History

This stunning castle was originally constructed relatively early in the Norman period, during the first half of the 12th century.

It has been the property of six monarchs, used as a residence by Edward I, and later by Henry VIII with Catherine of Aragon.

Since its original 1119 conception, Leeds Castle has developed and grown over the centuries, with the most significant change carried out in the early 19th century to give the castle exterior the romantic Tudor appearance seen today, along with a whole host of alterations to the interior in the 20th century by the last private owner Olive, Lady Baillie. Vast sums of her inheritance were spent in restoring the living conditions, to the extent that much of the interior resembles a rather glorious country house!

The renowned hostess held many social events over the years for guests such as the Queen Mother, Edward Prince of Wales with Wallis Simpson and the author Ian Fleming, to name but a few. Lady Baillie hospitalised injured soldiers during WWII, and those who survived remembered the experience with fondness.

Today the Grade I-listed castle and its 500 acres of grounds is owned by The Leeds Castle Foundation, its private charitable trust, and is visited by close to half a million people every year.

The Castle Facilities

The Castle Dining Room

Having prepared in one of the Castle's bedrooms, make your way via the medieval-style stone staircase and grand Inner Hall to the Dining Room where your excited ceremony guests await.

This light and airy room is enhanced by a long French window.

Civil Ceremony Capacity - 100 Guests

The Castle Library

Close to the Dining Room, you can mingle with your guests after the ceremony and enjoy a canapés and drinks reception.

Drinks Reception Capacity - 100 Guests

The Castle Banqueting Hall

This, the largest room in Leeds Castle, showcases an original 16th-century French Caen stone fireplace. The Banqueting Hall commands amazing views of the estate over the moat, and will typically host the wedding breakfast and the evening reception.

Wedding Breakfast Capacity - 100 Guests
Evening Reception Capacity - 150 Guests

The Castle Drawing Rooms

Finish off the spectacular day relaxing in the Castle's Drawing Rooms, and then dance the night away in the Banqueting Hall.

Other Castle Facilities

The Maiden's Tower

Adjacent to the main castle, this stunning self-contained venue was used for parties in the 16th century, and today is ideal for ceremonies and receptions with up to 80 guests. The Maiden's Tower even has five bedrooms available to accommodate you or your guests. You could just use this venue for the ceremony before continuing on for a larger reception party in Fairfax Hall.

Civil Ceremony Capacity - 80 Guests
Formal Reception Capacity - 80 Guests

Fairfax Hall

This atmospheric 18th-century timber-framed barn is ideal for a formal reception or evening party for between 100-200 guests.

Formal Reception Capacity - 100 Guests
Evening Reception Capacity - 200 Guests

Marquees

If you want to host a reception for more than 200 guests within the spectacular grounds of the Castle, then a marquee can be set up to accommodate them on the magnificent Cedar Lawn.

Accommodation

The Castle

There are a total of 20 bedrooms available at Leeds Castle, 8 of which are known as the State Bedrooms, worthy of Royalty (literally). The remaining 12 are called Battlement Bedrooms.

Many of the rooms contain four-poster beds, and each one is uniquely and tastefully decorated and furnished with antiques.

The Maiden's Tower

This nearby self-contained venue offers 5 amazing bedrooms.

Stable Courtyard Bedrooms And Cottages

The Leeds Castle Estate also boasts further accommodation options, including the Stable Courtyard Bedrooms (17 rooms), plus five cottages. Get in touch with Leeds Castle for details.