Falcons, River Boats and Mazes!
Exploring the Many Gardens of Leeds Castle
After you have visited the castle museum, you must head out to the gardens, explore the estate grounds and lose yourself in the Maze. There are a number of gardens, but since we were limited in time, we walked through the lovely Culpeper Garden.
Named after the family who owned Leeds Castle in the 17th century; the Culpeper Garden was originally the site of the Castle’s kitchen garden.
During Lady Baillie's ownership it became a cut flower garden, but in 1980 garden designer Russell Page transformed it into a large cottage garden. With its informal layout and low box hedges as a border this very English garden features Roses, Lupins, Poppies and Lads' Love, with exotic blooms mixed in to create a profusion of color and scent.
Named after the family who owned Leeds Castle in the 17th century; the Culpeper Garden was originally the site of the Castle’s kitchen garden.
During Lady Baillie's ownership it became a cut flower garden, but in 1980 garden designer Russell Page transformed it into a large cottage garden. With its informal layout and low box hedges as a border this very English garden features Roses, Lupins, Poppies and Lads' Love, with exotic blooms mixed in to create a profusion of color and scent.
Beyond the gardens, the estate grounds offer a variety of attractions and learning experiences for the whole family.
We stood for several minutes watching a trainer work with a Falcon as the beautiful raptor flew back and forth from arm to perch.
The maze consists of 2,400 yew trees and 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.
Once you’ve reached the middle of the Maze, you can return to civilization through an underworld grotto, complete with macabre forms and mythical beasts created from shells, minerals and wood.
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.
Once you’ve reached the middle of the Maze, you can return to civilization through an underworld grotto, complete with macabre forms and mythical beasts created from shells, minerals and wood.
There are restaurants, cafes and shops strategically placed for the enjoyment of castle guests.
There are a few different ways to get around the castle grounds including punting in small boats and a cute train that kids love. The Black Swan Ferry Boat caught our eye as it ferried passengers across the Great Water from the castle drive to the maze and play areas (there is a small charge around £1 for the boat ride. Currently children under 4 are free).
There are so many fun and interesting things to do and explore at Leeds Castle. You absolutely must add it to you itinerary when you visit London! Be sure to read our post about the History and INTERIOR of Leeds Castle by clicking here!