LEEDS CASTLE

Advantages: Wonderful - not to be missed
Disadvantages: none

...For a wonderful day or evening out go to Leeds Castle. It is not in Leeds as one would suppose but in Maidstone, Kent. During the Saxon times the area was called Esledes and the name Leeds came from that original name. It is not just a castle for you to wander around and look at the antiquities; it is a castle that is - once seen never forgotten, whether that is for the Norman architecture, the surroundings or the wonderful event/s you may experience there. I have now visited this castle twice in my life, the first time with a boyfriend and it makes a wonderful romantic day out and the second time with my husband and in laws, this made a fantastic family day out. A little bit of history. The castle was built during the reign of Henry 1st by a Norman baron, it is built on stone on an island, and it has been a royal home...

teacherofhooch 01.08.2004 · Read review
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Review of Leeds Castle

When is Leeds found in Kent?

Advantages: A truly lovely castle
Disadvantages: Pricey entrance fee for one visit

...Leeds Castle Leeds Castle is not in Leeds, which may come as a surprise to some people, but is near Maidstone in Kent. It is known as Leeds castle because way back in Saxon times it was The Manor house of Esledes which became a fortified castle in about 1119. The name Esledes became shortened in speech to Ledes which in turn became Leeds. This castle has had a long and interesting history from this time forward. How to get there: By road: Junction 8 of the M20 between London and the Channel ports. Combined coach and castle entrance tickets with National express www.nationalexpress.com By rail: Trains daily from London Victoria to Bearsted Station. Then a coach shuttle service operates by Spot Hire from Bearsted Station. £5 return trip adults and £3 for children. See www.spothire.co.uk A Potted History: In Tudor times Henry VIII...

catsholiday 08.01.2009 (05.07.2009) · Read review
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Review of Leeds Castle

Most Beautiful Castle in the UK - quite possibly

Advantages: stunning, picturesque and will last an entire day out
Disadvantages: You'll have to drive really

...As summer is approaching, although I would say it is already here, you need a place to go and wander around to truly enjoy the benefits of a British summer. For an excellent weekend trip Leeds Castle is a must see attraction. For those who are wondering Leeds Castle is not in Leeds, West Yorkshire, but it is in the village of Leeds, Kent. In around the Saxon period the area was called Esledes and the name Leeds developed from that. There is precious little to add from the exceptional other review of "teacherofhooch". So I will fill in some gaps. The castle itself includes a guided tour if required, but if you do not want the full history information (because it is nice and sunny outside!!) then you can wander around alone. The inside is pristinely kept in period design and many rooms can be seen. There are little...

coleecip 11.04.2005 (03.04.2006) · Read review
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Review of Leeds Castle

Leeds Castle

Advantages: lovely castle and park and attractive for all the family
Disadvantages: -

...Last summer, we spent one day at Leeds Castle. 'The Loveliest Castle in the World' - that's what they call themselves, but I can confirm that it is indeed one of the loveliest castles that I have ever been to. In fact, it is much more than just a castle. Leeds Castle is located in Kent, near Maidstone. The best way to get there is via the M20 leaving at junction 8. From the car park, you walk to the main entrance and ticket office. It's actually not cheap, we had to pay GBP 26.- for a family ticket (castle + park) last year, but it's worth the money. First of all, you should enjoy a walk around the large park which will take you along the Wood Garden, the Cedar Pond and the Duckery, where you can watch a number of wildfowl, swans, geese, kingfishers, sparrowhawks and peafowl. The castle itself is surrounded by water, you...

Michael-S 11.03.2001 (22.03.2001) · Read review
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Review of Maidstone in General

Lovely Leeds

Advantages: Lots to see and do
Disadvantages: The weather can be disappointing

...I have lived in Leeds all my life, studied here, and have now settled here post uni. I have lived in more rural areas, out of town suburbs, studentville, and even dabbled in some almost city living. It's one of those cities that has been experiencing a boom over the last twenty or so years, overtaking the other cities of West Yorkshire to become the largest, and arguably most successful. Traditionally it really began to develop as a municipality from the beginnings of the industrial revolution, being at the centre of the woollen industry, and has a long history with textiles. Just look at how Marks and Spencer began! Nowadays, it has hard to class Leeds as one thing in particular - different areas all function as independent towns whilst being part of the larger Leeds - and with most cities has it's share of division. It's not...

nicolap 22.10.2009 · Read review
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Review of Leeds in general

