GROUP & TRAVEL TRADE GUIDE 2017/18 leeds-castle.com/groups 1
CONTENTS Introduction
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The Castle: 900 Years of History
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Beautiful Grounds and Gardens Attractions
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Plan Your Day
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Private Guided Castle Tours
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Private Guided Garden Tours
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Specialist Talks
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Overseas Student Groups
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Eating and Drinking
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What’s On 2017
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How to Book
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Opening Times and Prices
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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, punting on the moat, themed tours of the Castle and walks with one of the gardeners. There are also new specialist talks for groups to pre-book covering a variety of fascinating topics. Our popular seasonal events are available for groups to pre-book, from the Festival of Flowers to the Food Festival and Fireworks. We pride ourselves on the services that we offer for group visits and this guide will provide you with an introduction to Leeds Castle to 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 points for coaches Free meal voucher for coach driver Dedicated team of experienced Group Co-ordinators to help plan your perfect day Group menus (prior arrangement only) Specialist group talks and Castle tours
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THE CASTLE: 900 YEARS OF HISTORY Leeds Castle was built in 1119 by Robert de Crevecoeur, a 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, while the final royal owner was King Henry VIII. The last private owner of the Castle, Olive, Lady Baillie, left an indelible mark on the Estate. 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.
Henry IIIV
Margaret of France
Catherine De Valois
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Olive Lady Ballie
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BEAUTIFUL GROUNDS & GARDENS Leeds Castle is set within 500 acres of beautiful parkland in the heart of the Garden of England. There are several formal gardens for groups to discover each with distinctive planting schemes that offer interest all year round. The ethereal Castle Island garden creates an ancient feel with traditional flowers such as marigolds, roses and lavenders in creams and white. In contrast the Barbican rockery boasts flora and fauna from around the world with Turkish bulbs and Australian ferns. Meanwhile the beautiful Culpeper Garden, created by Russell Page, one of the most celebrated garden designers of the 20th Century, was transformed into an English cottage-style garden with its low box hedges and abundance of colour and shapes. The Lady Baillie Mediterranean Garden, designed by landscape architect Christopher Carter, has a warm south facing aspect with superb views across the water while creating illusion and theatre with its exotic collection of palms and cactuses. The nearby Yew Maze is a complex design and consists of 2,400 yew trees. It is set in a square format, but when viewed from the central mound, or the air, the pattern is in fact circular. This is unique to Leeds Castle, as is the mythical grotto at its heart. On the other side of the estate is the tranquil Wood Garden. This is a particularly lovely way to approach the Castle, following the River Len surrounded by carpets of daffodils, narcissi and anemones in the spring and vibrant bursts of colour throughout the year.
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PLAN YOUR DAY
ATTRACTIONS The Gatehouse Exhibition
Falconry
A visit to our exhibition within the ancient
Come and see breath-taking seasonal
Gatehouse of Leeds Castle will take you on
falconry displays featuring birds of prey
a fascinating journey through 900 years
from around the world.
of the Castle’s history. This extraordinary story is beautifully recreated through
The Dog Collar Collection
original artefacts, expert historical detail,
The world’s largest collection of dog
illustration and film.
collars on public display spanning five centuries, is brought together in a fresh
Punting (seasonal)
and creative new presentation.
Groups can pre-book a leisurely punt on the moat to see the Castle from an
Additional Activities
inspiring new perspective. Sit back, relax
Please visit the website to find out more
and float gently through the ancient arches
about additional pre-bookable activities
in an elegant wooden punt. Available
for groups including golf, Segway Tours
April to October, max 12 people per boat.
and Go Ape!
Visit the website for prices and times.
To help you plan your group visit, refer to the suggested attractions’ timings below.
TIMING YOUR VISIT Attractions
Hours
Castle & Gatehouse Exhibition
1 ½ hrs
Gardens & Grounds
2 hrs
Tours / Talks / Audio Tour
40 mins - 1 hr
Maze & Grotto
45 mins
Falconry Display
30 mins
Punting
20 mins
Dog Collar Collection
30 mins
GETTING AROUND Elsie the Castle Land Train
Accessibility
Ride the land train from the main
A fully accessible mobility bus is
entrance to the Castle (small additional
available near the ticket office, running
charge applies).
regularly throughout the day. This service is operated free of charge to
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The Black Swan
visitors requiring assistance. Wheelchairs
Take to the water for a unique way to see
are available on loan free of charge,
the Leeds Castle estate (max 12 people,
subject to availability. Please visit the
small additional charge applies).
website for more information.
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PRIVATE GUIDED CASTLE TOURS Tours last approximately 1 hour and are available 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. Alternatively groups can choose to pre-book one of our three specialist private guided tours. Please note, you will not see the full Castle route on these tours.
BELOW STAIRS TOUR The discreet running of a large household in the 1930s took military precision. Visit restricted areas below stairs to learn how the Castle servants made this seem effortless.
UPSTAIRS TOUR Visit the State & Battlement Bedrooms, not usually open to the public. See the rooms preferred by King Edward VIII and Mrs Simpson during their stays, and more recently by Pavarotti and Sir Cliff Richard.
HISTORY SET IN STONE TOUR Discover more about the countless alterations and modernisations that have been made to the Grade I listed Castle by previous owners over the last 900 years. Discover what happened in 1660 to cause part of the Castle to fall into the moat!
