Maidstone Things to Do

The little Train operates from the Car-Park to the Castle and vice-versa.
We walked to the Castle, and then took the Train back to the carpark. This was a good idea, as our feet were rather tired after several hours walking.
There is Train stop shed near the Castle from where the Train leaves. It is signposted, and gives times and prices for the journey.

I think it cost one british pound, not much!

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When at Leed's Castle, there are many good photo opportunities. I really liked the view of the Castle from the Water. Duck's & White Swan's were here, but I was unable to get them in my photo. Expect manure on your shoes as I found it hard to miss, there was so much!!
I really enjoyed the walk around part of the castle as it gave me a chance to view the many Tower's and the Castle from different angles.

I believe you can go a full circular walk of 5miles that takes about 2.5hours.

If you have children, there is a playground, and there is a Dog Collar Museum that I didn't go into.

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Two good points.........

You don't have to take a tour, we could wander around on our own, and if we needed to ask question about something in one of the rooms, there was a volunteer to tell us all about it!

Photo's....You are ALLOWED TO TAKE PHOTO'S INSIDE THE CASTLE

Inside the Castle there are many painting's, I particularly liked the one of Henry VIII. Henry turned this Castle into a Royal Palace in 1512 for his first wife, Catherine of Aragon. I was also able to see Catherine of Aragon's bedroom. There is lots of antique medieval furniture, beautiful ceiling's, Knight's armour, beautiful wood carving's and lovely tapestries and much more. They even had a man playing the Piano in the music room, what a nice touch!
It really is beautiful inside as well as outside.

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Leeds Castle was owned by the crown from 1278 to 1552, and during this time, many King's & Queen's of England visited.

Leeds castle is situated on 2 islands in a lake along the River Len approximately 4 miles outside of Maidstone in Kent.
It is made of four forts, [each one able to defend themselves] with a strong Gatehouse and Barbican gate. It was reached by one of three causeways that each had a drawbridge, entrance, gateway and portcullis. Most of this is in ruins, but the stone bridge that links the Barbican to the central island is still in good shape.

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We stayed at Maidstone, and then travelled the short distance to Leeds Castle.

We parked our car in the car-park, and then made the decision to walk to the Castle, and to catch the little Tourist train back.

I am glad that we walked, because the walking trail took us where the Little Train didn't! Something to be aware of, it is quite a walk to the Castle if you have some problems with walking.

We went past a nice pond with Duck's and a waterfall, known as the The Cascade Garden. From here, we could see Leeds Castle. There is a bridge across the cascade pond for lovely views of the pond and the garden's on either side.

OPEN...April - Sept...10.30am - 4.30pm Oct - March ....10.30am - 3pm.

ADMISSION IN 2011.....Adults...£18.50.......Children (4-15yrs)....£11.00
senior Citizens/Students & Visitors with Disabilities...£16.00

We had the Great British Heritage pass, so admission for us was FREE.

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Let me tell you that there are 500acres of parkland at Leeds Castle, and a lot of it is garden's.
The Park was established in the Middle Ages, and a vineyard at the castle in the 1200's. It was re-planted with German vines in 1980.

The Duckery was created in the 1960s, and the castle's former cut-flower garden was turned into a "cottage garden", now called the Culpeper Garden.
Princess Alexandra opened The Lady Baillie Garden in 1999, on the site of a previous 18th century garden.

After passing by the Cascade Pond, we then came to a garden with an old Cottage. This garden had beautiful herbaceous borders, surrounding a huge lawned area where some people were picnicing. Stunning!
I saw Rose garden's with the Rose bushes in full flower, No Daffodils or other springtime bulbs, as it was the wrong time of the year.
The Lady Baillie Garden Mediterranean style terraced garden, is a fairly new addittion to the Castle gardens.
I imagine these garden's would have colour all year round, I just wish I could return and see them at another time of the year.
Excellent!

BEST TIME TO SEE THE GARDENS....
Spring..............Woodland Gardens
Early Summer...Culpeper Garden
Late Summer.....Lady Baillie Garden
All year round. To see.....Aviary, Vineyard, yew tree maze and grotto

Royal Star Arcade


The Royal Star Arcade is celebrating its 25th anniversary from wednesday 22nd to saturday 25th June, 11-4.

Bring the family for a fantastic day out with fun for all ages!

Come along and join in with exciting craft stalls, a tasty chocolate fountain, live music and a chance to win a hot air balloon ride with our raffle, with brilliant runner up prizes to be won!

A great day out, not to be missed. See you there!

In the huge Moat Park, around 20 mins walk from the town centre of Maidstone, is the leisure centre.
I tried out the swimming pool, there is around 5 pools for adults(including 3 diving boats), and a childrens/family pool including a slide(6/10) and a number of interactive events to keep the kids entertained.
Not quite the sandcastle or rhyl sun centre. Still this is a quick diversion for the family
Cost myself £3 to get in on a concession otherwise, its £5-£6