December 27, 2023 | 10:43pm
KENT, United Kingdom — A big fan of "The Crown"? Ever wanted to spend the holidays in a real castle?
Touted as the “loveliest castle in the world,” Leeds Castle in Kent, United Kingdom was reportedly built in 1086 and since then, it served as home to some of Europe’s kings and queens, including England’s King Henry VIII and his first wife Queen Catherine of Aragon, whose statues, portraits, emblems and contributions to the castle’s interior designs can still be seen in the castle.
Today, the castle is an independently-run institution preserved by staff and volunteers. While it is no longer allowed to stay in the castle itself, it is possible to rent any of the rooms in its adjacent former house for ladies-in-waiting, and in a more modern complex that used to host VIP guests and royalty, including the former King Edward VIII of England.
A stay in the castle compound affords one a taste of royal life like in "The Crown" or "Bridgerton" — including a private tour of the main castle, its chambers and still operational moat; expansive wooden castle playground and mini golf for kids; manicured gardens; wildlife encounters with swans, ducks and falcons, among others; and an authentic Medieval outdoor maze!
The castle’s restaurant and café’s serve reasonably priced wine, steaks and other fine English cuisine fit for a king!
Come Christmas, the castle transforms into a winter wonderland — complete with snow and opulent decorations. But the castle and its surrounds have been a popular tourist destination all-year-round for hosting many fun events such as concerts, golf tournaments, and even jousting competitions, with guests living in Medieval tents for summer.
Wild ducks and other native fowl roam freely around Leeds Castle
Philstar.com/Deni Rose M. Afinidad-Bernardo
Leeds Castle and its adjacent Maiden's building, where the queens' ladies-in-waiting used to stay. It is now a hotel for guests, with rooms named after the castle's popular owners and queens.
Philstar.com/Deni Rose M. Afinidad-Bernardo
The castle by day (top); a royal left a time capsule in the castle ground (left, bottom); the castle's moat that has remained operational for centuries.
Philstar.com/Deni Rose M. Afinidad-Bernardo
Castle interiors at Christmas
Philstar.com/Deni Rose M. Afinidad-Bernardo
Castle interiors at Christmas
Philstar.com/Deni Rose M. Afinidad-Bernardo
Castle interiors at Christmas
Philstar.com/Deni Rose M. Afinidad-Bernardo
Castle interiors at Christmas
Philstar.com/Deni Rose M. Afinidad-Bernardo
Some of the castle's most popular occupants: A bust of King Henry VIII (left) and his first wife Queen Catherine of Aragon (right) over a chimney embossed with their royal insignia
Philstar.com/Deni Rose M. Afinidad-Bernardo
Recreation of the queens who lived and owned the castle (top); a virtual butler introducing the castle's history (bottom, left); castle silverware
Philstar.com/Deni Rose M. Afinidad-Bernardo
Recreation of past royal banquets in the banquet hall. A portrait of Queen Elizabeth I hangs in the wall.
Philstar.com/Deni Rose M. Afinidad-Bernardo
Recreation of past royal banquets in the banquet hall
Philstar.com/Deni Rose M. Afinidad-Bernardo
Some of the international fare served at the castle's restaurant
Philstar.com/Deni Rose M. Afinidad-Bernardo
Wooden castle playround (top), maze entrance (left, bottom) and mini golf
Philstar.com/Deni Rose M. Afinidad-Bernardo
Ducks freely roaming around the castle
Philstar.com/Deni Rose M. Afinidad-Bernardo
Ducks freely roaming around the castle
Philstar.com/Deni Rose M. Afinidad-Bernardo
The castle from day to night
Philstar.com/Deni Rose M. Afinidad-Bernardo
