Group and Travel Trade Brochure 2019-2020

leeds-castle.com/groups 1

2

CONTENTS

Introduction

4

900 Years of History

6

Private Guided Castle Tours & Specialist Talks

8

Beautiful Grounds & Gardens

10

Private Guided Garden Tours

12

Attractions

14

Overseas Student Groups

16

Food, Drink & Shopping

18

What's On in Leeds Castle's 900th Anniversary Year

20

Accommodation

22

Plan Your Visit

24

Prices & How to Book

26

How to Get to Leeds Castle

28

3

INTRODUCTION Visit Leeds Castle with your group in 2019 and join in the celebrations for our 900th anniversary! There is a packed programme of events and activities planned in recognition of this landmark year for “the loveliest Castle in the world”. Open daily, the Castle now welcomes over 600,000 visitors each year and offers something for everyone to enjoy. As well as new events, there is a programme of seasonal activities including falconry displays and punting on the moat, themed tours of the Castle and walks with the gardeners. There are also specialist talks for groups to pre-book covering a variety of fascinating topics.

As autumn approaches, the groups’ favourite ‘Festival of Flowers’ returns to the Castle with displays from award-winning international designers; and don’t miss the traditional Christmas Market and beautifully decorated Castle during the festive period.

At Leeds Castle we pride ourselves on the services offered for group visits and have recently been awarded CPT’s prestigious ‘Coach Friendly’ status. We look forward to welcoming your group to “the loveliest castle in the world”.

GROUP BENEFITS

Discounted admission rates Free visit for group leader and coach driver Ample free hardstanding coach parking Easy drop-off and pick-up for coaches Free meal voucher for coach driver Dedicated bookings department to help plan your perfect day Special group menus (prior arrangement only) Specialist group talks and Castle tours

4

5

900 YEARS OF HISTORY In 1119 Robert de Crevecoeur built the first stone Castle on the estate, although the manor of Esledes was actually first recorded in the Domesday survey of 1086.

Between 1278 and 1437 the Leeds Castle estate was owned by six medieval Queens of England, although the pinnacle of its royal life came on 22nd May 1520 when Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon stopped at the Castle overnight with an entourage of over five thousand people on their way to ‘The Field of Cloth of Gold’ in France.

Leeds Castle remained the property of the Crown until 1553 when it was given to Sir Anthony St Leger to reward him for his service under Henry VIII in supressing the Irish. For the next three hundred years the Castle passed through the Smythe, Culpeper, Fairfax and Wykeham Martin families.

In 1926, the Castle and estate was purchased by the Hon. Mrs Wilson Filmer, later to become Lady Olive Baillie, who transformed it into a luxurious home to entertain Hollywood movie stars, Government ministers and even European royalty.

During World War II, the Castle was used as a field hospital for wounded servicemen and Lady Baillie and her daughters played an active role in their treatment and recuperation. After the war, she redecorated the castle interiors several times over with her interior designer Stéphane Boudin, and created some of the most successful mid 20th century schemes in England.

King Edward I

Queen Catherine de Valois

Henry VIII

6

Lady Baillie

7

PRIVATE GUIDED CASTLE TOURS & SPECIALIST TALKS Discover the glorious past of Leeds Castle with a fascinating private guided tour of the state rooms. Tours last approximately one hour and are available in English, French, German and Dutch.

Castle tours must be pre-booked and are conducted outside of normal opening hours, commencing at 9.15am, 9.30am, 9.45am and 10am (subject to availability).

One tour guide can accompany a group of up to 25 people.

Groups can choose to pre-book one of our themed guided tours, such as the ‘History Set in Stone Tour’ and the ‘Upstairs Tour’.

We also offer a selection of new specialist afternoon talks, which take place in the Education Suite. Lasting just 40 minutes, these talks are ideal for groups short of time for visiting the Castle itself. Pre-bookable from 2.30pm onwards, groups receive a special rate of just £3 per person. Suitable for a maximum of 40 people per talk.

8

9

BEAUTIFUL GROUNDS & GARDENS Leeds Castle is set within 500 acres of beautiful grounds, in the heart of the garden of England.

