Holiday cottages near Leeds Castle to rent

Holiday cottages near Leeds Castle

Set in the picturesque county of Kent, a trip to majestic Leeds Castle should be on every Brit’s bucket list. Over 900 years old, Leeds Castle’s history is rich and colourful. Originally a Norman stronghold, during the Middle Ages the castle was owned by six different queens of England. In the Tudor period, the infamous Henry VIII and his first wife, Catherine of Aragon, visited the castle multiple times.

But the picturesque county of Kent, known as the ‘Garden of England’, is well worth a visit too. Filled with stunning scenery, quaint villages and plenty of family-friendly attractions, make your day trip to Leeds Castle a weekend break. In the area around the Leeds Castle, holiday cottages abound. Kent is the ultimate spot for a relaxing staycation, meaning you’re sure to find the perfect spot for you.

So in your dream holiday home, enjoy your trip to the fantastically well-preserved, Leeds Castle. It’s every bit as breathtaking today as it would have been 900 years ago. Described by some as ‘the loveliest castle in the world’, the towers and turrets of this picturesque palace look like something straight out of a fairytale.

The castle’s spectacular location only serves to heighten this sense of magnificence. Set on two islands amidst a stunning lake, Leeds Castle Estate is surrounded by water and is visible for miles around. So make sure you pack your camera as you’re bound to get some incredible shots, especially if you hang around for sunset.

Getting to Leeds Castle

You can find Leeds Castle at the following address: Leeds Castle, Maidstone, ME17 1PL.

Travelling by car to Leeds Castle

Located just off Junction 8 on the M20, Leeds Castle is easy to reach by car. Just over an hour’s drive from London, the castle is easily accessible from the across the UK, due to its position on the motorway network. Once you exit the M20 at Junction 8, you’ll find the way to the castle clearly signposted with brown tourist signs.

Travelling by train to Leeds Castle

Those reaching the castle by train should head to Bearsted Station in Maidstone, just three miles away from the castle. From here, you can catch the 10X bus towards the castle or the Spot Travel shuttle service. Alternatively, you could walk it if you’re feeling energetic. Southeastern runs frequent services to Bearsted from London and Ashford.

Travelling by bus to Leeds Castle

If you’re planning on reaching Leeds Castle by bus, then this may be a little trickier. If you’re planning on basing yourself locally, then you can always catch the Number 13 Arriva bus from Maidstone to Hollingbourne. Alternatively, if you could base yourself in London for the weekend and book a day coach tour to Leeds Castle.

Towns to stay near Leeds Castle

Maidstone

The county town of Kent, Maidstone is just a 15-minute drive away from Leeds Castle. It’s filled with historic buildings, pretty gardens and a river running through.

Aylesford

Just 20-minutes from the castle, the bustling town of Ashford is the perfect spot for anyone looking to get out and about in the local countryside during their visit.

Whitstable

If you’d like to explore a bit of the Kent coast, then base yourself in the seaside town of Whitstable, just half an hour away from Leeds Castle.

Chilham

Hailed by some as ‘the prettiest village in Kent’, Chilham is a beautiful spot indeed. Surrounded by the Kent countryside, you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped back in time.

Broadstairs

Home to seven sandy beaches, staying in the seaside resort of Broadstairs is a great option for those who really do like to be beside the seaside.

Things to do near Leeds Castle

Canterbury Cathedral

No list of the best things to do in Kent could be complete without mentioning Canterbury Cathedral. Back in the Middle Ages, Canterbury was such a prominent part of the Anglican community that it was actually a pilgrimage site. Today, the cathedral that gives Canterbury its status is regarded as the Mother Church of the Worldwide Anglican Communion and the seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury.

Kent Downs

Soft green hills and iconic white cliffs make the Kent Downs widely regarded as one of the most picturesque places in the UK. Recognised as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, its home to thousands of scenic picnic spots, walking routes and thick forests that are perfect for a family game of hide and seek.

Mote Park

Welcoming over a million visitors each year, Mote Park is one of Maidstone’s most popular tourist attractions. Spread across a whopping 440 acres (30 of which are occupied by its incredible lake), this great green space was once home to Kent’s most prestigious aristocracy. Now open to the public, it’s officially ranked as the third-best park in Britain.

The White Cliffs of Dover

Out across the Channel, for many people visiting the UK The White Cliffs of Dover are the first thing they see. Because of this, these great white iconic cliffs have possibly become one of the most prolific marvels of life in England. They are seen by many as the gates to this great country, standing proud for over 70 million years.

Hever Castle

Welcome to the childhood home of Anne Boleyn. Home to over seven centuries of English history, just the words ‘Hever Castle’ are enough to conjure up images of proudly polished knights, extravagant jousting tournaments and generations of British royals fighting over the throne. Hever Castle is home to one of the country’s most impressive collections of Tudor antiquities, from furniture to tapestries.