GROUP & TRAVEL TRADE GUIDE 2020/2021
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CONTENTS
Welcome
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900 Years of History
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Your Visit
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Beautiful Grounds & Gardens
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Private Guided Garden Tours
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The Princess Alexandra Gardens
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Attractions
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Overseas Student Groups
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Food, Drink & Shopping
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What’s On
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Christmas for Groups
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Plan Your Visit
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Prices & How to Book
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Accommodation 26 How to Get to Leeds Castle
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WELCOME Visitors from all over the world return again and again to “the loveliest Castle in the world”. We pride ourselves on the warm welcome, customer service and services available to our groups, which has gained us CPT’s prestigious ‘Coach Friendly’ Award. Whether your group are travelling to us from the UK or overseas, we sit in an ideal location in the heart of Kent, with easy access of the M20 between London and the Channel ports. Your arrival will be stress free and groups can choose to pre-book a themed tour of the Castle, specialist talk or guided walk with the gardening team to help save time on the day of your visit. A varied programme of events take place in all seasons, including the groups’ favourite ‘Festival of Flowers’ in September. Our beautiful gardens are undergoing a large transformation as part of a six-year project which will offer newly planted areas of the grounds to explore. A day out at Leeds Castle can also include fantastic seasonal activities such as thrilling falconry displays and a relaxing punt around the moat. We look forward to welcoming your group to Leeds Castle.
GROUP BENEFITS Discounted admission rates Free visit for group leader and coach driver Ample free hardstanding coach parking Easy drop-and pick-up for coaches Free meal voucher for coach driver Dedicated bookings department to help plan your perfect day Special pre-booked group menus Specialist group talks and Castle tours
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900 YEARS OF HISTORY In 1119 Robert de Crevecoeur built the first stone Castle on the estate, although the manor of Esledes was actually first recorded in the Domesday survey of 1086. Between 1278 and 1437 the Leeds Castle estate was owned by six medieval Queens of England, although the pinnacle of its royal life came on 22nd May 1520 when Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon stopped at the Castle overnight with an entourage of over five thousand people on their way to ‘The Field of Cloth of Gold’ in France. Leeds Castle remained the property of the Crown until 1553 when it was given to Sir Anthony St Leger to reward him for his service under Henry VIII in suppressing the Irish. For the next three hundred years the Castle passed through the Smythe, Culpeper, Fairfax and Wykeham Martin families. In 1926, the Castle and estate was purchased by the Hon. Mrs Wilson Filmer, later to become Lady Baillie, who transformed it into a luxurious home to entertain Hollywood movie stars, Government ministers and even European royalty. During World War II, the Castle was used as a field hospital for wounded servicemen and Lady Baillie and her daughters played an active role in their treatment and recuperation. After the war, she redecorated the castle interiors with her celebrated interior designer Stéphane Boudin, and created some of the most successful mid-20th century schemes in England.
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YOUR VISIT Private Guided Tours Discover the glorious past of Leeds Castle with a fascinating private guided tour of the state rooms. Tours last approximately one hour and are available in English, French, German, Dutch and Mandarin. Castle tours must be pre-booked and are conducted outside of normal opening hours, commencing at 9.15am, 9.30am and 9.45am (subject to availability). Self-Guided Visits Explore the grounds and Castle at your leisure. Pre-book your visit in advance to save time on the day. We appreciate that numbers in your group are only approximate at the time of booking, therefore confirmation of these should be made on your arrival at the Ticket Office. Themed Guided Tours Groups can choose to pre-book one of our themed guided tours, such as the fascinating ‘History Set in Stone Tour’ or go behind the scenes with our ‘Upstairs’ and ‘Below Stairs’ Tours. Specialist Talks Our specialist pre-bookable afternoon talks take place in our Education Suite and include such topics as ‘The History of Leeds Castle’, ‘Arms and Armour’ and, new for 2020, ‘The Field of Cloth of Gold’ in commemoration of the 500th anniversary of this historic event. 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. NEW - British Sign Language Tours We now offer specialist signed guided tours which take visitors through the beautiful rooms of the Castle with a level three communicator in British sign language. Tours are pre-bookable and last approximately two hours. Guide Books A Souvenir Guide Book (available in English) and a useful compact Guide Booklet (available in a variety of languages) can both be purchased in the gift shops for a discounted rate for group visitors.
