We are four people going to Leeds Castle this Sep. all I see is going by tour (74 pounds per person) and The Southerneast train about the same price, is there any cheapest way to get there? is only about an hour from London, Please help, any buses, cheaper trains?
Thanks a lot
Posted by
Los Angeles, California
1986 posts
We went there on a tour (in depest December). Its a lot longer than 1 hour from London by bus or car. You should be able to get a train to a closer location and then rent a car if you want to avoid doing it by tour bus
Posted by
Anna Texas, USA
144 posts
Hey Marcia - We went to Leeds Castle a couple of years ago and took a public bus. I am not sure that is still offered. It was inexpensive. The only other alternative is National Rail. You would go to Bearsted Station from wherever in London you are leaving from. You probably need to leave From Victoria Station. There is a shuttle that takes you on to the castle. It is a neat place and covers a lot of ground. From looking at the train schedule it is 34 pounds for two one way. The 74 pound tour would probably be your best bet - especially if it includes admission. I don't think we have ever found anything really cheap in London. I always figure what I plan to spend and double it. Thanks - Bill
Posted by
Bromley, Kent,, UK
1829 posts
If the tour is £74 pp, the train fare of about £68 which is for two people round trip is less than half the price of the tour. Edit - just had a play with the National Rail site and an off peak day return for the two of you to Bearsted would cost £37.20 in total. http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/
Posted by
DM, Iowa
3 posts
I can't answer for the cheapest route, but I can tell you that if you take the train, you will need to take a shuttle from the train station to the castle. Make sure you alert the shuttle driver that you need a ride. He sits in the little building outside the station. We waited past the posted time of departure and he never came out to see if there was anyone who needed a ride.
Posted by
Anna Texas, USA
144 posts
It is true the train fare is half price, but admission for two is 37 pounds and the shuttle for two will be another 20 pounds from the station, so in the end you will pay a little extra, but will be taken directly to the castle and also to some other places. The tour I saw looked pretty good. It just depends on how much extra you want to do, or to get the best bang for your buck.
Thanks - Bill
Posted by
San Diego
1540 posts
We went via train and the shuttle bus from the Leeds train station (Bearsted Station) is timed perfectly with the train arrivals and departures.....we took our time and walking all the beautiful grounds and the castle. It is beautiful.