Leeds Castle Renovation: The Courtyard Exhibition Rooms

The Fairfax Courtyard is the site of the Leeds Castle estate stable yard built in the early 20^th century which comprised a number of stables as well as grooms’ accommodation and tack rooms. The rooms are currently used for guests and visitor accommodation with the stables serving as catering outlets.

Artist’s Impression – Exhibition Rooms

We are now renovating the south stable block which has housed our renowned Dog Collar Collection in recent years, to provide two separate exhibition spaces, one which will primarily be used to display the dog collars, with the other available for a variety of different exhibitions and activities for visitors’ enjoyment throughout the year.

Puppies in front of the stable yard buildings

The work will be done during winter 2013/14 and comprises internal renovation and refurbishment, together with the creation of new route to the Culpeper Garden.

The project will cost over £100,000 with building work being carried out by Leeds Castle’s own buildings and maintenance crew and interior design and presentation by Designmap.

Lady Baillie with her Alastian, Elsa.

We very much hope the project will not inconvenience you during your visit and are grateful to you all for your support, without which preservation of these buildings would not be possible.

The Leeds Castle Foundation exists to preserve Leeds Castle for the benefit of the public. If you would like to help us, there are donation boxes around the estate or you can donate by texting LCGH01 plus amount to 70070.

Leeds Castle voted the best Heritage Wedding Venue in Kent!

The Kent Wedding Awards are unique to Kent, and focus totally on the couples, venues, services and suppliers involved in organising weddings within our county.

The Hospitaity Team from Leeds Castle, “the loveliest castle in the world” last week attended the gala dinner and awards ceremony at the Mercure Maidstone, having been shortlisted for three awards including: Wedding Venue of the Year, Wedding Venue of the Year – Heritage and Wedding Planner of the Year.

Leeds Castle was up against some of the most popular wedding venues in Kent, but the judges were looking for “the venue that really 'goes the extra mile' for the couple”.

The castle was last week awarded ‘Wedding Venue of the Year – Heritage’ and given the following praise from Paul Ross, media personality and elder brother of Jonathan Ross:

‘Leeds Castle offers all the benefits of a fairytale wedding without missing out on any modern day comforts. Fantastic attention to every detail, delicious menu options and elegant well cared for halls and rooms to marry in that looked equally beautiful in day light or candlelight. Excellent quality presentation that showcased the venue , the staff and the wedding experience’.

Hospitality Business Manager, Debbie Matthews said:

“Winning the historic venue award is an accolade we are very proud of, Leeds Castle is ‘the loveliest castle in the world’ and a magical venue for a wedding celebration.

It takes more than looks to be an award winning venue, we look after the couple and their families during the months of planning and throughout the day to ensure we have exceeded their expectations and given them a day they will never forget”.

If you are planning your wedding, book a complimentary show round of our fantastic venues by calling our Hospitality team today on 01622 767877.

Movember is ‘fan-tash-tic’ at Leeds Castle

Each year, brave and selfless employees in office across the country come together, united in their commitment to fine moustachery and changing the face of men’s health.

The Movember journey requires dedication and members of staff from Leeds Castle “the loveliest castle in the world” have decided to abandon their grooming routines for the entire month and share in the experience of growing a ‘Mo’ to raise money for charity.

The mass ‘moustachiasation’ of the Castle Estate has already begun so look out for the early signs of moustaches appearing on staff members when you visit. Don’t forget to sponsor them!

In support of the Movember prostate cancer appeal, visitors can now see a giant moustache on the side of the scaffolding currently covering the Castle’s Gloriette.

As part of on-going preservation work undertaken by the Leeds Castle Charitable Foundation, a restoration project is taking place this winter and again next winter requiring a major programme of stonework repair, replacing up to 30% of the stone and pointing with lime mortar.

 The restoration project will cost nearly £1.7 million, funded by our visitors. Universal StoneLtd. a company with much experience in restoring heritage buildings will carry out the work for us.

A range of moustache themed gifts are also available in the Castle shops, including coasters, mugs, spectacle holders and moustache disguise sunglasses all priced at under £10!

