Leeds Castle is described as "The Loveliest Castle in the world" and it certainly lives up to that description.

One thousand years ago the Saxons called the site Esledes, and in time "Leeds" grew out of that name. The manor at Leeds was the possession of the Saxon royal family as early as the reign of Ethelbert IV (856-860). In 1,119 the building of the first castle was started. The castle continued to develop for the next nine hundred years. During that time it had a long royal ownership.

The twelfth century Norman cellar exists today as does the thirteenth century gatehouse. The new castle to the front was rebuilt in 1822.

The castle is fully furnished and open for viewing. The black swan is a symbol of Leeds Castle and beautiful specimens can be seen in the lake today. It is truly a castle for all seasons and one of the most romantic and historic buildings in the land.