Leeds Castle｜The Castle of Six Queens

#leedstrips “The loveliest castle in the world”, they say—and we couldn’t agree more. 📍 Location: Kent, England Travel tip: Easily reachable from London by train + shuttle. Ideal for a fairytale day trip. 🏰 A Royal Past Built in 857 AD, Leeds Castle began as a military fort and was later transformed into a royal palace by Henry VIII for his first wife, Catherine of Aragon. With six queens once residing here, it’s fondly known as “The Castle of Queens.” ✨ Must-See Highlights 1. Grand Banqueting Hall Once the venue for royal dances and feasts, this majestic hall showcases portraits of Henry VIII and his six wives, French tapestries, and regal fireplaces. Walls are adorned with royal crests and flags—a total medieval dream. 2. The Baillie Garden A romantic walled garden named after Lady Baillie, filled with vibrant seasonal blooms and Mediterranean touches. Bonus: over 100 exotic birds roam the aviaries, including elegant black swans! 3. The Maze Made of 2,400 yew trees, the maze may look small, but it takes around 30 mins to complete! Find your way to the center, then descend into a mystical grotto tunnel to return—pure Narnia vibes. 4. Dog Collar Museum Quirky but fascinating—over 400 years of dog collar history in one place! A unique slice of aristocratic pet life. 5. Gardens, Swans & Afternoon Tea Enjoy scenic walks along the lake, watch ducks and swans glide by, and indulge in a truly royal afternoon tea inside the castle grounds. Special Events • Bonfire Night Fireworks (November) • Christmas Light Trails (Dec) The castle turns into a glowing winter wonderland during the festive season. Info Tickets: • Adults: £30 • Children: £22.50 (Tickets valid for multiple visits over 12 months!) Opening Hours: • Apr–Sept: 10:30 AM – 6:00 PM • Oct–Mar: 10:30 AM – 5:00 PM Address: Broomfield Road, Maidstone, ME17 1PL, UK Perfect for history lovers, fairy tale seekers, or anyone wanting a dreamy countryside escape from the city. Would you live here if you could? Because I definitely would!