The King of Castles

Advantages: One of the most impressive historical buildings I have ever seen
Disadvantages: The fact that its not more widely known

...Carrickfergus Castle I grew up in the shadows of this impressive monument and it amazes me that it is not more widely known outside of the UK. The castle is the best preserved monument in the whole of Ireland and is stunning to look at from all angles. Location The castle is located in the town of Carrickfergus which is situated on the shores of Belfast Lough about 10 miles from Belfast. The castle can easily be reached from Belfast by car (pretty much a straight road), regular buses and trains. The castle is open all year round. Off season it is open 10-4 Monday to Sat and 2 - 4 on a Sunday and during the summer or peak months the opening hours are extended until 6pm daily. It costs £3 per adult and £1.50 for children/senior citizens. A family ticket costs £8. A brief history The history of the castle is fascinating...

Ghumphrey 30.09.2009 · Read review
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Review of Carrickfergus Castle

Who's castle?

Advantages: Funny and entertaining
Disadvantages: They never win which is very frustrating

...Takeshi's castle is a Japanese game show which is very similar to Total Wipeout although it's very dated. The show starts out with 100 contestants who battle it out by running assault courses and participating in different challenges before faces the final challenge and being in with a chance of winning one million yen. The show is ridiculously hard and it does make the watcher wonder if they don't actually have the prize funds at the end. My favourite challenge throughout the show is where the contestant has to run through doors but some of the doors are glued shut so if they choose the wrong one then they end up crashing into it. Craig Charles narrates the UK version of the show and I have to say that he is very funny with some of the things he comes out with. He adds a whole new level to it and makes it all the more fun to...

claribella 22.10.2009 · Read review
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Review of Takeshi's Castle

King Of The Castles

Advantages: Beautiful grounds, lots to see outside, a very popular 'must go to' tourist attraction
Disadvantages: Can get extremely busy, expensive tickets (dungeon is additional)

...Warwick Castle was on my list of touristy things to do when I stayed overnight in a hotel in Stratford this year. Located in Warwick, the castle is probably Warwickshire's biggest, most popular, and most expensive, attraction. At around £20 per adult ticket it's not cheap, but as a one-off visit it's definitely somewhere noteworthy to say you've been and depending on the weather the day you go, could prove to be a day-long visit. There are several ways and places to pay for your ticket, though buying in advance online if possible is probably the cheapest method unless you have an alternative discount voucher. On the day, ticket prices are as follows: Adult £19.95 Senior £11.95 Student £14.95 Child (4-16) £10 Disabled or carer £8.95 Family £48.00 Entry can also be redeemed via a Merlin pass, Tesco clubcard vouchers...

gothic_moon 06.09.2009 · Read review
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Review of Warwick Castle

A CASTLE OF DREAMS

Advantages: Outstandingly Beautiful and Romantic Setting. Interesting History. A Great day Out.
Disadvantages: Difficult to Find - Otherwise None!

...If you do not know the East Sussex / Kent borders country very well I will warn you that the village of Bodiam, where this castle is situated, can be devilishly difficult to find. Like so many other hidden treasures though, you may find it well worth seeking out. As this is a National Trust site, I will extrapolate their slightly less than helpful directions from the 2006 Handbook. On Foot, located on the Sussex Border path. By Ferry, Bodiam ferry from Newenden Bridge (A28). By Bus, Arriva 254 Tunbridge Wells to Hastings - stops at Wadhurst (5 miles away!!!!). By Road 3ml S of Hawkhurst , 3ml E of A21 Hurst Green. OK I've been there probably half a dozen times, and all that means precious little to me, I still need a map to find the place! Here, for those of you who are interested or have GPS, are the grid coordinates: 199:TQ785256...

RICHADA 22.03.2006 · Read review
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Review of Bodiam Castle

Prague Castle

Advantages: Great view
Disadvantages: Waste of money

...As some of you will know from my other review I visited Prague recently. I didn't include Prague Castle in that review because it seemed like the review was already really long but as it is one of the main attractions. This review is going to be really mixed because there is so much to Prague castle. It's really like going to a little village because there is so much to the castle and the area around it and if you want to see it all then you'll need to spend the entire day there. -Tickets- I bought a Prague Card and got the short tour free on that but if you don't have a prague card the prices are: Short Tour- 250 crowns (£9.22) Long Tour-350 Crowns (£12.90) You can also pay to get into individual attractions and discounts are available, as well as family tickets. (Please not that the currency in Prague is changing so...

Brooke3 29.03.2009 · Read review
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Review of Prague Castle