at Leeds Castle as we celebrate the Castle’s 900th anniversary. Built in 1119 by Robert de Crevecoeur, the Castle has been a home for six medieval queens, a royal palace owned by Henry VIII and latterly in the 20th Century, an elegant weekend retreat with guests ranging from stars of the silver screen, famous politicians and royalty. Today guests staying at the Castle receive an equally warm welcome, just as in the golden era of the last private owner, Lady Baillie. You are assured of ultimate comfort, wonderful service, fine food and a rare opportunity to go beyond the ropes, use all the principle state rooms as your own and walk through the tranquil gardens long after the general public have left for the day.
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A spectacular view of the Leeds Castle Classical Concert, as featured on page 8. Be one of the few to stay in the Castle for this special night.
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A NIGHT TO REMEMBER 1930s MURDER MYSTERY Saturday 6th April Step into a world of Film Noir… the famous film director Herbie Hinds is finally making his great work; but Herbie has neglected to pay the Mob “and they sure ain’t happy!” Events take a shocking turn resulting in a spectacular finale. As actors help to set the scene, immerse yourself in this truly interactive evening of dinner theatre. The emphasis is on having fun, playing film-maker or mobster, solving the crime and above all, eating delicious food and drinking cocktails and 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 during the afternoon to enjoy all the estate has to offer. Relax with a Mary Pickford or Gin Ricky cocktail in the Library before dinner, then the Butler will call for you to take your seats in the Henry VIII Banqueting Hall. A fine three-course menu awaits and the evening’s entertainment will commence during the courses. With the mystery solved, reassemble in the Thorpe Hall Drawing Room for after-dinner coffee and chocolates before those of you staying the night retire to your luxurious bedrooms. A full English breakfast is served the following morning in the Castle Dining Room for overnight guests.
Event price per person (excluding accommodation) £109 Castle State or Maiden’s Tower Bedroom £325 Castle Standard Bedroom £275
To book this event, visit www.leeds-castle.com/dining Email hospitality@leeds-castle.co.uk or call 01622 767855. A full menu can be viewed online at the above web address.
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LEEDS CASTLE 900 CLASSICAL CONCERT VIP PACKAGE Saturday 13th July In celebration of Leeds Castle’s remarkable 900 year milestone, concert goers this year will witness the world premiere of ‘A Tribute to Leeds Castle’ performed by the Band of the Royal Marines and the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra. The internationally acclaimed conductor John Rigby will return to conduct this performance alongside a varied and traditional programme. As a VIP guest, you will enjoy this wonderful event in the very best style, and to include an overnight stay in the Castle or Stable Courtyard makes the experience even more memorable. You are invited to arrive from midday and those staying overnight check into their magnificent bedrooms before reception drinks and canapés for all are served in the Maiden’s Tower private garden. Take your seats for a delicious two-course lunch served 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. Your special VIP marquee awaits, as you make your way down to the main concert and hospitality seating area to listen to the glorious classical music. Soak up the atmosphere and later watch a dazzling firework display in the skies above. As the night draws in, a delicious two-course buffet will be served in the marquee. When the general public disperse, make your way back to the Castle for a late night snack and drinks before carriages at midnight. For those staying overnight, a full English breakfast will be served either in the Castle Dining Room or in the Castle View Restaurant for those staying in the Stable Courtyard. Event price per person (excluding accommodation) £310 State and Maiden’s Tower Bedroom £365 Standard Castle Bedroom £300 Sable Courtyard Bedroom £235
To book this 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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FESTIVAL OF FLOWERS - VIP PREVIEW EVENING Friday 13th September
Each year the Festival of Flowers at Leeds Castle becomes bigger and more impressive, with top floral designers coming from the UK and all over the world to dress the state rooms of the Castle. On a theme of ‘A Floral Party’ in celebration of Leeds Castle 900, you are invited to join the VIP Preview Evening with a celebrity host, sparkling reception and special awards ceremony. The following day you will be in prime position to take advantage of a full programme of celebrity talks and floral demonstrations. Only a limited number of guests will be able to stay in the Castle and Maiden’s Tower for this special floral event. Arriving late afternoon, check into your luxurious bedroom, before enjoying the opportunity to wander through the Castle at leisure, Kentish sparkling wine in hand. You’ll have the opportunity to speak to the designers and see the stunning displays close up and uninterrupted, then to mingle with other VIP guests at the private party. Residential guests will be called to take your seat in the elegant Castle Dining Room for a delicious three-course dinner, followed by coffee and chocolates in the Thorpe Hall Drawing Room before retiring for the night. A full English breakfast will be served in the Castle Dining Room the following morning. Event price based on two people sharing (twin or double) in Castle State or Maiden’s Tower Bedroom £533
To book this event, visit www.leeds-castle.com/dining Email hospitality@leeds-castle.co.uk or call 01622 767855. A full menu can be viewed online at the above web address.
