Visiting UK

Leeds Castle

Leeds Castle is a great day trip from London. Located near the capital in Kent, it is a short drive away and makes for a great day out for families, couples, groups, and solo travellers.

Leeds Castle is a beautiful stone structure surrounded by a moat filled with black and white swans. Originally built in Norman times, the castle is known as the Ladies’ Castle because it was the home of six medieval British queens.

In modern times the castle was privately owned, and the last owner, an American named Lady Baillie, worked hard to restore many of the rooms to the way they looked in medieval times.

If you take a day trip to Leeds Castle from London when you are visiting the UK, you can go on a tour of the castle itself, or take a self-guided visit. When you have seen the state apartments and modern living areas, you can explore the grounds. The castle has a large aviary, a vineyard, walking paths, and cafes. There is also a golf course on the premises.

Throughout the year there are many medieval-themed events taking place at the castle. Visitors on can participate in falconry shows and other events.

To get to Leeds Castle on a day trip from London, you can drive or take a train to Bearsted station and then a shuttle or taxi. Shuttles only run from March to October, so if you visit outside of those months, you will need to take a taxi from the station.

Leeds Castle

The best places to visit in Kent, England are also some of the top destinations in the whole of the UK. Kent is located close to the capital, so it is easy to visit many of the highlights on a day trip from London.

Here are what I consider to be the best places to visit in Kent:

Leeds Castle – Leeds Castle is straight out of a fairytale. The large stone fortress is surrounded by a moat, and the castle is known as the Ladies’ Castle because it was the home of no less than six medieval queens. When you are visiting, you can take a tour of the castle itself and explore the gardens, aviary, vineyard, and grounds.

Sissinghurst Castle – The jewel in the crown of the Garden of England is Sissinghurst Castle in Kent. The castle’s gardens are known throughout the UK for being some of the best in the country, and they are well worth a visit during the spring and summer.

Hever Castle – The childhood home of Ann Boleyn, Hever Castle is a 13th century structure set over 125 acres of land. The stunning castle is surrounded by a moat and features everything from a maze to rowboats. It is a great place to visit in the warmer months, as there is a lot to do outdoors.

Canterbury – Home of the most famous cathedral in the UK, Canterbury is one of the best places to visit in Kent. The highlight is Canterbury Cathedral, a massive church that is the most important place of worship for Anglicans. Centuries of history can be witnessed there, and visitors come from all over the world to see it.

Whitstable – The coastal city of Whitstable is a great place to visit if you like seafood. The Whitstable Oyster Company is one of the top seafood restaurants in the region, and the shopping streets are lined with great stores and boutiques. If you visit Whitstable on a warm day, you can head to the beach for some sunbathing.

Royal Tunbridge Wells – Royal Tunbridge Wells is a great place to go for a a day of shopping or for afternoon tea. The picturesque town is full of great boutiques and shops, and there are plenty of restaurants and cafes where you can relax after a long day of retail therapy.

Dover Castle – Located atop the iconic White Cliffs of Dover, the famous Dover Castle is one of the best places to visit in Kent. The castle is full of history and offers activities to entertain the whole family. Visitors can also take tours of the miles of tunnels that were used during World War II.

York Minster

York is a historic town founded by the Romans and at times run by Saxons and Vikings. Today York is a historic walled city that is most famous for its stunning cathedral, the York Minster.

York offers many sightseeing opportunities, historical and cultural activities, great restaurants, and shopping.