Leeds Castle and Gardens: A Treasure Cove in Maidstone, Kent, England
- Nadine Traveler
- Sep 19
- 3 min read
Watch Leeds Castle and Gardens Travel Vlog Above or Scroll Down for YouTube Link
Brief History of Leeds Castle
Leeds Castle, located in Maidstone, Kent, England, is one of the most beautiful historic homes in the United Kingdom. Dating back to the 9th century, Leeds Castle was founded as a fortress by a royal Saxon family. However, by the 13th century, Edward I and his first wife, Queen Eleanor of Castile, transformed it into a royal castle, which members of the royal family enjoyed until the 20th century.
In the 16th century, Henry VIII transformed this historic home into a Tudor castle, where he and his first wife, Queen Katherine of Aragon, frequently resided. Henry VIII's son Edward VI, deeded this castle to Anthony St. Leger in 1552, ending 300 years of royal ownership.
Leeds Castle Gardens: Culpeper Garden
In 1632, Leeds Castle was purchased by the Culpeper family, the namesake of the beautiful Culpeper Garden at Leeds Castle. The Culpeper family owned this historic home throughout the 17th century, a family with ties to British Colonial America through Thomas Culpeper, 2nd Baron of Culpeper, who served as the second Governor of the Virginia Colony from 1688 to 1690 under Charles II. After Thomas Culpeper's administration, he returned to England to live the remainder of his life in London. Upon Thomas Culpeper's death in 1689, his daughter Catherine Culpeper and her husband, Thomas, 5th Lord Fairfax, inherited Leeds Castle. The Fairfax family also inherited the Virginia estates. Subsequently, their son, Thomas Fairfax (1693-1781), immigrated to the Virginia Colony, where he spent the remainder of his life. Fairfax County, Virginia, is named after Thomas Fairfax.
There are many beautiful gardens on the Leeds Estate, and the Culpeper Garden, used initially as a Kitchen Garden, is one of the loveliest. On your way to the Culpeper Garden, you will be able to visit an on-site cafe to grab a cup of tea, coffee, and a snack before entering through the garden gate. Another remarkable aspect of this property is the relatively tame and friendly ducks that sometimes accompany visitors along the walkways. Also, make sure to visit the Maze Garden just past the entrance to the Culpeper Garden.
Leeds Castle: The Baillie Era
In 1929, Leeds Castle was purchased by Olive, Lady Baillie, who restored the castle and its extensive gardens to their present state. The interior is reminiscent of the 1920s and 1930s, and numerous portraits of family members who once owned Leeds Castle adorn the walls. At present, Leeds Castle is privately owned and was opened to the public in 1976.
Travel Ideas: Leeds Castle
There are many ways to visit this historic location. Bus tours, including those offered by Golden Tours, depart from London to visit this historic site. To explore these bus tours, visit:
However, it is ideal to spend more than one day at Leeds Castle to see all its magnificent gardens and explore the stunning, well-preserved landmark home.
To explore options for stays, click on the following link.
Also, golf lovers will want to be sure to check out the lovely 9-hole historic golf course.
For couples interested in a stunning wedding venue, visit:
For more general information on Leeds Castle, visit:
As Always, Safe Travels!
Nadine Traveler
Photography, Videography, and Video Editing (Canon EOS R50 and iPhone 16 Pro Max), Alethea Kilgore
Music in YouTube Video, Epidemic Sound
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