Newly landscaped for our 900th anniversary, The Woodland Gardens are a particularly lovely way to approach the Castle, following the meandering streams running into the River Len. In spring, the carpet of Daffodils, Narcissi and Anemones present a vibrant burst of colour. Later in the year, visitors are treated to the splendour of Azaleas and Rhododendrons.

The Castle Island sits adjacent to the Great Water, created by one of the greatest garden designers of the 20th Century, Russell Page. He also designed and planted the beautiful Culpeper Garden, originally the site of the Castle’s kitchen garden.

During Lady Baillie’s ownership it became a cut flower garden, but in 1980 Page transformed it into the large cottage garden that you see today.

The Lady Baillie Mediterranean Garden, designed by landscape architect Christopher Carter offers visitors superb views across the Great Water.

The nearby Maze was planted in 1987 and consists of 2,400 yew trees. It is set in a square, and yet, when seen from the mound or the air, the pattern is circular. This is unique to Leeds Castle and adds to the difficulty in solving it. The mythical grotto is the prize for completing the maze and is believed to be a unique combination in the world of mazes and labyrinths.

10

11

PRIVATE GUIDED GARDEN TOURS Take a tour of the beautiful grounds and gardens of Leeds Castle with one of the Gardening team. Learn more from the experts about the English cottage-style Culpeper Garden, which was initially designed by Russell Page Page, with its neat traditional neat box hedges and colourful flowers such as irises, hollyhocks and roses. Immerse yourself in the illusion and theatre of the Lady Baillie Mediterranean Garden featuring foliage plants such as palms, cacti, succulents and banana trees.

Tours are planned according to the time of year and size of group. This tour is only available in English and lasts approximately one hour. Garden tours must be booked in advance. Groups receive a special rate of just ÂŁ3 per person. Suitable for a minimum of 15 people per talk.

12

13

ATTRACTIONS The Gatehouse Exhibition

Meet the Owls

A visit to our exhibition within the ancient

Pre-book a fun session with the Falconry

Gatehouse of Leeds Castle will take you on

team for your group to meet the Owls

a fascinating journey through the Castle’s

of Leeds Castle. Learn more about

long history. This extraordinary story is

these magnificent birds, where they are

beautifully recreated with original artefacts,

from, how they hunt and find their prey.

expert historical detail, illustration and film.

Lasting approximately 30 minutes, this session takes place at the Bird of Prey

Punting (Seasonal)

Centre located behind the Maze.

Groups can pre-book a leisurely punt on the moat to see the spectacular Castle from an

Golf Course

inspiring new perspective. Sit back, relax

We extend a warm invitation to all golf

and float gently through the ancient arches

societies to enjoy our nine hole, par 34

in an elegant wooden punt. Available April

course. The combination of beautiful

to October, max 12 people per boat. Visit

views, an excellent redesigned course,

the website for further details.

a licensed clubhouse providing hot food and beverages and an onsite PGA

Falconry Displays (Seasonal)

Professional for expert advice on your

Come and see Leeds Castle’s breath-taking

game makes Leeds Castle the perfect

seasonal falconry displays featuring birds of

venue for your society golf day.

prey from different continents. Groups will be captivated by these shows starring owls,

Additional Activities

hawks, falcons and vultures – with many

Please visit the website to find out more

more breeds of birds being added regularly.

about additional pre-bookable activities for groups including Segway Tours and

The Dog Collar Collection

Go Ape!

The world’s largest collection of dog collars on public display spanning five centuries, is brought together in a fresh and creative presentation.

14

15

OVERSEAS STUDENT GROUPS Easily accessible from London and the Channel Tunnel, Leeds Castle can play an important part in your students’ visit to England and their studies of English history.

Many of our daily activities are designed to be interactive and engaging to young people. A visit to the Castle and attractions typically lasts around 4 hours.

We offer a special rate for ‘English as a Foreign Language’ students. Students must be accompanied by a supervisory adult at all times. Adults will be admitted free of charge on a 1:10 ratio on the day and will be responsible for taking their groups around the Castle and Gardens. Any additional adults will be charged at a discounted rate.

Your Day Can include: Private guided tours, operating outside normal opening hours, available in different languages to pre-book. One guide is provided for every 25 students.

A variety of educational worksheets and trails in a selection of languages are available to download from our website.

