It has all the ingredients for a royally good getaway.
Leeds Castle in Kent – dubbed ‘the loveliest castle in the world’ by historian Lord Conway – is opening its doors to overnight guests this summer in an experience that’s billed as a ‘fairytale come true’, complete with a ‘dinner fit for royalty’.
The castle, located near Maidstone, has a history that winds back to 857AD, when the first building on the site – a wooden structure for a Saxon family – was constructed. It was rebuilt as a stone castle in the 12th century, and went on to become one of Henry VIII’s ‘favourite homes’, the Leeds Castle podcast reveals.
Its last private owner, Anglo-American heiress Lady Olive Baillie, turned the property into a 1930s country house retreat for the ‘influential and famous’, welcoming a star-studded list of guests from Hollywood to Westminster – Winston Churchill and actors James Stewart and Charlie Chaplin to name a few. The fortress’s royal ties strengthened too, playing host to the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson.
Getting a taste of this luxury for themselves, guests can stay in the very same bedrooms that have hosted this cast of famous faces.
Leeds Castle in Kent – dubbed ‘the loveliest castle in the world’ by historian Lord Conway – is opening its doors to overnight guests this summer
The overnight experience is billed as a ‘fairytale come true’, complete with a ‘dinner fit for royalty’
The castle, located near Maidstone, has a history that winds back to 857AD, when the first building on the site – a wooden structure for a Saxon family – was constructed
These rooms, known as the ‘State Bedrooms’, are said to transport guests ‘back in time to a realm of regal grandeur and uncompromising luxury’.
Guests can alternatively opt for what’s described as the ‘Downton Abbey’ experience and stay in the rooms that were designed to house Lady Baillie’s staff – the ‘Battlement Bedrooms’.
Pictures of the castle’s sleeping quarters show towering four poster beds, jewel-coloured soft furnishings and decorative dressing tables.
‘As you make your way to the castle’s living chambers, you will traverse the opulent hallways adorned with exquisite art and magnificent tapestries,’ a statement from Leeds Castle says.
Its last private owner, Anglo-American heiress Lady Olive Baillie, turned the property into a 1930s country house retreat for the ‘influential and famous’
The castle has 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 of the fortress
Above is one of the ‘State Bedrooms’, which are said to transport guests ‘back in time to a realm of regal grandeur and uncompromising luxury’
A statement notes: ‘An experience like no other, staying in Leeds Castle promises a rare glimpse into the castle’s captivating history.’ The overnight stay is billed as ‘the ultimate getaway for history enthusiasts’
‘As you make your way to the castle’s living chambers, you will traverse the opulent hallways adorned with exquisite art and magnificent tapestries,’ a statement from Leeds Castle says
The castle, which opened to the public in 1976, sits among 500 acres of seasonal gardens and parkland, which boasts a maze, grotto, aviaries, and a vineyard.
After a day spent exploring the castle and its grounds, guests are served a ‘sumptuous’ two-course dinner in the Castle View Restaurant, said to offer ‘breath-taking’ views of Leeds Castle.
Come morning time – ‘as the sun rises over the castle’s majestic turrets’ – they can return to the restaurant to enjoy an ‘indulgent’ breakfast, complete with ‘delectable’ pastries.
Unnamed guests of Lady Baillie sitting outside the castle’s wall around the year 1930
On the left is a photograph of Lady Baillie that was captured around 1931. To the right, Lady Baillie and Prince Edward, the Duke of Kent, are seen in 1940
During their stay, guests can ‘embrace the comfort and luxury of yesteryears, soak in the ambience, and discover a tranquil respite where charm and history merge effortlessly’
Prices start from £365 for a Battlement Bedroom and from £460 for a State Bedroom (above)
The castle sits among 500 acres of seasonal gardens and parkland, which boasts a maze, grotto, aviaries and a vineyard
Leeds Castle is open to the public overnight on select dates during the months of July and August only
A statement notes: ‘An experience like no other, staying in Leeds Castle promises a rare glimpse into the castle’s captivating history. Nestled in the heart of the picturesque Kent countryside, Leeds Castle’s heritage dates back over 900 years, making it the ultimate getaway for history enthusiasts, milestone celebrations, and those seeking a truly extraordinary experience.’
It adds that, during their stay, guests can ‘embrace the comfort and luxury of yesteryears, soak in the ambience, and discover a tranquil respite where charm and history merge effortlessly’.
Prices start from £365 for a Battlement Bedroom and from £460 for a State Bedroom, based on two people sharing. This includes a one-night stay in the castle as well as dinner and breakfast. Leeds Castle is open to the public overnight on select dates during the months of July and August only.
Source link
CHECK OUT: Top Travel Destinations
READ MORE: Travel News
