GROUP & TRAVEL TRADE GUIDE 2018/19 leeds-castle.com/groups 1
CONTENTS Introduction
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The Castle
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Private Guided Castle Tours & Specialist Talks 8 Grounds and Gardens
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Private Guided Garden Tours
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Attractions
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Overseas Student Groups
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Eating and Drinking
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What’s On 2018
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Plan Your Visit
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Prices and How to Book
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How to get to Leeds Castle
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INTRODUCTION Leeds Castle offers something for groups to discover every day. Open all year, there is a seasonal programme of activities including falconry displays and punting on the moat, themed tours of the Castle and walks with the gardeners. There are also specialist talks for groups to pre-book covering a variety of fascinating topics. Step back in time and learn about the role Leeds Castle and the surrounding countryside played during the Second World War at ‘Battle for the Skies’. The popular Festival of Flowers returns in September and other events and activities including the Fireworks Spectacular are available for groups to pre-book. We pride ourselves on the services that we offer for group visits and this guide will provide you with an introduction to Leeds Castle and highlight the additional services available. We look forward to welcoming your group to “the loveliest castle in the world”.
GROUP BENEFITS
Discounted admission rates Free visit for group leader and coach driver Ample free hardstanding coach parking Easy drop-off and pick-up for coaches Free meal voucher for coach driver Dedicated Bookings Department to help plan your perfect day Special group menus (prior arrangement only) Specialist group talks and Castle tours
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THE CASTLE Leeds Castle was built in 1119 by Robert de Crèvecoeur, descendant of one of William the Conqueror’s lords, to replace the earlier Saxon manor of Esledes. It passed into royal hands in 1278 and became part of the Queen of England’s dower - the settlement widowed queens received upon the death of their husbands. Major improvements were made during this time, including the barbican, drawbridge, gateway and portcullis. Over the course of 150 years it was owned by six medieval queens: Eleanor of Castile, Margaret of France, Isabella of France, Joan of Navarre, Anne of Bohemia and Catherine de Valois. Other former royal owners include Henry VIII and Edward VI. The last private owner of the Castle, Olive, Lady Baillie, left an indelible mark on the place. Lady Baillie bought the Castle in 1926 and embarked on a complete refurbishment using the finest French architects and designers to create an elegant country residence. Upon her death in 1974, Lady Baillie left the Castle to the Leeds Castle Foundation, a private charitable trust whose aim is to preserve the Castle and grounds for the benefit of the public. The Castle was opened to the public in 1976.
Margaret of France
Catherine De Valois
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Olive, Lady Baillie
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PRIVATE GUIDED CASTLE TOURS & SPECIALIST TALKS Let experienced guides lead you through the fascinating history of Leeds Castle - a remarkable survival of a moated medieval Castle with an unparalleled 1920s interior. Tours last approximately 1 hour and can be given in English, French, German and Dutch. Castle tours must be pre-booked and are conducted outside of normal opening hours, commencing at 9.15am, 9.30am, 9.45am and 10am (subject to availability). Visitors are divided into groups of no more than 25, with one tour guide per group. We also offer a selection of new specialist afternoon talks, which take place in the Education Suite. Lasting just 40 minutes, these talks are ideal for groups wishing to extend their knowledge of the Castle’s history. Pre-bookable from 2.30pm onwards, groups receive a special rate of just £3 per person. Suitable for a maximum of 40 people per talk.
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GROUNDS & GARDENS Leeds Castle is set within 500 acres of beautiful grounds, in the heart of the garden of England. The Castle Island sits adjacent to the Great Water, created by one of the greatest garden designers of the 20th Century, Russell Page. Page also designed and planted the beautiful Culpeper Garden, which takes its name from Sir Thomas Culpeper, who bought the Castle in 1632. With its informal layout and low box hedges as a border this very English garden features Roses, Lupins, Poppies and Lads’ Love, with exotic blooms mixed in to create a profusion of colour and scent. The Lady Baillie Mediterranean Garden, designed by landscape architect Christopher Carter boasts an extensive collection of palms, cacti and succulents. Its south facing aspect offers visitors superb views across the Great Water. The nearby Yew Maze was planted in 1987 and consists of 2,400 yew trees. It is set in a square pattern, and yet, when seen from the central mound or the air, appears circular. This design is unique to Leeds Castle, as is the mythical underground Grotto, a reward for those who complete the challenge. On the other side of the Castle’s estate, you will find the Wood Garden. In spring, this is a particularly lovely way to approach the Castle, following the meandering streams of the River Len. Its carpet of daffodils, narcissi and anemones presents a vibrant burst of colour. Later in the year, visitors are treated to the splendour of azaleas and rhododendrons.