NEW Complimentary leader’s pack with each booking including scavenger hunts, quizzes and trails to engage students during their visit

Audio Tours Specialist audio tours of the Castle are available to pre-book for groups. You can collect these from The Gatehouse on the Castle Island throughout the day and listen at your own pace. Available in English, French, German, Spanish, Japanese and Russian.

Guide Books Groups receive a 20% discount on our Souvenir Guide Book, available from the gift shops in a variety of languages. A useful compact Guide Booklet is also available to groups at a discounted rate.

16

17

FOOD, DRINK & SHOPPING FOOD & DRINK From freshly prepared hot and cold dishes to Castle baked cakes and picnic lunches, there is something to cater for all tastes in the Leeds Castle food outlets.

Visit the Castle View Restaurant, Maze CafĂŠ and Grill (seasonal), coffee outlets and seasonal kiosks around the estate for delicious food and drink throughout the year.

GROUP MENUS Pre-book For Discounted Group Rates We offer free admission and a refreshment voucher to your coach driver Morning coffee / tea with biscuits or cakes

Start your day with a cup of fresh coffee or tea and a slice of cake

Group set lunches

Pre-order your hot or cold lunch option before you visit to save time

Picnics

Pre-order freshly made group picnics to enjoy in one of the many picturesque spots around the grounds

Cream Tea

Enjoy a delicious cream tea served in the oak-beamed Castle View Restaurant, includes scones and a hot drink of your choice

Traditional Afternoon Tea

Indulge with a selection of teas and coffee, traditional finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with all the trimmings and a selection of fine handmade cakes

Payments must be made two weeks prior to the date of visit. Pre-book your catering by calling + 44 (0)1622 767865.

SHOPPING No trip to Leeds Castle is complete without taking time to browse in one of the two shops located on the Castle Island and at the Main Entrance. Choose from a wide range of quality gifts including fine English-made bone china, local food and drink, scarves, souvenirs and beautiful homeware. You can now also shop online, visit leeds-castle.com/eshop to find out more.

18

19 19

WHAT’S ON IN LEEDS CASTLE’S 900th ANNIVERSARY YEAR

FEATURED EVENTS 2019 Motors by the Moat

11th & 12th May

Grand Medieval Joust

25th to 27th May

Open Air Classical Concert

13th July

900 Anniversary Pageant

27th & 28th July

Festival of Flowers: ‘A Floral Party’

14th to 19th September

Leeds Castle Fireworks Spectacular

2nd & 3rd November

Christmas at the Castle

23rd November to 1st January

Christmas Market

23rd, 24th, 30th November, 1st, 7th, 8th, 14th & 15th December

Leeds Castle 900 - A Year of Celebration Throughout this very special year for Leeds Castle there will be an air of celebration. From the moment groups arrive they will see special floral displays and banners, new pathways picking out key events across time and souvenir information telling stories of the Castle’s long and illustrious history. Classic Leeds Castle events such as Motors by the Moat, the Festival of Flowers and the Fireworks Spectacular will have an extra 900 gloss about them, whilst a new and incredible historical pageant in July will provide an extraordinary high point for the year.

20

21

ACCOMMODATION Leeds Castle accommodation offers comfort and luxury, perfectly situated with fast connections between London and Paris. The estate boasts a selection of family friendly historic cottages, bed and breakfast bedrooms and eight Medieval seasonal Glamping tents. In addition, 20 luxury bedrooms, ranging from Battlement bedrooms to State rooms, can be booked as part of a private event within the 900-year old Castle.

The Stable Courtyard bedrooms at Leeds Castle are luxury en-suite bed & breakfast rooms refurbished to the highest standard offering indulgence and comfort. Your overnight stay will include a full English or continental breakfast, made with fresh local produce, served in the 17th Century oak-beamed Castle View Restaurant. Staying at Leeds Castle entitles you to entry to the Castle, grounds and restaurant during the day. You are also free to explore the grounds in the evening once the gates have been closed to day visitors.

For further information telephone + 44 (0)1622 767823, email accommodation@leeds-castle.com or visit leeds-castle.com/accommodation.

