Leeds Castle

You know how I have this thing for castles? I’ve made it my mission to hunt them down — one majestic tower at a time — and Leeds Castle was next on my list.

Once a royal palace and later a noble family home, it’s somehow managed to stay utterly unspoiled. Everything about it feels postcard-perfect.

We explored the expansive grounds, roamed the impeccably manicured gardens, and got delightfully lost in the maze (yes, I may or may not have dramatically declared myself “Queen of the Castle”).

Hours slipped by as we lounged by the water’s edge, gazing at the glorious moat, and just soaking it all in, with swans gliding past like they belonged to royalty. Inside, the grand rooms whispered stories of kings, queens, and lavish banquets long past.

Leeds Castle is fantastical — and for me, it was the dreamiest birthday gift imaginable.

P.S. On our way to the castle, we enjoyed a delightful Sunday roast at The Windmill — a wonderfully cosy pub in Hollingbourne — curled up in front of a huge, roaring fire.