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BEAUTIFUL GROUNDS & GARDENS Leeds Castle is set within 500 acres of beautiful grounds, in the heart of the garden on England. A 3,000-acre estate originally surrounded the Castle. Today, the Leeds Castle Foundation continues to maintain surrounding parkland, farms, woodland, a 9-hole golf course and formal gardens. Records show that the first development of the Castle grounds into gardens dates back to the 19th century, when a water cascade was built in 1827. The grounds were developed from a natural deer park into sections dedicated to gardens. The Castle Island sits adjacent to the Great Water, created by one of the most admired garden designers of the 20th Century, Russell Page. Page also designed and planted the beautiful Culpeper Garden, originally the site of the Castle’s kitchen garden. During Lady Baillie’s ownership it was a cut flower garden, but in 1980 Russell Page transformed it into a beautifully planted cottage garden. The Lady Baillie Mediterranean Garden, designed by landscape architect Christopher Carter boasts cacti, palms and succulents. With its south facing aspect, it offers visitors superb views across the Great Water. The nearby Yew Maze was planted in 1987 and consists of 2,400 yew trees. When viewed from the centre, part of its plan mirrors a queen’s crown. It is set in a square, and yet, when seen from the mound or the air, the pattern is circular, this is unique to Leeds Castle and adds to the difficulty in solving it. The mythical grotto is the prize for solving the maze and is believed to be a unique combination in the world of mazes and labyrinths.
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PRIVATE GUIDED GARDEN TOURS
Take a tour of the beautiful grounds and gardens of Leeds Castle with one of the Gardening team. Learn more from the experts about the planting schemes and design of these magnificent formal gardens. Tours are planned according to the time of year and size of group. This tour is available in English and lasts approximately one hour. Garden tours must be booked in advance. Groups receive a special rate of just ÂŁ3 per person. Suitable for a minimum of 15 people per talk.
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THE PRINCESS ALEXANDRA GARDENS
Groups visiting Leeds Castle will have the opportunity to enjoy the newly landscaped Princess Alexandra Gardens. The Leeds Castle Foundation is mid-way through a six year redevelopment project of this area of the Castle’s vast gardens, which will see the visitor route transformed. Historically described as ‘Pleasure Gardens’, the team at Leeds Castle are creating six new distinct garden areas which have been officially renamed The Princess Alexandra Gardens, in honour of the Foundation’s Patron. On arrival, you will see the emergence of an Oriental Garden, complete with a striking red-painted bridge and oriental flowering shrubs. Walking on through, groups will encounter their first breath-taking view of the Castle, an experience which in days gone by would have been known as the ‘grand reveal’ for visitors arriving by horse and carriage. As you follow the route from the Oriental Gardens towards the Cedar Lake, you will start to see the progress of the five further themed garden experiences being developed including; the Jungle Garden, the Cedar Lake Garden, the Willow Pond and Winter Garden, The Woodland Garden and the Pavilion Garden.
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ATTRACTIONS The Gatehouse Exhibition
The Dog Collar Collection
A visit to our exhibition within the
The world’s largest collection of dog
ancient Gatehouse of Leeds Castle
collars on public display spanning five
will take you on a fascinating journey
centuries, is brought together in a fresh
through the Castle’s long history.
and creative presentation.
This extraordinary story is beautifully recreated with original artefacts, expert
Meet the Owls
historical detail, illustration and film.
Pre-book a fun session with the Falconry Team for your group to meet the owls
Punting (Seasonal)
of Leeds Castle. Learn more about
Groups can pre-book a leisurely punt on
these magnificent birds, where they are
the moat to see the spectacular Castle
from, how they hunt and find their prey.
from an inspiring new perspective. Sit
Lasting approximately 30 minutes, this
back, relax and float gently through the
session takes place at the Bird of Prey
ancient arches in an elegant wooden
Centre located behind the Maze.
punt. Available April to October, max 12 Golf Course
people per boat.
We extend a warm invitation to all golf Falconry Displays (Seasonal)
societies to enjoy our nine hole, par 34
Come and see Leeds Castle’s breath-
course. The combination of beautiful
taking seasonal falconry displays
views, an excellent redesigned course,
featuring birds of prey from different
a licensed clubhouse providing hot
continents. Groups will be captivated
food and beverages and an on-site PGA
by these shows starring owls, hawks,
Professional for expert advice on your
falcons and vultures.
game makes Leeds Castle the perfect venue for your society golf day.
NEW - Adventure Golf Discover the new 12-hole adventure
Additional Activities
golf course with its miniature Leeds
Please visit the website to find out more
Castle, ferry boat and holes themed to
about additional pre-bookable activities
the Castle’s attractions. This accessible
for groups including Segway Tours and
attraction is open all year round. Small
Go Ape!
additional charges apply.
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OVERSEAS STUDENT GROUPS Easily accessible from London and the Channel Tunnel, 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. A complimentary leader’s pack will be sent with each booking, including scavenger hunts, quizzes and trails to engage students during their visit.
MEAL DEALS FOR OVERSEAS GROUPS Three exciting new outdoor picnic dining options are available for overseas student groups, for collection between 12pm and 3pm. Pre-book your catering by calling +44 (0) 1622 767865. • Student Picnic Lunch
Ham or cheese sandwich or vegan wrap served with a bottle of water, a
packet of crisps and a chocolate brownie. Available at the Courtyard Kiosk.
• Student Burger Meal (seasonal)
Burger, chips and a bottle of water or low sugar soft drink. Served at
the Maze Café.
• Student Chocolate Treat
Hot chocolate & chocolate twist. Served at the Courtyard Kiosk.