Leeds Castle’s hero conquers Africa's highest mountain

Ian Fagg is the Maintenance Co-ordinator for Leeds Castle, where he has worked for over six years. In September, Ian literally pushed himself to new heights by undertaking the Kilimanjaro Hiking Challenge in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support.

After over a year of disciplined training, climbing in the mountains of Cumbria in preparation, Ian flew out to Africa on the 12 September to begin his challenge of a lifetime.

Joined by a group of other dedicated fundraisers, together they attempted the incredible 5900 metre climb to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, the world's highest freestanding mountain.

Ian raised a total of £2500.00 through his JustGiving fundraising page & sponsorship forms.

On returning from the climb, Ian said:

“I decided quite a few years ago that I would love to climb Kilimanjaro, but has taken me until now to get my act together and go for it, I also wanted to raise money for a good cause whilst I did it and so decided on Macmillan Cancer support as I have come to know so many people that have been touched by their work in both small and large ways.

Our trip followed the Machamé Route and we spent seven days on the mountain, instead of the normal six. This gives you more time to acclimatise to the altitude, even so it was a challenge that pushed every physical and mental boundary to the limits.

Although I didn't quite make the summit due to suffering from altitude sickness I did get to roughly 5600m!

The most important thing is that I managed to raise lots of money for an amazing cause, so thanks to everyone who has supported me.” 

Celebrating Excellent Kentish Harvest Produce at Leeds Castle

As the nights are drawing in and the countryside of Kent turns to the rich hues of autumn, Leeds Castle has teamed up with some popular local food producers and our shops are bursting with delicious autumn goodies made right on your doorstep.

We are celebrating excellent local produce at Leeds Castle with Nip from the Hip Liqueurs, made near Maidstone, honey from a broad range of independent beekeepers across Kent, wines from Biddenden Vineyard and apple and pear crisps from Perry Court Farm, in the Stour Valley near Ashford.

James Sandy, Owner of our newest Kent supplier, Wantsum Brewery in Canterbury, said:

“The Wantsum brewery brand is founded on the rich history of Kent.  We are very excited to be supplying Leeds Castle as it's iconic status in Kent's history fits perfectly.  Further, it opens our product range to a huge demographic as it is visited by people from around the world”.

Nip from the Hip Liqueurs are made near Maidstone by Alison and Joy, a mother-daughter team. The inspiration for the company came from Alison and Paul’s wedding in 2011. Select guests were given hip flasks as a gift, filled with delightful Gin and Vodka based liqueurs made by Alison’s mother Joy.  Having a “nip from the hip” became common place in the day’s proceedings!  The liqueurs are made using Kent grown fruit to ensure the best possible quality.

Blue Bell Hill Apiaries produce honey without blending as other producers do.  Every time you buy from a new batch, it will have a deliciously different flavour influenced by the blooms in the local area at the time the bees were feeding.

Perry Court Farm is located in the Stour Valley in the finest Kent countryside near Ashford, surrounded by traditional apple and pear orchards, fields of fresh vegetables and summer fruits.  Run by Charlie Fermor, the family have been growing wonderful fruit and vegetables in a responsible and environmentally friendly way on the farm for three generations.

Leeds Castle is stocking their sweet and tangy apple and pear crisps, they are just sliced and air dried fruits; and juices from single varieties to show off the unique tastes.

Retail Manager for Leeds Castle, Bob Needham said:

“It’s wonderful to be able to partner with local business at the same time as fundraising to preserve the Castle for our local and international visitors. All of these products are truly excellent quality and ideal to put by for Christmas treats and gifts.

I’m glad to say many are firm favourites already, and our staff will be happy to help customers put together a selection of delicious foods and drink for that hard to buy for friend or family member.” 

You do not need an admission ticket for the Leeds Castle Shop at the main entrance and car parking is free. The shop is open daily from 10am – 5pm. Key to the Castle ticket holders can also visit the Castle Island shop daily from 10am - 4pm.

