Leeds Castle

The great thing about Leeds Castle is that the punter can buy a ticket that lasts for a year and will allow entry to all but the specialist events. Last year my sister and myself visited the display of flower arrangements in the castle. We enjoyed the experience despite the bitterly cold day and so this year we made the trip again.

Geese on the greensward

Not only did we take in the castle but we also took a walk around the estate and had the opportunity to view the castle and lakes in passing. We dined at the castle on soup and bread so instead of doing the usual and parking in a pub car park to lunch there and walk we parked instead beside the Leeds church. From there we took the public footpaths past Battel Hall and on
to the Leeds estate.

Autumn is beginning to bite.

We walked to Broomfield village and saw the row of cottage that were once the barracks for the soldiers of Leeds castle. The day was wet and windy so to linger was not an option although we did have a wonderful chat with the verger of St Mary's Church. He described how he had cycled to nineteen churches in one day from nine in the morning unto six in the evening. The man, who was not that young, had cycled up hills and along the Pilgrim's Way to complete a forty-seven mile trip. We were impressed.

The most notable thing about Leeds is that when you are on foot travelling around it instead of joining the steady stream of traffic passing through is that the buildings and the village itself begins to impose themselves on you. You see what is there rather than a glimpse as you pass through.

A view of the castle from the sheep paddock - to the left is a magnificent Chestnut tree.

The place deserves a better look and for the intrepid walker I suggest a combination of a stroll around the village that takes in a route from Leeds via the church across the Leeds Castle estate to Broomfield including a visit to the church and then up to Park Barn Road taking a cut across via the edge of a farmers field (There is a way there) - find the footpath from Burgess Hall drive and walk to Back Street . You can then go along Forge lane to the path to Foley's Farm and back into Leeds and once there explore the lanes around the Priory - not forgetting to eat at the George.

Inside the castle, and the main reason for the trip, was the annual flower show and here is an example of an award winning display. Set in the Catherine of Aragon room this display was a stunner. Flowers were crafted to the shapes of hats, shoes, handbags and parasols in the most vibrant orange, red and yellow with white and green foliage as a counterpoint. Our popular choice on the voting slip!