insideKENT Magazine Issue 28 - July 2014 | Page 97

Summer 2014
at Leeds Castle
Whether you're seeking a family fun
day, grown up outing or
entertainment for the kids, Leeds
Castle has a rich variety of daily events
and activities to suit all ages
throughout the summer months.
There are plenty of tours and trails to
discover, many of which are included
within the cost of your entrance ticket,
and annual tickets are valid for 12
months, so you can pay once and
visit all year round or upgrade a day
ticket before departing. Perfect!
Here are some of our favourite events
taking place this summer.

FUN FOR THE FAMILY
AND KIDS
Open Air Children's Theatre:
Alice in Wonderland // 3 August
The Cambridge Touring Theatre will perform their
family musical adaptation of Alice’s Adventures
in Wonderland on the Pavilion Lawn this August,
with a delightful summer evening of song and
dance. Filled with catchy songs such as A Flea
and a Fly in a Flu and Twinkle Twinkle Little Bat,
this lively performance is brought to life for families
and will appeal to both children and adults alike.
Gates open 5pm; performance runs 68pm.Tickets cost £12 per adult and £10 per
child. Not included in the price of admission.

The Medieval Festival // 23-31 August

A Dog’s Life at Leeds Castle

Located within easy reach of London, Leeds
Castle was a prized possession of King Henry
VIII and therefore it seems only just that the
notorious King plays a part in proceedings. During
the festival, two iconic pieces of Henry VIII armour
will return to Leeds Castle, including the
magnificent horned helmet, commissioned by
Holy Roman Emperor, Maximilian I, as a gift, and
the Tonlet Armour, which is thought to have been
worn by Henry for the foot combat at the Field
of Cloth of Gold. Both items are to be loaned to
Leeds Castle by the Royal Armouries – home to
the national collection of arms and armour – and
will be on public display at the Castle from 23rd
July until 21st September.
A second group of objects from the Royal
Armouries’ collection will be on display at the
Castle's new Exhibition Centre from 23rd July to
2nd November. These objects, including
armourers’ tools, part of Sir John Smythe’s
armour and two gorget plates from Henry’s own
armour, tell the story of the Greenwich Workshop
and its immense impact on the development of
body protection in England.

Visit the new Exhibition Centre at Leeds Castle
between 30th June and 2nd November this year
to make the most of new display, A Dog’s Life
at Leeds Castle. Discover the highlights of the
famous dog collar collection and hear the story
of the last private owner of Leeds Castle, Lady
Baillie, and her pampered pets.

The Gatehouse

Grand Tournament // 30-31 August
The Gatehouse, an introductory exhibition on the
900-year history of Leeds Castle, is also now
open to the public on Castle Island. Designed
as a 15-minute walk-through introduction prior
to visiting the Castle, the exhibition includes an
incredible virtual model and a computer-generated
fly-through history of the Castle from its 12th
century origins to an elegant early 20th-century
retreat.

The return to a glorious past will culminate in a
thrilling Grand Tournament, comprising of
authentic jousts and a real life unplanned Mêlée
on 30th and 31st August. Visitors will see the
squires arm the knights in full plate armour, before
witnessing four knightly warriors compete in this
thrilling special ticketed event.

Leeds Castle Gardens

A Summer of Punting

Leeds Castle's flagship event for 2014, its
Medieval Festival is a magnificent nine-day
celebration of medieval life and combat. Visitors
will experience life as it was in the Middle Ages,
with a different programme of inspiring activities
each day, ranging from the Royal Armouries’
Knight School to a 15th-century-style longbow
archery tournament to Infantry Skirmishes.
Meanwhile, twice-daily falconry shows, a medieval
market and re-enactment camps will allow
visitors to embrace the sights and sounds of this
colourful era.

Visitors to Leeds Castle can now enjoy a 20minute leisurely punt on the moat in the shadow
of the historic 900-year-old Castle. Sit back, relax
and float gently through the ancient arches in an
elegant wooden punt. Suitable for all ages and
open daily in all weathers, punting at Leeds Castle
costs just £5 per adult and £3 per child. A
discounted family ticket is also available.

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The summer sunshine provides the ideal
opportunity to enjoy a gentle stroll through the
beautiful English cottage-style Culpeper Garden
full of colour and variety at this time of year, while
the newly-planted pine trees and cactus plants
add variety to the exotic Lady Baillie
Mediterranean Garden overlooking the Great
Lake.
Meanwhile, the new-look toddlers’
playground, Squires’ Courtyard, provides fabulous
entertainment for children aged two to six, and
for the older children, the Knight’s Realm
adventure playground, maze and grotto are
perfect for burning up some energy.