Preserving Leeds Castle: The Gloriette Masonry Repairs

You may have noticed that scaffolding has started to be put up around the Gloriette. As part of the on-going preservation work undertaken by the Leeds Castle Charitable Foundation, a restoration project is taking place this winter and again next winter requiring a major programme of stonework repair, replacing up to 30% of the stone and pointing with lime mortar.

The Gloriette (or Keep) dates in part from the late 13^th century and is the oldest part of the main castle building. It was erected in the 1280s by Edward I on the foundations of the original 12^th century stronghold, and is built on a D-shaped footprint, following the outline of the small island on which it sits. At that time it would have been a mostly single-storey structure built around a central courtyard and with internal walls of timber. In the 16^th century the upper floor was added to the Gloriette when a suite of royal apartments were prepared for Henry VIII.

In the 1660s the Gloriette was severely damaged by fire and had partially collapsed, before its fortunes were transformed by Fiennes Wykeham Martin who rebuilt it as part of his major restoration of the castle in 1822.

1660s Fire - arson by Dutch Prisoners of War 

The Gloriette just prior to the 1822 restoration

The Gloriette is built of ragstone, a local stone which is very soft. Weather and the passage of time impact on buildings of this age and they need attention at regular stages during their history.

The railway line used for the 1927 restoration

The restoration project will cost nearly £1.7 million, funded by our visitors. Universal StoneLtd. a company with much experience in restoring heritage buildings will carry out the work for us.

We very much hope the project will not inconvenience you during your visit and are grateful to you all for your support, without which preservation of these great buildings would not be possible. 

The Leeds Castle Foundation exists to preserve Leeds Castle for the benefit of the public. If you would like to help us, there are donation boxes around the estate or you can donate by texting LCGH01 plus amount to 70070.

Leeds Castle encourages local students to get creative!

Leeds Castle has announced the winner of a design competition, run last year in conjunction with Invicta Grammar School in Maidstone.

Students were encouraged to get creative and design some new characters for Leeds Castle, which would appeal to a younger audience whilst still reflecting the history of the castle.

Hannah Marno, aged 18, was the winner for her excellent creation of a full set of characters, each with their own personalities and fitting the brief exactly.

Retail Manager at Leeds Castle, Bob Needham said:

“We were really excited and impressed with all the entries we received and very grateful for the time, consideration and effort that has obviously gone in to the work. They were all great pieces and there are obviously some budding artists and designers at Invicta Grammar School!”

Hannah’s characters include a knight called Sir John, a Princess ‘with attitude’ called Catherine, Arthur the Peacock, Lancelot the Black Swan and the Merlin the White Swan.

Since the competition ended last year, Leeds Castle has been working with Hannah to adapt and develop the characters, which have been reproduced onto life-size cut  outs, for the enjoyment of younger visitors to the Knight’s Realm Playground at the Castle.

Due to the outstanding quality of the illustrations produced, Leeds Castle also commissioned Hannah to produce more drawings of her characters, which will shortly be launched on a wide range of merchandise in the retail outlets at the Castle. 

The merchandise includes notebooks, mugs, key rings and stationary ranging from £1-£5.

Hannah recently finished her last year at Invicta Grammar School and is about to start College where she will study for a degree in Graphic Illustration, which will hopefully lead to a career in the creative industries sector.

Hannah was also one of only two students from Invicta Grammar School to receive a bursary from the Benenden branch of NADFAS, to support her development as an artist. 

Invicta Grammar School, which specialises in business and enterprise,  has built a successful business partnership with the Castle over the last few years and is proud of this first successful retail venture which has given school pupils the opportunity to work on live commercial briefs provided by business partners – an important aspect of the educational experience.

The retail partnership will continue with two new cushion designs, which will be available in time for Christmas from the Leeds Castle shops.

One cushion will depict the black swan and will be produced using the Invicta CAM embroidery machines. The other design will feature a jacquard fabric, designed by Invicta student Lucy Hennessy, woven in Italy as part of the British Council Comenius partnership with Invicta’s business partner school Enrico Tosi, in Busto Arzizio near Milan in northern Italy.