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FOOD, DRINK & SHOPPING FOOD & DRINK From freshly prepared hot and cold dishes to Castle baked cakes and picnic lunches, there is something to cater for all tastes in the Leeds Castle food outlets. Visit the Castle View Restaurant, Maze CafĂŠ (seasonal), coffee outlets and seasonal kiosks around the estate for delicious food and drink throughout the year.
GROUP MENUS Pre-book For Discounted Group Rates Morning Coffee / Tea with Cakes
Start your day with a cup of fresh coffee or tea and a slice of cake
Group Set Lunches
Choose from a variety of hot or cold lunch options
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 oakbeamed Castle View Restaurant, includes scones and a hot drink of your choice
Fish and Chips
Try our delicious fish and chips served from the Courtyard Kiosk.
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 three 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 our well-stocked shops. Choose from a wide range of quality gifts including fine Englishmade bone china, local food and drink, scarves, souvenirs and beautiful homeware. You can now also shop online, visit leeds-castle.com/eshop to find out more. 18
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WHAT’S ON
FEATURED EVENTS 2020/2021 Motors by the Moat
9th & 10th May
The Golden Joust
23rd, 24th & 25th May
SportsFest
27th & 28th June
The Leeds Castle Concert
11th July
Festival of Flowers
12th to 16th September
Leeds Castle Fireworks Spectacular
7th & 8th November
Christmas at the Castle
28th November to 1st January 2021
Christmas Market
28th & 29th November, 5th & 6th, 12th & 13th, 19th & 20th December
Scott Nicol
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CHRISTMAS FOR GROUPS This December, visit “the loveliest Castle in the world” for a festive group day out. The magnificent Castle rooms will be beautifully displayed with glittering decorations, fragrant pine trees and stunning festive floristry. The festivities continue as you step outside on to the Castle lawns. The annual Christmas Market will take place on selected dates in November and December with a splendid array of seasonal gifts, toys, decorations, specialist food and drink and a chance to meet the Castle’s birds of prey.
NEW - Midweek Groups Christmas Lunch If your group is visiting midweek from the 28th November to 24th December, why not extend your day at the Castle by pre-booking a delicious Christmas lunch in Castle View Restaurant. With beautifully dressed trees, twinkling lights and seasonal music your group can relax while overlooking the moat to the Castle and enjoy a traditional two or three course set lunch of turkey with all the trimmings followed by Christmas pudding. Ideal for groups of any size (max 75 persons).
Call +44 (0)1622 767865 or email bookings@leeds-castle.co.uk to book your Group’s Christmas visit to Leeds Castle.
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PLAN YOUR VISIT TIMING YOUR VISIT 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
Adventure Golf
1 hr
OPENING TIMES April - September
October - March
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
The Castle and grounds are open throughout the year. Leeds Castle will be closed on 11th July, 7th & 8th November and 25th December 2020. Please check our website for up to date opening times before you visit. 24
PRICES & HOW TO BOOK Ticket Types
NonGuided
Private Guided
Adults
£16.50
£20.50
Senior Citizens (over 65 yrs)
£15.50
£19.50
Students (16-21 yrs)
£15.50
£19.50
Children (4-15 yrs)
£12.25
£16.25
Visitors with disabilities (includes one carer)
£15.50
£19.50
EFL Overseas Students
£9.75
£14.00
Audio Tour
Specialist Tours & Talks
+ £3.00 per person
+ £3.00 per person
Rates valid until 31st March 2021. 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 (May 2019).
HOW TO BOOK Please pre-book your visit to save time 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 credit card, bank transfer by BACS or CHAPS or invoice (for credit account customers only). We regret that refunds will not be issued on payments made in advance of the visit or on pre-written cheques presented on arrival.
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ACCOMMODATION Leeds Castle’s accommodation offers comfort and luxury, perfectly situated with fast connections between London and Paris. The estate boasts a selection of family friendly historic cottages, bed and breakfast rooms and eight medieval seasonal glamping tents. In addition, 20 luxury bedrooms, ranging from Battlement bedrooms to State rooms, can be booked as part of a private event within the 900-year old Castle. The Stable Courtyard bedrooms at Leeds Castle are luxury en-suite bed & breakfast rooms refurbished to the highest standard offering indulgence and comfort. Your overnight stay will include a full English or continental breakfast, made with fresh local produce, served in the 17th century oak-beamed Castle View Restaurant. Newly refurbished, Battel Hall is a truly unique medieval manor house ideally suited to group gatherings with friends or family, intimate weddings and corporate retreats. Staying at Leeds Castle entitles you to free entry to the Castle, grounds and restaurant during the day. You also have the opportunity to explore the grounds in the evening once the gates have been closed to day visitors. For further information telephone + 44 (0)1622 767823, email accommodation@leeds-castle.com or visit leeds-castle.com/accommodation.
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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. 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 767865 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 2020. 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 28change. Printed May 2019.