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PRIVATE GUIDED GARDEN TOURS The gardens and grounds of Leeds Castle have always held a certain fascination to our visitors, their peaceful tranquillity conceals a wealth of riches just waiting for the curious to discover. Join one of our experienced gardening team and follow a private guided tour through the beautiful Castle gardens. This is a perfect opportunity to find out more about the history of the grounds and gardens and talk to our gardeners about how they maintain them day to day all year round. Tours last approximately one hour and must be booked in advance. Â
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ATTRACTIONS The Gatehouse Exhibition
The Dog Collar Collection
A visit to our exhibition within the ancient
The world’s largest collection of dog
Gatehouse of Leeds Castle will take you
collars on public display spanning five
on a fascinating journey through the
centuries, is brought together in a fresh
Castle’s long history. This extraordinary
and creative presentation.
story is beautifully recreated through original artefacts, expert historical detail,
Battle for the Skies (seasonal)
illustration and film.
Step back in time and learn about the role Leeds Castle and the surrounding
Punting (seasonal)
countryside played during the Second
See the spectacular Castle from an
World War. Experience a dramatic
inspiring new perspective. Sit back, relax
surround-sound display depicting the
and float gently through the ancient
Battle of Britain taking place in the skies
arches in an elegant wooden punt. Max
above Kent.
12 per punt, visit the website for times
Elsie the Castle Train
and prices.
Ride the land train from the main entrance to the Castle (small additional
Falconry (seasonal)
charge applies).
Come and see Leeds Castle’s breathtaking falconry display featuring birds of
Black Swan Ferry (seasonal)
prey from different continents. Groups
Take to the water for a unique way to see
will be captivated by these shows starring
the Leeds Castle estate (max 12 people,
owls, hawks, falcons and vultures.
small additional charge applies).
Meet the Owls Pre-book a fun session with the Falconry
Additional Activities
team for your group to meet the Owls
Please visit the website to find out
of Leeds Castle. Learn more about
more about additional pre-bookable
these magnificent birds, where they are
activities for groups including golf,
from, how they hunt and find their prey.
Segway Tours and Go Ape!
Additional costs apply.
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OVERSEAS STUDENT GROUPS Easily accessible from London and the Channel Tunnel Ports, Leeds Castle can play an important part in your students’ visit to England and their studies of English history. Many of our daily activities are designed to be interactive and engaging to young people. A visit to the Castle and attractions typically lasts around 4 hours. We offer a special rate for ‘English as a Foreign Language’ students. Students must be accompanied by a supervisory adult at all times. Adults will be admitted free of charge on a 1:10 ratio on the day and will be responsible for taking their groups around the Castle and Gardens. Any additional adults will be charged at a discounted rate. Private guided tours operating outside normal opening hours are available in different languages to pre-book. One guide is provided for every 25 students. A variety of educational worksheets and trails in a selection of languages are available to download from our website.
Audio Tours Specialist audio tours of the Castle are available to pre-book for groups. You can collect these from The Gatehouse on the Castle Island throughout the day and listen at your own pace. Available in English, French, German, Spanish, Japanese and Russian. Guide Books Groups can receive a 20% discount on the compact Guide Booklet (available in a variety of languages) and the Souvenir Guide Book.
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EATING & DRINKING From freshly prepared hot and cold dishes to cakes and picnic lunches, there is something to cater for all tastes at the Leeds Castle food outlets. Visit the Fairfax Restaurant, Maze CafĂŠ and Grill (seasonal), coffee outlets and seasonal kiosks dotted around the estate for delicious food and drink every day of the year.
DISCOUNTED GROUP MENUS We offer free admission and a refreshment voucher to your coach driver Morning coffee / tea with pastries & cupcakes
Start your day with a cup of fresh coffee or tea and a mini Danish pastry or cupcake
Group set lunches
Pre-order your hot or cold lunch option before you visit to save time
Picnics
Pre-order freshly made group picnics to enjoy in one of the many picturesque spots around the grounds
Cream Tea
Enjoy a delicious cream tea served in the oak-beamed Fairfax Restaurant, includes scones and a hot drink of your choice
Traditional Afternoon Tea
Indulge with a selection of teas and coffee, traditional finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with all the trimmings and a selection of fine handmade cakes
Payments must be made two weeks prior to the date of visit. Pre-book your catering by calling +44 (0) 1622 767865.
