Leeds Castle (KENT) & Bluebells Hike - Day trip

Leeds Castle has been a Norman stronghold, the private property of six of England’s medieval queens, a Jacobean country house, a Georgian mansion, an elegant early 20th century retreat for the influential and famous, and in the 21st century, it has become one of the most visited historic buildings in Britain.

BLUEBELLS HIKE (5 MILES)

As the blue bells season will begin during our visit we will have an optional 5 mile hike though picturesque Kent countryside, through woodlands which includes a "carpet" of blue bells. After the hike we visit the castle

CASTLE & GROUNDS VISIT

We visit what many describe as one of the most picturesque castles in England. In the 13th century it came into the hands of King Edward I, for whom it became a favourite residence; in the 16th century, Henry VIII used it as a dwelling for his first wife, Catherine of Aragon. The castle today dates mostly from the 19th century and is built on islands in a lake formed by the River Len.

Price: £5 guided hike

Not included:

Train tickets to Bearsted station cost approx £15.33

Admission to the Castle & Gardens cost £25 but if we get a minimum 15 people, we will get the special discounted price £16.25

Shuttle / Bus from the station to the castle and back (£5 in cash to the driver, they do not accept credit cards).

We'll visit:

The Castle

The Culpeper Gardens The Wood Gardens & The Garden Terrace

There is also the option of going on a ferry across the lake (extra charge)

Meeting Point:

We meet at London Victoria at 09.20 am (and go in small groups of 3 or 4 to buy tickets from 09.25am), we then catch the 09.55 train. We return on the approx 17.58 pm (Journey time 1 hour 13 min). If you are late we will not be able to wait but you will be welcome to catch up with us at the platform or at the destination but it will be your responsibility to find us.

Cancellations:

Please note that unless the trip is cancelled the payments are non-refundable as the costs need to be paid in advance. However, you may be able to sell your place to your friends or other group members.