It has all the ingredients for a royally good holiday.
Leeds Castle in Kent – dubbed ‘the most beautiful castle in the world’ by historian Lord Conway – is opening its doors to overnight guests this summer in a ‘fairytale come true’ bill, complete with ‘dinner fit for royalty’.
The castle, near Maidstone, has a history that goes back to 857AD, when the first building on the site – a wooden structure for a Saxon family – was erected. It was rebuilt as a stone castle in the 12th century and became one of Henry VIII’s ‘favourite homes’, reveals the Leeds Castle Podcast.
Its last private owner, the Anglo-American heiress Lady Olive Bayley, turned the property into a 1930s country house retreat for the ‘powerful and famous’, welcoming a star-studded list of guests from Hollywood to Westminster – including Winston Churchill and actors James Stewart and Charlie Chaplin. The castle’s royal connections were also strengthened, as it played host to the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson.
To experience this luxury for themselves, guests can stay in the same bedroom that hosts this cast of famous faces.
Leeds Castle in Kent – dubbed ‘the most beautiful castle in the world’ by historian Lord Conway – is opening its doors to overnight guests this summer.
The overnight experience is billed as a ‘fairy tale come true’, complete with a ‘dinner fit for royalty’.
The castle, near Maidstone, has a history that goes back to 857AD, when the first building on the site – a wooden structure for a Saxon family – was erected.
These rooms, known as ‘State Bedrooms’, are said to transport guests ‘back in time to a realm of royal splendor and uncompromising luxury’.
Guests can alternatively choose what is described as a ‘Downton Abbey’ experience and stay in a room designed to house Lady Bailey’s staff – the ‘Battlement Bedroom’.
Pictures of the castle’s bedroom show four-poster beds, jewel-toned soft furnishings and decorative dressing tables.
A statement from Leeds Castle said, ‘As you enter the living rooms of the castle, you will pass opulent hallways decorated with magnificent art and magnificent tapestries.’
Its last private owner, the Anglo-American heiress Lady Olive Bayley, turned the property into a 1930s country house for the ‘influential and famous’.
The castle welcomed a star-studded list of guests from Hollywood to Westminster, including Winston Churchill and actors James Stewart and Charlie Chaplin.
The Duke and Duchess of Windsor, Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson are also among the former guests.
Upstairs is one of the ‘State Bedrooms’, which transports guests ‘back in time to a realm of regal splendor and uncompromising luxury’.
A statement noted: ‘An experience like a stay at Leeds Castle, promises a rare glimpse into the castle’s fascinating history.’ The overnight stay is billed as ‘the ultimate getaway for history buffs’
A statement from Leeds Castle said: ‘As you enter the living rooms of the castle, you will pass opulent hallways decorated with magnificent art and magnificent tapestries.
Opened to the public in 1976, two years after Lady Bailey’s death, the castle is set in 500 acres of seasonal gardens and parkland, including a maze, grotto, aviary and a vineyard.
After a day spent exploring the castle and its grounds, guests are treated to a ‘terrific’ two-course dinner in the Castle View Restaurant, which offers ‘breathtaking’ views of Leeds Castle.
Come morning – ‘as the sun rises over the castle’s majestic turrets’ – they can retreat to the restaurant to enjoy a ‘delightful’ breakfast with ‘delicious’ pastries.
Lady Bailey’s unnamed guests sitting outside the castle walls circa 1930
On the left is a photo of Lady Bailey taken around 1931. Right, Lady Bailey and Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, seen in 1940
During their stay, guests can ’embrace the comfort and luxury of yesteryear, soak in the ambiance and discover a tranquil retreat where charm and history blend effortlessly’.
Prices start from £365 for a Battlement Bedroom and £460 for a State Bedroom (above).
The castle is set within 500 acres of seasonal gardens and parkland, including a labyrinth, grotto, aviary and a vineyard.
Leeds Castle is only open to the public overnight on selected dates in July and August
A statement noted: ‘A stay at Leeds Castle promises to be an experience unlike any other, a rare glimpse into the castle’s fascinating history. Set in the heart of the picturesque Kent countryside, Leeds Castle’s heritage dates back over 900 years, making it the ultimate destination for history buffs, milestone celebrants and those looking for a truly extraordinary experience.’
It adds that, during their stay, guests can ’embrace old-fashioned comfort and luxury, soak in the ambiance and discover a tranquil retreat where charm and history blend effortlessly’.
Prices start from £365 for a Battlement Bedroom and £460 for a State Bedroom, based on two people sharing. This includes one night stay at the fort as well as dinner and breakfast. Leeds Castle is only open to the public overnight on selected dates in July and August.
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