Over the weekend, we headed to Leeds Castle to stay in the new Knights Retreat Lodges. The eight cosy lodges are new for 2025 and absolutely spotless. Located in the stunning grounds of Leeds Castle in Maidstone. They are a short walk from all the facilities, making an overnight stay with the kids an easy and enjoyable short break.
Arriving at the Knights Retreat Lodges Leeds Castle
Instead of entering through the main entrance, you head to the Broomfield Entrance, which is a little further down the A20. Here, you buzz for security to let you in and follow the directions to the reception area. We arrived around 11.30 am, and although our Knights Retreat Lodge was not ready until 3 pm, we were able to access the grounds beforehand, which means that the kids could enjoy all the activities. Free entry to the castle grounds is included on both days of your stay. So we headed out to enjoy everything the castle has to offer before heading back to our accomodation when the adventure playgrounds shut.
The reception staff were so friendly and helpful. From the main reception, the wooden lodges are only a short drive up to a separate small car park. Offering free parking, there are two disabled spaces for the lodges with greater accessibility for wheelchair users. As well as a charging point for electric cars. The lodges are only a couple of minutes’ walk from the car park.
Our Knights Retreat Lodge at Leeds Castle
The eight lodges are named after mythical creatures. We stayed in Minotaur, with the character etched into the glass at the front of the lodge, name plaques and very impressive-looking keys. The boys were instantly captivated. You walk into an open-plan kitchen and living area. The self-catering kitchen comes with a dishwasher, a small fridge freezer, and an oven with two hobs. It’s equipped with everything you need. Although if you do not fancy cooking, then there is the Castle View Restaurant, which offers both dinner and breakfast with views of the castle. We had takeout and cooked breakfast, with ceiling windows which meant the cooking smells headed straight out.
The lounge area had an adjustable wooden table and two benches, which worked well for a family of four. Outside is a picnic table, and with outside lighting, it would be perfect for the warmer months. Along with a small sofa, chair and a coo stall. There is a small TV that is linked to the free wifi, so it is possible to get Netflix and other streaming services. Although compact, we had everything we needed and spent most of our evening playing an escape game at the table.
There is a twin room off to one end, which was the kids’ bedroom. Complete with shield pillows, blankets and an electric heater. On the opposite side, there was a king room which had an amazing amount of space, including a small vanity and a clothes hanging area. Lovely thick duvets and comfortable beds, not to mention the peace, meant we slept really well. With heaters in every room, we did not worry about the cold. The lodge also has a shower room and toilet.
Outside our lodge
There is a small outside area directly to the side of the lodge, which gives you your own space, as well as a larger seating area near the gated entrance. This gate allows you into the grounds next to the bird of prey area. You can not miss the Knight’s Village as it has a large gold shield if you are entering from the activities. You are free to access the impressive grounds outside of the day opening hours if you are staying.
Our thoughts about our stay
The Knight’s Retreat Lodges are finished to a very high standard with nice detailing. I was very impressed. We had a relaxing stay, and it was the perfect place to reconnect as a family. Although the wifi was helpful for the teenager. There is a lot to do at Leeds Castle (see below), so having the ability to visit both on the day of arrival and the day following your stay is good. Especially if staying with younger children, where things can take a bit longer. Now the boys are getting older and have other commitments, such as homework, one day and one night was perfect for us. Although there is an on-site restaurant, in the lodge there was a QR code that gave you details of other local pubs. The closest one is a 20-minute walk away.
On our way, we stopped at a local farm shop just a few minutes from the castle to pick up breakfast. At check-in, you are given the opportunity to book the restaurant. Breakfast when we stayed cost £12.95 for an adult and £9.95 for a child.
We had the perfect family escape. Prices start from £69 per person per night. Although weekends and school holidays are more. Our stay cost £375 for the night for a Saturday in October outside of the school holidays.
Things to do at Leeds Castle
There is so much to do in the castle grounds that you could easily spend both days exploring:
- Play areas – there are three to choose from, although the boys really enjoyed the assault course the best. Racing against each other. The zip lines in the Knights Stronghold Playground.
- Birds of prey centre – during the weekends and school holidays, there is a bird of prey show, as well as the opportunity to meet the birds and the keepers at the falconry centre.
- Adventure golf (extra cost) – crazy golf is popular, so head there early. Tickets cost £3.50 for an adult and £3 for a child, making it good value.
- Black Swan Ferry (extra cost) – £1.50 for adults, £1 for children – one way
- Maze & underground grotto – if you can get to the middle of the maze, you can enter the grotto.
- Castle train (extra cost) – the perfect way to save little legs, £1.50 for adults and £1 for children – one way
- Second-hand bookshop – open at selected times.
- Stable Courtyard – perfect place to stop for ice cream or a sweet treat
- Leeds Castle audio tour – visit the grand interiors of the castle and learn all about Lady Baillie. For me, this was the best bit. The audio tour is included in your ticket.
- Castle Gardens – often get missed but are very pretty even in the Autumn. In the Summer, there is also a wildflower garden opposite the castle which is very pretty.
We stayed at Leeds Castle Knights Retreat Lodges on a complimentary basis in return for this honest review. Find out more on the Leeds Castle website.
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