insideKENT Magazine Issue 28 - July 2014 | Page 99

COVERSTORY Medieval Knight’s Glamping FUN FOR THE GROWN UPS Open Air Classical Concert // 12 July Medieval Knight’s Glamping is for people who love the idea of the great outdoors, but with all the luxury of home. Opened in spring 2013, Leeds Castle is offering families and couples the chance to escape to the countryside for a glamorous camping holiday with a difference. From March to the end of September, eight traditionally coloured striped tents based on Medieval design form a stunning village on the one-acre Castle vineyard in a bid to offer guests privileged views and a spectacular setting in the grounds of the majestic Castle. Priced from £135 per night for two people, guests will enjoy the luxury of a four-poster bed, warming log burning stove, crisp cotton bedding and cosy fur throws. Weekend stays start from £280 for two nights for two people. By day, explore the magnificent Castle staterooms and at night, sleep under canvas, as Henry VIII’s entourage would have done in 1520. For those wishing to experience lazy summer evenings outdoors and eat as Medieval knight’s would have, use of the cast iron griddle over an open fire pit is included in your stay. Alternatively, the Castle's Great British Kitchen will be serving appetising evening meals and affording diners spectacular night time views, while breakfast hampers can be delivered to your tent each morning. Guests may also choose to take advantage of the delicious cooked breakfast served in the Fairfax Restaurant (additional charge applies). For something extra to look forward to, you can pre-book an additional experience for the whole family. Choose from a thrilling Go Ape! high-wire forest adventure, a challenging game on the 9-hole golf course, a Leeds Castle hot air balloon flight, a Segway adventure or a handson falconry experience. Leeds Castle is once again host to the original and biggest open air classical concert in the country. This Best of British event is a firm favourite with concertgoers and will feature the world famous Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by John Rigby. Special guests on this fantastic night of picnics and patriotic flag waving will also include the Military Wives Choir, returning due to popular demand, P&O Ferries Choir, aerial displays, military bands, field guns and a stunning fireworks display. Festival of Flowers: Autumn Glory //23-28 September Fancy yourself as a bit of a florist? Between 23rd and 28th September this year, Leeds Castle is hosting a Festival of Flowers on the theme, Autumn Glory. Celebrating floral creations from the glory of the Kent garden, Leeds Castle's head florist, Louise Roots, and multi-award-winning floral designer, Mig Kimpton, will lead a team of over 25 designers to transform the Castle's rooms through floral works of art. Divided into three classes, Autumn Door, Autumn Celebration and Autumn Basket. Louise and the team are offering you the chance to have your floristry design featured. To be in with a chance of winning, download an application form at www.leeds-castle.com/events. The Great British Kitchen Open Air Theatre: Shakespeare's The Tempest // 17-18 July The critically acclaimed Pantaloons put their own unique and hilarious twist on Shakespeare’s romantic tale of shipwrecks, sorcerers and silly servants. Expect music, magic and mayhem in one of the Bard's best-loved plays, out in the open air where it belongs. Open Air Cinema // 25-26 July Bring a picnic and enjoy Breakfast at Tiffany's under the stars in front of the magnificent 900year-old Castle on 25th July, or Dirty Dancing on 26th. Brought to you by Luna Cinema, this year's events are also supported by Benefit Cosmetics, who will be offering complimentary makeovers on the evening. Tickets cost £15 per adult and £12 per child. Not included in the price of admission. Medieval Banquet in the Fairfax Hall // 29 August Come dressed as lords and ladies from the Middle Ages for a hearty feast fit for a King in the oakbeamed Fairfax Hall at Leeds Castle. The Medieval Banquet will be served on trenchers in four courses. Sample the delights of dishes dating back to the 14th century, all cooked with the freshest ingredients by the Castle's team of dedicated chefs. What's more, after dinner dance the night away with a traditional Ceilidh band. Evening price, £59 per person. Accommodation, £140 per room. The Great British Kitchen at Leeds Castle's Fairfax Restaurant boasts an evening bistro in a converted barn, with stunning views of the Castle. Whether you are looking for a light meal or a hearty three-course dinner, this fantastic eatery offers a great onsite alternative to local pubs and restaurants. The restaurant's new regularly changing seasonal menu uses the highest quality local meat, including English Longhorn beef, bred in the surrounding Kent countryside. In addition, the dedicated culinary team bakes their own bread, uses Kent’s Best Invicta Ale from Faversham in their pies and even cut their own herbs fresh from the Castle’s Culpeper Garden. The Great British Kitchen is open for bookings from 6.30pm. To make a booking, email [email protected] or call 01622 767777. For more information on Leeds Castle and its upcoming events and goings on, visit www.leeds-castle.com. Annual Leeds Castle tickets cost £24 for adults; £21 for seniors and visitors with disabilities (carer goes free); and £16 for children (under 4s go free). Annual tickets are valid for 12 months so you can pay once and visit all year round. Day tickets are also available to purchase on the day of your visit or in advance online. Adults cost £19, concessions £16 and children £11. Leeds Castle is located near Maidstone in Kent just off Junction 8 of the M20 within easy reach of London. Grounds open at 10am daily and the Castle is open from 10.30am. Last admission is 4.30pm and gates close at 6pm. For more information, visit www.leeds-castle.com. 99