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FIREWORKS SPECTACULAR HOUSE PARTY Saturday 2nd November
See the famous Leeds Castle Fireworks Spectacular in style and treat yourself to an afternoon and evening of fine dining, first class hospitality, rousing music and entertainment. After checking into your magnificent bedroom in the afternoon, take an exclusive VIP tour of the fireworks set-up and see how the South East’s biggest display is created. Then indulge in a traditional afternoon tea served in the Henry VIII Banqueting Hall before wrapping up warmly and heading out to mingle with the crowds to enjoy live music before the spectacular show begins. Return to the Castle after the display to change into your finery, before descending to the Library to enjoy winter warming cocktails with your fellow guests. A splendid three-course dinner awaits in the Banqueting Hall followed by coffee and chocolates in the Castle’s opulent drawing rooms. At the evening’s close, head up to your luxurious bedroom and awake refreshed to a full English breakfast served in the Castle Dining Room or Castle View Restaurant if you are staying in the Stable Courtyard. Event price based on two people sharing (twin or double) Castle State Bedrooms or Maiden’s Tower Bedroom £619 Castle Standard Bedroom £569 Stable Courtyard Bedroom £519
To book this event, visit www.leeds-castle.com/dining Email hospitality@leeds-castle.co.uk or call 01622 767855. A full menu can be viewed online at the above web address.
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THE GREAT PANTOMIME MURDER MYSTERY Saturday 7th December It’s the first night when ‘Aladdin & Cinderella climbed the Beanstalk & ended up in Neverland’. When the leading lady misses her cue what could have possibly happened to her? Well … a murder obviously, but who would want her dead and why? Part classic panto - “Oh no it isn’t!” - and part murder mystery, this festive evening combines a classic formula with some panto favourites including song sheets, audience roles and lots of hilarious fun. As actors help to set the scene, immerse yourself in this truly interactive evening of dinner theatre. The emphasis is on enjoying the spectacle, joining in if you wish, solving the crime and above all, eating delicious food and drinking cocktails and 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 the early afternoon to enjoy all the estate has to offer. Relax with cocktails in the Library before dinner, then the Butler will call for you to take your seats 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 coffee and chocolates before those of you staying the night retire to your luxurious bedrooms. A full English breakfast is served the following morning in the Castle Dining Room for overnight guests. Event price per person (excluding accommodation) £109 Castle State or Maiden’s Tower Bedroom £325 Castle Standard Bedroom £275
To book this event, visit www.leeds-castle.com/dining Email hospitality@leeds-castle.co.uk or call 01622 767855. A full menu can be viewed online at the above web address.
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CHRISTMAS PARTIES IN THE FAIRFAX HALL Friday 6th, Saturday 7th, Thursday 12th, Friday 13th, Saturday 14th, Friday 20th, Saturday 21st 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. The party atmosphere begins with a glass of sparkling wine, crackers and party poppers, followed by a sumptuous three-course Christmas dinner, teas, coffee and mince pies. Dance the night away as the disco starts up, and stay refreshed throughout the evening with a cash bar. Evening guests depart at midnight while residential guests retire to the Stable Courtyard Bedrooms. Choose from a full English or Continental breakfast served in the Fairfax Hall the following morning. Event price: £69 per person on Fridays and Saturdays £59 per person on Thursdays Stable Courtyard Accommodation per room Standard double/twin £150 Deluxe double/twin £175
To book this event, visit www.leeds-castle.com/dining Email hospitality@leeds-castle.co.uk or call 01622 767855. A full menu can be viewed online at the above web address.
