My family spent two days at Leeds Castle, near Maidstone in Kent. I cannot express how lovely it was. We stayed in the Stable courtyard and the rooms were wonderful. Spacious, clean, and included all the little extras usually included in a fine hotel. (but no AC). The value for money was exceptional. We paid less than $200 a night for the room. The cost also gives you free access to visit inside the castle during opening hours and includes breakfast in the castle view restaurant. But the best part is having access to the castle grounds and gardens after hours. We were there on a Wednesday in mid-June and practically had the castle to ourselves all evening long. The Castle view restaurant serves superb food in the evening and overlooks the castle. (food prices are very reasonable for the quality). At night the castle looks fantastic. I really thought the castle was out of my budget, but no, it is great value for money and a very exquisite stay. So if you are looking for a special occasion place, this may be a good choice. We booked through their site but I believe it is also on Booking.com.
Posted by
Charleston & Birmingham
4610 posts
Sounds lovely! I assume that you had to drive there?
Posted by
San Francisco/Marin County
9436 posts
Thank you for letting us know mpauly, i appreciate it.
Posted by
OP
Missouri, USA and Essex, UK.
1048 posts
We did drive there. But you can easily get the train from London. The nearest station is Hollingbourne and then take a taxi to Leeds (approx. £15.00). The Hollingbourne station is on the line to Ashford International so there are many trains coming in from London (not all stop here). We also took a day trip to Canterbury using a taxi and then a train from Hollingbourne. (takes about 1 hour).
Holingbourne is a very small unmanned station without a ticket machine that works. So always get the ticket online beforehand.
Leeds Castle recommends traveling to Bearsted Station. Southeastern runs frequent services to and from Bearsted, which take just over an hour from London.
This would make a nice stop between London and Paris as you could easily get the Eurostar from Ashford.
Posted by
Reading, PA, USA
1637 posts
Can only echo the OP. My wife and I stayed there 3 years ago and had a great time. We did arrive and leave by train. It was easy.
Posted by
TX, USA
4854 posts
Oh, that sounds lovely! I thoroughly enjoyed my day visit there several years ago and wished at the time that it had worked out to stay there. :)
Posted by
Texas
115 posts
How fun that you can stay there now. My husband and I went there on our honeymoon 29 years ago! At that time, the stables had an interesting little museum dedicated to.... wait for it.... dog collars. There was also a nice hedge maze in the garden. I hope it is still there.
Posted by
Atlanta
2511 posts
You stated you took a taxi and train from Hollingbourne to Canterbury.
Is this from Leeds Castle? That’s how I read it.
I will be in England a few nights before my RS tour that begins 4/24/23 in Canterbury. I fly into LHR and will spend some time in London and then go on to Canterbury but this sounds like a wonderful place to spend some relaxing time between London and Canterbury.
Any advice will be helpful.
Posted by
Reading, PA, USA
1637 posts
Judy B
That is exactly what my wife and I did.
Posted by
OP
Missouri, USA and Essex, UK.
1048 posts
Let me clarify. We took a taxi from Leeds Castle to Hollingbourne Station. (about a 6-mile journey). Then we caught a train into Canterbury. There are direct trains into Canterbury from Hollingbourne and other trains that require a change in Ashford. The train ride is about 1 hour. It is really easy to do. Just know that Hollingbourne is an almost deserted station with 2 platforms no ticket office, no public toilets, and no working ticket machine.
Posted by
Atlanta
2511 posts
So I will need to purchase my ticket online.
Thanks!
Posted by
Reading, PA, USA
1637 posts
Or just purchase the tickets at the train station in London.
Posted by
Charleston & Birmingham
4610 posts
mpaulynsettle, thanks for the transportation info.