Leeds Castle
Leeds Castle Kent, England
It has been called the “loveliest castle in the world” and has been a Norman stronghold; the private property of six of England’s medieval queens; a palace used by Henry VIII and his first wife Catherine of Aragon; 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.
Today, visitors come from all around the world to view this magnificent castle set in over 500 acres of landscaped parkland with its maze, grotto, waterfowl, aviaries, and vineyard. The maze is particularly popular with the secret grotto at the centre. It’s situation is stunning, set on two islands in a magnificent lake it was simply a must have to include at Resolute Experiences.
What makes it important to include, when our tours are centred around American Heritage in the U.K?
Carry on reading!
American Ties
The American links to the castle are in the castles last owner, the indomitable Lady Baillie, who bought the castle in 1926 and employed French interior designers to transform her new home. She dedicated most of her life to the improvement of the castle and was responsible for setting up the Leeds Castle Foundation. The castle was opened to the public a few years after her death in 1976.
Who was Lady Baille?
Well, after conducting some research around her and what she did with the castle, it seems she is known for being a female version of the character ’Jay Gatsby’ from F Scott Fitzgeralds novel ‘The Great Gatsby’, with the character being mysterious and incredibly wealthy. He was also pictured as the aloof and enigmatic host of wondrous parties thrown every weekend at his mansion in West Egg, Long Island.
This is due to the fact that whilst this novel was underway, back in Britain, albeit in a slightly more discreet manner, a similar change in mood was under way - amongst the rich and powerful there was a new thirst for hedonism. The era of the great House Party had come about and Lady Baillie, a wealthy Anglo American heiress, was a pivotal player, becoming one of the most influential hostesses of her day. She simply ‘fell in love’ with Leeds castle and with help from the greatest French designers of the day, she redesigned the interiors to the very height of comfort and art deco fashion.
Almost unheard of luxuries were installed in the castle, including under-floor heating, onyx en-suite bathrooms with new-fangled American washing facilities - her guests’ enjoyment and entertainment were paramount. At weekend parties they were able to partake of the new swimming pool (incredibly for the day, with a wave machine), tennis, squash, croquet, riding, boating, zebras criss-crossing the grounds; and then in the evenings after a sumptuous dinner, they could repair to the velvet lined Grand Salon, where a specially laid ebony dance floor was ready to welcome them.
When war erupted in 1939, Lady Baillie did her best to continue life at Leeds Castle as normal. The house parties continued although the family moved into the Gloriette and the New Castle was used as a hospital. Many of the ill-fated expeditionary forces repatriated after the retreat from Dunkirk were treated at Leeds Castle, and it was also used for the rehabilitation of severely burned pilots treated by Sir Archibald McIndoe at East Grinstead Hospital. Weapons research was secretly carried out in the grounds, including emergency flame weapons to counter the feared German invasion. The government minister responsible for this work, Geoffrey Lloyd, was a regular visitor during Lady Baillie’s lifetime, and later would become the first Chairman of the Leeds Castle Foundation.
After the war Lady Baillie continued to improve her interiors still with the help of Boudin. The war had interrupted their progress, so they resurrected their plans and in 1948 a new dining room and adjoining library were created. Sadly, she died in 1974 and left the castle and grounds to a specially created charity called the Leeds Castle Foundation, whose main aim was, and still is, to preserve the castle for future generations to enjoy.
We can’t wait for you too explore the American links to the castle further, with a private tour centred around the influence that Lady Baille had.
What to do at Leeds Castle
There are over 900 years of history for you explore at Leeds Castle. There are over 500 acres of gardens and parkland and some of our favourites are The Culpeper Gardens, The Princess Alexandra Gardens and, of course, The Lady Baille Mediterranean Garden Terraces.
There is a Falconry where you can meet birds of prey on displays at the dedicated centre, with woodlands, parklands and large lakes fed by the River Len providing natural habitats and attracting a great number of wildfowl and common woodland birds all year round.
There are many ways to navigate Leeds Castle and some of our favourites are the Black Swan Ferry, Elsie the castle train and even punting on moat. As well as incredible adventures to have, like there Go Ape Tree top Adventure or Segway tours you can take part in.
There really is something for everyone to enjoy at this castle… And although it won’t be a big extravagant party you will attend when you visit here, as Lady Baille would have thrown, we are certain you will have a fantastic time!
Sunrise at Leeds Castle
Christmas at the Castle
From 27th November to 2nd January 2021, step into Christmas at Leeds Castle, and enjoy wintery woodland walks and quality time spent with nearest and dearest in the crisp winter air. Put on your coats, gloves and scarves as you tread on frosty leaves and spot the 12 unique artworks located across the estate, all themed to the Twelve Days of Christmas.
You can cuddle up with your loved ones as you walk under the turtle dove arch, admire seven mirrored swans a-swimming on the Great Lake and bang the 12 drummer’s drums with your little ones. With many photo moments, interactive elements and sensory experiences, make this Christmas one to remember at Leeds Castle. The Castle itself will of course be dressed with beautiful Christmas décor. From magnificent Christmas trees placed throughout the Castle, to smaller displays of the Twelve Days of Christmas.
How exciting!
Christmas Markets at Leeds Castle 2019
Sources Used:
https://www.leeds-castle.com/Visit/History
http://leeds-castle.blogspot.com/2013/05/the-real-gatsby-was-woman-lady-baillie.html
https://www.leeds-castle.com/Visit/History/The+Lady+Baillie+Years
https://www.leeds-castle.com/Visit/Attractions
https://explorekent.org/events/leeds-castle-christmas-market/