Leeds Castle

Often described as the most beautiful castle in England it has been it has stood on it’s two islands since the 9th century AD. Perhaps most famous for being inhabited by several English Queens it has been the site of violent sieges, an adultery that begat the Tudors and at various times was home of the queens of Edward 1st (Eleanor of Castile) Edward II (Isabella of France) and Henry VIII (Catherine of Aaragon).

In the 1920s it was bought by American heiress Lady Olive Ballie who, much in the style of the Astors at Hever, restored the house and used it as her society playground, hosting everyone from Cary Grant and Charlie Chaplain to Winston Churchill.

Set in stunning sculpture gardens an hours drive from London,  Leeds is a sensory delight and being less crowded than more famous sites is very relaxing to visit.