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PRIVATE GUIDED GARDEN TOURS
SPECIALIST TALKS We offer a selection of new specialist afternoon talks, which take place in the newly refurbished Education Suite, lasting just 40 minutes. These pre-bookable talks start from 2.30pm onwards and groups receive a special rate of just £3 per person. Suitable for a maximum of 40 people per talk.
PRIVATE GUIDED GARDEN TOURS Take a tour of the beautiful grounds and gardens of Leeds Castle with one of the Gardening team. Learn more about the English cottage-style Culpeper Garden, which was initially designed by Russell Page and grows traditional neat box hedges with colourful flowers such as irises, hollyhocks and roses. Immerse yourself in the illusion and theatre of the Lady Baillie Mediterranean Garden featuring exotic foliage plants such as palms and banana trees. This tour is only available in English and lasts approximately 1 hour. Garden tours must be booked in advance.
LEADING LADIES OF LEEDS CASTLE Discover why Leeds Castle has become known as the ‘Ladies Castle’. Take an in-depth look into the history of the key women who have owned the Castle.
FLOWERS OF LEEDS CASTLE Learn more about the last private owner of the Castle, Lady Baillie and her passion for flowers. Find out how she made her gardeners arrange displays to compliment her daily outfits and the 1930s décor.
ARMS & ARMOUR Hear about the fearsome arms and armour that has been used in medieval jousts, battles and court pageantry for thousands of years.
THE HISTORY OF LEEDS CASTLE Discover the fascinating history of the 900 year old Castle, from its time as a Norman stronghold to an elegant early 20th Century retreat for the influential and famous.
HIGH SOCIETY SECRETS Discover the glamour and gossip from the Lady Baillie party years with this light-hearted look back at some of the more colourful characters who stayed at Leeds Castle in the 1930s.
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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 should be in groups led 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. Additional adults will be charged. Your day can include: Private guided tours operating outside normal opening hours, 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 receive a 20% discount on our Souvenir Guide Book, available from the gift shops in a variety of languages. A useful compact new Guide Booklet is also available to groups.
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EATING & DRINKING From freshly prepared hot and cold dishes to freshly baked cakes and picnic lunches, we cater for all tastes in the our 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 throughout the year.
GROUP MENUS 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 for refreshments 2 weeks prior to the date of visit Food can be booked 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 scarves, jewellery, souvenirs, food, drink and seasonal decorations.
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WHAT’S ON 2017 Please visit leeds-castle.com/events for full details of all events coming up.
TIMING YOUR VISIT Motors by the Moat
6th & 7th May
Chelsea Fringe Festival
May to June
Open Air Classical Concert
8th July
Leeds Castle Food Festival
8th, 9th & 10th September
Festival of Flowers
23rd to 28th September
Leeds Castle Fireworks Spectacular
4th & 5th November
Christmas at the Castle
2nd December to 1st January
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HOW TO BOOK To save time on arrival it is
We will require the following details:
recommended that groups pre-book
• Contact name, full address, phone
their visits with our Group Bookings
Co-ordinators. On arrival, your group
• Date of your visit
organiser will be directed to the
• Estimated time of arrival
dedicated groups desk in the Ticket
• Approximate number and breakdown
Office to confirm numbers, pay and
number and email address
of visitors
escort your group into the grounds. Telephone We offer free admission and a
+44 (0) 1622 767865
refreshment voucher to your coach
driver. The voucher is redeemable in our
OPENING TIMES & PRICES The Castle and grounds are open throughout the year. Leeds Castle will be closed on 4th & 5th November and 25th December 2017. Please check our website for up to date opening times before you visit. 1st April – 30th September 2017
1st October 2017 to 31st March 2018
Open: 10am daily Last entry: 4.30pm Gates close at 6pm
Open: 10am daily Last entry: 3pm Gates close at 5pm
Castle Opening Times Open: 10.30am - 5.30pm Last entry to the Castle is at 5pm
Castle Opening Times Open: 10.30am - 4pm Last entry to the Castle is at 3.30pm
groups@leeds-castle.co.uk
restaurant or any refreshment kiosk. We also offer free admission for one
Post
leader per group.
Leeds Castle, Maidstone, Kent ME17 1PL
RATES: 1st April 2017 to 31st March 2018. Minimum 15 persons. Group tickets valid for one day only. Includes entry to Castle, gardens and attractions.
Office Hours
Payment should be made by the group
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
Monday - Friday, 9am - 5.30pm
leader upon arrival at the Ticket Office, by cash (Pound sterling or Euro - notes
Refunds
only), cheque (made payable to Leeds
We regret that refunds will not be
Castle Foundation), debit or credit card
issued on payments made in advance
(not Amex or Diners). You may also
of the visit or on pre-written cheques
pre-pay via bank transfer by BACS
presented on arrival.
or CHAPS and invoice (for credit account customers only, details upon application).
Opening times and prices correct at time of going to press (June 2016).
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Audio Tour
Specialist Tours & Talks
+ £3.00 per person
+ £3.00 per person
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.
Parking A free hardstanding coach park is provided close to the visitor entrance. 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). Continuous motorway to all airports.
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.
leeds-castle.com
LeedsCastleUK
LeedsCastle
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 2017. 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 2016.
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