No, Leeds Castle is not part of the National Trust; it's a privately owned attraction managed by the Leeds Castle Foundation, operating independently with its own admission tickets. While it's a significant historic site listed by Historic England, it's not within the National Trust's portfolio, which manages places like Bodiam Castle and Corfe Castle.
Leeds Castle entry fees vary by ticket type, with Explorer Tickets (around £33 online for adults) offering general access and Ultimate Explorer Tickets (around £43.50 online for adults) including extra activities like adventure golf and boat rides, plus all tickets allow free re-entry for a year. Prices are higher when purchased on-site compared to online, and children (3-15) and families have different rates.
Do National Trust members get free entry to all sites?
Yes, National Trust members get free entry to over 500 of their own properties in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, plus free parking at most locations, but remember National Trust Scotland is separate, and some places might have extra charges or require booking. International locations often offer free or discounted entry through reciprocal agreements, but it's always best to check first.
Yes, Leeds Castle is generally considered worth visiting, especially for its stunning scenery, rich history (a royal residence for medieval queens), and extensive grounds with family-friendly attractions like a maze, adventure playgrounds, falconry, and beautiful gardens, though some find it pricey, making the annual pass a good value if you plan to return for different events like jousting or fireworks.
No, if you already have a ticket then you can just walk up on the day, but we do advise that you pre-book your visit online to get a discounted entry rate.
The castle dates mostly from the 19th century and has been open to the public since 1976. The location was also used during the filming of Henry VIII (1979) and Lady Jane (1986). Purge of Kingdoms was released on Monday 16th December 2019. For more information about Kent's Filming History please visit our Movie Map.
Leeds Castle doesn't offer general free entry, but you can get free access through specific promotions like the National Lottery Open Week, use a BBC Gardeners' World 2-for-1 card, visit for free all year with an Explorer ticket, or enter for free as an infant (under 3). You can also get free parking and visit the shop/restaurant without an entry ticket.
Yes, but it depends on your specific membership type: Individual/Joint members usually need guests to pay, but some memberships (like Family) cover more people, and you might get a Guest Pass with certain new/gift memberships, while members with a disability can get a free Essential Companion pass for a carer.
How much is a National Trust membership for over 60s?
For UK National Trust members over 60, there's a 25% senior discount on standard rates after three years of consecutive membership, making individual senior membership around £72/year and joint around £120.60/year, but this must be requested by calling 0344 800 1895, not online; for the National Trust for Scotland, senior memberships are cheaper upfront, about £66.60/year for individual and £117/year for joint, with no prior membership requirement.
Which is better to join English Heritage or National Trust?
In conclusion, if you enjoy visiting stately homes and gardens and normally you don't have any children with you, then the National Trust comes out on top. On the other hand, if castles and ancient ruins are your forte and you often have children/grandchildren in tow, then English Heritage is the better choice.
Can a National Trust for Scotland membership be used in England?
You can also use your membership to explore places cared for by National Trust organisations around the world with the International National Trusts Organisation (INTO). This includes National Trust properties in England, Wales, Northern Ireland, Italy, Ireland, Canada, Australia and more.
The National Trust often partners with UK newspapers like the Daily Mirror, Daily Express, and Daily Star to offer free family day pass vouchers, usually printed inside the paper or available via a linked online claim form for a limited time. These vouchers provide one free visit for 2 adults + 3 kids or 1 adult + 4 kids (under 18) to participating sites in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, valid for several weeks after the promotion ends (e.g., until early March 2026 in recent offers). Offers change, so check national and regional paper websites (like Liverpool Echo, Manchester Evening News, Wales Online) for current promotions, but be aware some sites still charge for parking or require advance booking, notes from Emma's Diary and MoneySavingExpert confirm.
Leeds Castle entry fees vary by ticket type, with Explorer Tickets (around £33 online for adults) offering general access and Ultimate Explorer Tickets (around £43.50 online for adults) including extra activities like adventure golf and boat rides, plus all tickets allow free re-entry for a year. Prices are higher when purchased on-site compared to online, and children (3-15) and families have different rates.
Leeds Castle is owned by the Leeds Castle Foundation, a charitable trust established by its last private owner, Lady Olive Baillie, who left the castle to the foundation in her will in 1974 for public benefit and preservation. The foundation opened the castle to the public in 1976, and it remains a privately owned charity today.
