Castle Jousting

Leeds Castle in Kent is full of history and romance. Here's our guide to the top ten reasons why you should visit the beautiful castle and park.



1. This is the beauty and romance. The beautiful surroundings of Leeds Castle and the pure beauty and romantic feel to the architecture make it one of Great Britain "must see" castles. It is not as famous as the Windsor Castle, it is not the historical significance of other castles in Great Britain, but his appeal is without precedent.



2. History. Although the castle of Leeds did not play a major role in the formation of the British Empire, there are a number of historical elements that make the value of the castle to see.



The original structure was built a mansion on an island on the river by a Lens in the 9th century Saxon nobleman. A gentleman named Robert de Crevecoeur has started construction of the stone structure in 1119. In 1278 the castle was taken by the monarchy and became the official residence of Edward I and Queen Eleanor of Castile, and a military fortress. It was under their reign that most additions that make the way it is today have been added. This included three separate wings with their own entrances and a drawbridge and gate.



Henry VIII renovated the castle for his wife Catherine of Aragon, to change its principal aim of the fortress more than a royal palace. Later, Henry married Ann Boleyn, and later told their daughter, Elizabeth, illegitimate. For this reason, his brother, Edward VI awarded the crown of Queen Elizabeth and the other was actually imprisoned for a time at Leeds Castle, before being released and eventually claiming the pier as the queen Elizabeth I.



When the English Civil War in the mid 17th century came, Leeds Castle no longer belonged to the monarchy and became private property. After changing hands several times over the next 300 years it has been delivered to the Leeds Castle Foundation to preserve the castle and the surrounding area for the public.



3. A visit to Leeds Castle does not stop to visit this magnificent piece of history. A visit to the castle also includes the dog collar museum in the world. Tours separate the various gardens on the grounds with beautiful gardens and a garden Culpepper typically English.



4. The aviary. Leeds Castle has several aviaries that are known worldwide. The various aviaries of exotic birds including peacocks roaming the grounds, swimming swans on the waters of the moat, and even a duckery. Duckery includes the very rare black swans.



5. While in London ... Thanks to its proximity to London, a visit to Leeds Castle may include a visit to London to enjoy its history and splendor. Trains from Victoria Station to Maidstone, just four miles from the castle.



6. Leeds Castle ballooning. Between April and November you can take a ride with breathtaking balloon either at sunrise or sunset that takes you high above the castle and the countryside of Kent.



7. Hedge maze. This labyrinth was built in 1988 and is made from yew 2400. The maze is a little strange because not all the "walls" of the maze are connected. The typical method of finding your way through a maze by following a wall does not apply.



8. Events. Many annual events take place at Leeds Castle, because it is such a beautiful backdrop. Typical annual events include jousting tournaments, complete with knights on horseback, archery exhibitions, flight demonstrations and the hawk. Theatre productions are often held on the grounds at Leeds, as an annual production of Pride and Prejudice.



9. Golf. A g. small nine-hole