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NEW YEAR’S EVE IN THE CASTLE Tuesday 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 fourcourse 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 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) £229 Castle State Bedrooms and Maiden’s Tower Bedroom £365 Castle Standard Bedroom £315
To book this event, visit www.leeds-castle.com/dining Email hospitality@leeds-castle.co.uk or call 01622 767855. A full menu can be viewed online at the above web address.
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NEW YEAR’S EVE IN THE FAIRFAX HALL Tuesday 31st December
Celebrate the New Year at “the loveliest castle in the world”. Start the evening with a chilled glass of Champagne served in the Terrace Room of the 17th Century Fairfax Hall as you look out over the moat to the 900 year old Castle beyond. A delicious three-course dinner, freshly prepared by our highly skilled chefs, will be a celebration in itself with a wonderful array of mouth-watering dishes. After dinner, dance the night away in the disco before your Champagne glass is refilled to toast in the New Year. As the clock strikes midnight, 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) £149 Stable Courtyard Accommodation per room Standard double/twin £225 Deluxe double/twin £245
To book this event, visit www.leeds-castle.com/dining Email hospitality@leeds-castle.co.uk or call 01622 767855. A full menu can be viewed online at the above web address.
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AFTERNOON TEA IN THE CASTLE On selected weekends throughout the year The Leeds Castle Dining Room provides the most elegant setting for you to take afternoon tea at the weekend. Whatever the special occasion, the delicious mix of scones, clotted cream and jam, savoury finger sandwiches and delicate patisseries is insurmountable. Lashings of tea and coffee will be served and for an added treat you could order Prosecco or Champagne. Served in the Castle Dining Room overlooking the moat, the setting is a truly idyllic space for a luxurious Afternoon Tea. First transformed into a formal dining room in 1938 by StĂŠphane Boudin, the room was regularly used by Lady Baillie for entertaining her illustrious weekend guests. And now you too can experience the Dining Room in the same way; surrounded by beautiful tapestry and delicate porcelain. Afternoon teas in the Castle are available on selected weekends so please check the website for dates.
To book an Afternoon Tea, please call 01622 767823. Or email accommodation@leeds-castle.co.uk A full menu can be viewed online at www.leeds-castle.com/tea
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CELEBRATE AT BATTEL HALL On the Leeds Castle Estate Why not consider a private fine dining experience in the newly and exquisitely refurbished Battel Hall? Battel Hall provides a wonderfully luxurious escape to the countryside, with the added benefit of access to all that the Leeds Castle estate has to offer. Whether gathering together with friends for a reunion, holidaying with family or meeting up to celebrate a special summer anniversary with up to 100 guests in the private garden, Battel Hall provides the perfect setting. You will find comfortable drawing rooms, an oak-panelled dining room seating up to 16 people, five exquisite bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, an annex with additional accommodation; plus a large private garden with entertaining space. There is the added option of bringing in professional chefs to work in the separate catering kitchen and make your stay even more relaxing.
To enquire about a celebratory stay at Battel Hall please call one of the hospitality team on 01622 767877 or Email: battelhall@leeds-castle.co.uk
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PRIVATE BANQUETS & 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 can enjoy drinks overlooking the moat to the Castle.
Evening Dining Open to residential and non-residential diners, 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, please contact a member of our Hospitality team on 01622 767855, email hospitality@leeds-castle.co.uk or visit www.leeds-castle.com
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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.
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.
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
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
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Heathrow Airport
London
Ebbsfleet International Station
Canterbury Maidstone Ashford International Station Gatwick Airport
Royal Tunbridge Wells
Dover Folkestone Calais
A16
Leeds Castle is located near Maidstone at Junction 8 of the M20 between London and the Channel ports. www.leeds-castle.com Leeds Castle Maidstone Kent ME17 1PL 01622 765400
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