22

23

PLAN YOUR VISIT

TIMING YOUR YOUR VISIT VISIT TIMING Attractions Attractions

Suggested Suggested Time Time

Castle Castle & & Gatehouse Gatehouse Exhibition Exhibition

11 ½ ½ hrs hrs

Gardens Gardens & & Grounds Grounds

2 2 hrs hrs

Tours // Talks Talks // Audio Audio Tour Tour Tours

11 hr hr

Maze & & Grotto Grotto Maze

30 30 mins mins

Falconry Falconry Display Display

30 30 mins mins

Punting Punting

20 20 mins mins

Dog Dog Collar Collar Collection Collection

15 15 mins mins

OPENING OPENING TIMES TIMES April -- September September April

October -- March March October

Open: Open: 10am 10am daily daily Last entry: Last entry: 4.30pm 4.30pm Gates Gates close close at at 6pm 6pm

Open: 10am 10am daily daily Open: Last entry: 3pm Last entry: 3pm Gates close close at at 5pm 5pm Gates

Castle Castle Opening Opening Times Times Open: 10.30am Open: 10.30am -- 5.30pm 5.30pm Last Last entry entry to to the the Castle Castle is is at at 5pm 5pm

Castle Opening Opening Times Times Castle Open: 10.30am 4pm Open: 10.30am - 4pm Last entry to the Castle is is at at 3.30pm 3.30pm Last entry to the Castle

The Castle and grounds are open throughout the year. Leeds Castle will be closed on 2nd & 3rd November and 25th December 2019. Please check our website for up to date opening times before you visit.

24

25

PRICES & HOW TO BOOK

NonGuided

Private Guided

Adults

£16.25

£20.25

Senior Citizens (over 65 yrs)

£15.25

£19.25

Students (16-21 yrs)

£15.25

£19.25

Children (4-15 yrs)

£12.00

£16.25

Visitors with disabilities (includes one carer)

£15.25

£19.25

EFL Overseas Students

£9.75

£14.00

Ticket Types

Audio Tour

Specialist Tours & Talks

+ £3.00 per person

+ £3.00 per person

Rates valid until 31st March 2020. Minimum 15 persons. Group tickets valid for one day only. Includes entry to Castle, gardens and attractions.

Opening times and prices correct at time of going to press (June 2018).

HOW TO BOOK Please pre-book your visit to save time on the day. We offer free admission for one leader per group. Email bookings@leeds-castle.co.uk or call +44 (0) 1622 767865 for enquiries and bookings.

Payment can be made at the Ticket Office by cash, cheque, debit or credit card. You may also pre-pay via credit card, bank transfer by BACS or CHAPS or invoice (for credit account customers only).

We regret that refunds will not be issued on payments made in advance of the visit or on pre-written cheques presented on arrival.

26

27

HOW TO GET TO LEEDS CASTLE

Heathrow Airport

London

Ebbsfleet International Station

Canterbury Maidstone Ashford International Station Gatwick Airport

Royal Tunbridge Wells

Dover Folkestone Calais

A16

Road Leeds Castle is located near Maidstone at Junction 8 of the M20 between London and the Channel ports.

Sea and Eurotunnel Leeds Castle is just 25 miles from the Eurotunnel terminal, Folkestone and 38 miles from the port of Dover.

Satellite Navigation Users If you are using a satellite navigation system, then please input ME17 1RG as the postcode, or alternatively follow the brown and white tourist signs once you reach the A20.

Air Gatwick Airport, 45 miles (45 minutes).

Heathrow Airport, 67 miles (80 minutes).

Stansted Airport, 66 miles (65 minutes).

Luton Airport, 85 miles (85 minutes).

Rail Frequent rail services from London Victoria, Ashford International and Canterbury West to Bearsted Station. A seasonal connecting shuttle service is available at a small charge.

Accessibility A fully accessible mobility bus is available near the Ticket Office, running regularly throughout the day. Wheelchairs are available on loan free of charge. Assistance dogs are admitted into all facilities including the Castle.

Parking A free hardstanding coach park is provided close to the visitor entrance.

leeds-castle.com/groups Leeds Castle, Maidstone, Kent ME17 1PL Tel: +44 (0)1622 767865 The Trustees of the Leeds Castle Foundation reserve the right to close all or part of the Castle as necessary and to change dates and times published in this manual. All rates quoted in this manual are effective from 1st April 2019.

As our admission rates are an exempt supply for Value Added Tax purposes, they do not include any reclaimable VAT and may be subject to change. June 2018.

28