Leeds Castle in Kent (first mention in 857 AD) will be interesting for people who love historic buildings and Royal family stories. For example, future queen Elizabeth I spent some time prisoned there. Also a huge park with peacocks and other birds stretches nearby.
What to do:
- Spend 50p to buy a special birds feed – you will meet many different species in the park.
- Go to the maze made from plants.
- There is a small exhibition of old dogs collars on the park territory (closed till the summer of 2014).
- You can see owls, eagles and falcons in action for free every day at 14:00 from April till September. From October till November the same “show” takes place each weekend at 13:30. It is possible to tame and caress bird by choosing a particular one and amount of time for your contact (half or whole day). This pleasure will cost you £75 per person. Specialists will tell you about birds habits, technique of working with them, bird will sit on your hand. Please book “Bird-tamer experience” in advance (cost includes visit to the castle).
How to get there:
Southeastern runs frequent train services to Bearsted Station from London Victoria Station and a coach shuttle service run by Spot Travel is available from the station. Train service will cost you around £21 if to book ticket in advance.
Useful tips:
- Ticket to the castle is quite expensive – £24, but it is valid for 1 year.
- Generally castle is very “lively”: different thematic evenings take place there (for example, they conduct “Find eggs” quest on Easter). Also you can shoot from the arbalest, sail a boat (£5), play golf, eat in cafe or have a picnic in the park.