SHOPPING No trip to Leeds Castle is complete without taking time to browse in one of the two shops located on the Castle Island and at the Main Entrance. Choose from a wide range of quality gifts including fine English-made bone china, local food and drink, scarves, souvenirs and beautiful homeware. You can now also shop online at the Leeds Castle e-shop.
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WHAT’S ON 2018
FEATURED EVENTS Motors by the Moat
12th & 13th May
Grand Medieval Joust
26th to 28th May
Leeds Castle Classical Concert
14th July
Festival of Flowers
15th to 20th September
Leeds Castle Fireworks Spectacular
3rd & 4th November
Christmas Market
24th & 25th November 1st, 2nd, 8th, 9th, 15th & 16th December
Christmas at the Castle
1st December to 2nd January
Please visit leeds-castle.com/events for full details of all events coming up.
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PLAN YOUR VISIT
PRICES & HOW TO BOOK
TIMING YOUR VISIT
PRICES HELD FOR 2018/19
Attractions
Suggested Time
Castle & Gatehouse Exhibition
1 ½ hrs
Gardens & Grounds
2 hrs
Tours / Talks / Audio Tour
1 hr
Maze & Grotto
30 mins
Falconry Display
30 mins
Punting
20 mins
Dog Collar Collection
15 mins
Battle for the Skies
15 mins
OPENING TIMES 1st April - 30th September 2018
1st October 2018 - 31st March 2019
Open: 10am daily Last entry: 4.30pm Gates close at 6pm Castle Opening Times Open: 10.30am - 5.30pm Last entry to the Castle is at 5pm
Open: 10am daily Last entry: 3pm Gates close at 5pm Castle Opening Times Open: 10.30am - 4pm Last entry to the Castle is at 3.30pm
NonGuided
Private Guided
Adults
£15.75
£19.75
Senior Citizens (over 60 yrs)
£14.75
£18.75
Students (16-21 yrs)
£14.75
£18.75
Children (4-15 yrs)
£11.50
£15.75
Visitors with disabilities (includes one carer)
£14.75
£18.75
EFL Overseas Students
£9.50
£13.75
Ticket Types
Audio Tour
+ £3.00 per person
Specialist Tours & Talks
+ £3.00 per person
Rates valid until 31st March 2019. Minimum 15 persons. Group tickets valid for one day only. Includes entry to Castle, gardens and attractions. Opening times and prices correct at time of going to press (June 2017).
HOW TO BOOK Please pre-book your visit to save time and money on the day. We offer free admission for one leader per group. Email bookings@leeds-castle.co.uk or call +44 (0) 1622 767865 for enquiries and bookings. Payment can be made at the Ticket Office by cash, cheque, debit or credit card. You may also pre-pay via bank transfer by BACS or CHAPS and invoice (for credit account customers only).
The Castle and grounds are open throughout the year. Leeds Castle will be closed on
We regret that refunds will not be issued on payments made in advance of the visit or
3rd & 4th November and 25th December 2018. Please check our website for up to
on pre-written cheques presented on arrival.
date opening times before you visit.
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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.
Sea and Eurotunnel Leeds Castle is just 25 miles from the Eurotunnel terminal, Folkestone and 38 miles from the port of Dover.
Satellite Navigation Users If you are using a satellite navigation system, then please input ME17 1RG as the postcode, or alternatively follow the brown and white tourist signs once you reach the A20.
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).
Rail Frequent rail services from London Victoria, Ashford International and Canterbury West to Bearsted Station. Plan your journey at leedscastlebytrain.com. A seasonal connecting shuttle service is available at a small charge.
Accessibility A fully accessible mobility bus is available near the Ticket Office, running regularly throughout the day. Wheelchairs are available on loan free of charge. Assistance dogs are admitted into all facilities including the Castle.
Parking A free hardstanding coach park is provided close to the visitor entrance.
leeds-castle.com/groups
Leeds Castle, Maidstone, Kent ME17 1PL Tel: +44 (0)1622 765400 The Trustees of the Leeds Castle Foundation reserve the right to close all or part of the Castle as necessary and to change dates and times published in this manual. All rates quoted in this manual are effective from 1st April 2018. As our admission rates are an exempt supply for Value Added Tax purposes, they do not include any reclaimable VAT and may be subject to change. June 2017.
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