| Leeds castle in Kent has a history spanning 900 years | | | | castle in 1926. She did a complete renovation and |
| and is set on two islands on the River Len - it was | | | | brought in the finest French Architects and Designers |
| home to Royalty, Lords and Ladies. | | | | to create an elegant country residence for herself. |
| The Saxon Lord of the Manor - Esledes Robert de | | | | She filled the castle with valuable Art and also |
| Creve Coeur - built this castle in 1119. Then in 1278 it | | | | Antiques that she collected from her various tours |
| passed into the hands of Royalty and became part | | | | around Europe. She also gave many parties in which |
| of the Queen of England's dowry settlement. | | | | lords, politicians and film stars used to come regularly. |
| Over a period of the next 150 years it was held by | | | | They all enjoyed the Castle's new Cinema Halls, |
| Medieval Queens such as Eleanor of Castle, Margaret | | | | Swimming Pools and Tennis Courts, Golf Courses and |
| of France, Isabella of France, Joan of Navarre, Anne | | | | they used to watch her collections of creatures like |
| of Bohemia and Catherine de Valois. | | | | the birds and waterfowls, zebras and llamas and of |
| During Tudor times Henry VIII used to visit here | | | | course the usual horses and dogs. |
| quite regularly, with his wife, Queen Catherine of | | | | The tower that housed the religious recluse, the |
| Aragon, for the tournament of Cloth of Gold. | | | | maiden tower was built in Tudor times as the castle's |
| Henry's son King Edward VI gave it to one of his | | | | bakery and brewery, and it was used to produce |
| courtiers for his excellent services and later it was | | | | beer that was consumed by all during dining as a safe |
| used as a garrison, a prison and a convalescent home | | | | alternative to water. |
| to different families like the Culpepers, Fairfaxes and | | | | During the Baillie's time they made 'a bachelor's |
| Wykeham Martins. | | | | quarter' for houseguests with a cinema and smoking |
| The stone bridge that you walk across when you | | | | house downstairs. Later on it became the house of |
| enter the castle still looks the same as it did in the | | | | her younger daughter until 2003 and it's now used for |
| 13th century. | | | | special functions and exhibitions. |
| In the last 900 years there have been many other | | | | There is nothing comparable in flight that can be as |
| changes however, done by various rulers. It has | | | | great as a flight by in an Air Balloon, especially if you |
| Norman foundation and the Gloriette was built by | | | | fly over Leeds Castle as it presents a breathtaking |
| Edward 1 and later updated during Henry VIII's times. | | | | view from above. |
| The Tudor Tower and 19th Century Country House - | | | | You can fly here a little after sunrise or before the |
| were substantially refurbished in the 20th century. | | | | sunset which makes it an exceptional experience that |
| The last owner of the castle were Olive and Lady | | | | you will remember all your life. Balloon Flights take |
| Baillie and they did not leave it unscathed. | | | | place between 1st April and 1st November, and your |
| She was an heiress to an American fortune from her | | | | Flight Package includes the flight itself, post flight |
| mother's side and also the daughter of an English | | | | celebrations and a certificate and entry to Leeds |
| Lord, she married thrice. It was during her second | | | | Castle Gardens and Grounds. |
| marriage to Arthur Wilson Filmer that she bought this | | | | |