Okay, a new standard has been set. It’s no secret that me and my little brood love a weekend away and have stayed everywhere from a tent to a very fancy hotel (just once). But I think our stay at Battel Hall, part of the Leeds Castle estate, has ruined us for all other accommodation. FOREVER. Be warned.
Stay / accommodation at Leeds Castle
There are myriad accommodation options at Leeds Castle, ranging from bed and breakfast to a stay in the castle itself. We plumped for Battel Hall which is about a 15 minute walk from the castle. And it is incredible. It dates from the 1300s and has the thick walls to prove it, which make for great window seats. Fortunately, there’s nothing Medieval about the mod cons, or the heating – thanks goodness – as we visited in a very chilly January. Take slippers though, as it has stone floors downstairs and they are a bit cold.
Leeds Castle interior
The bedrooms are something else. Modern and eclectic, all with beautiful en-suite bathrooms and high-end Noble Isle toiletries provided. Two of them have an interconnecting door which is perfect if you’re travelling with little ones.
There are two reception rooms, one of which has a TV discreetly tucked away (we watched Gladiators), and a Sonos or a digital radio in all the rooms.
The kitchen is gorgeous and has a dishwasher, washing machine, huge cooker, American style fridge and everything you could ever want except, weirdly pint glasses – maybe they’re not stylish enough. And the fridge had a pint of milk in a glass bottle when we arrived, plus biscuits in a jar. A delightful touch. If I went again, I’d take ground coffee as there’s a nice-looking coffee machine that I’d have loved to give a go.
There’s a games cupboard, although – Gladiators aside – our little ones spent their time playing hide and seek – the house is perfect for that.
There’s a large garden with a BBQ and seating and glorious views across the Kent countryside. The dining room is enormous, and really lets you live your To The Manor Born fantasy. Penelope Keith / Peter Bowles not included.
Basically, I’d like to move in. And we found out afterwards that the interior was designed by Frankie from series three of The Traitors, which is fun.
Leeds Castle opening times
Staying in Leeds Castle accommodation means you get access to the grounds included, and out of hours access. We were a bit disappointed on the day we arrived that last entry to the castle was at 3pm, and to the maze at 4pm but we made full use of them the following day.
Maze at Leeds Castle
The maze is hard – go in with snacks – and is included in the price of admission.
My kids loved it, although my four-year-old was more enamoured with the beach, and they both love Loved LOVED the knight’s stronghold playground. Even I had a go on the zip line. Well, you’ve got to show the kids you’ve still got it every once in a while. And it was good for the soul to be surrounded by lush countryside for a city kid like me and mine.
Where is Leeds Castle?
Weirdly, not in Leeds but near to Maidstone in Kent. We got a train to Hollingbourne station and then a pre-booked cab.
Leeds castle parking
It exists but is quite a long way from the attractions, we got Elsie the train for a small fee when little legs were tired at the end of our stay.
Tickets for Leeds Castle and entrance fee
Family explorer tickets, for a family of two adults and two children aged three – 16, begin at £104.
Georgina Terry is digital editor for Closer and has previously worked for numerous Bauer titles including Mother & Baby. She has two children aged eight and four and loves a night away with the family. Or without them, to be honest (kidding).