I am planning a one day trip from London to Leeds Castle and am looking at transportation alternatives relative to amount of time spent at the castle. If I take National Express they allow a four hour visit before we have to leave. It I take the train on my own I can spend more time but have to deal with the logistics. My question is whether four hours is enough time to enjoy all that Leeds to has to offer or do I need more time? Thanks

Babs:

The logistics of the train are simple: Train to Bearstead station, shuttle directly from the station to the castle. Times of return are posted at the shuttle stop. Train back to London. Still, four hours is most likely enough to wander the grounds -- which are lovely, visit the castle -- which could be a Relais & Chateau hotel if it had more ensuite baths, and explore the gift shop.

"could be a Relais & Chateau hotel if it had more ensuite baths"

???

Every time I've stayed there, all 20 bedrooms had ensuite baths. On at least one occasion, a great deal more sumptuous than any I've found in a conventional hotel.

On a nice day, about 40 minutes or so to explore the grounds and enough time to have a quick look at the hotel rooms.

What time of year are you going? The grounds are Leeds main attraction so if you are going when the gardens are in full bloom - 3 or 4 hours is plenty. If you are going when there is less of interest in the gardens/grounds -- not even worth a stop IMO.

The castle itself is mainly a wedding/conference venue and not much of a "castle". Visually, the view of the castle from the gardens is as close as you'd need to get to the bldg itself.

I know this isn't what you were asking, but if you want to see a 'castle' castle, go somewhere else. It's just a big hotel/conference centre now and although it looks gorgeous in all the photos, it's not interesting to visit the building. If indeed you can get anywhere near it as it does a lot of private events.

The grounds are lovely though, so if that is your interest I can understand going...although there are also more interesting gardens in my opinion.

Thanks for the prompt responses. I am going to London March 17th to the 25th. It is my 3rd trip so I'm planning on making several day trips out of London. I love castles and thought Leeds would be fun. But, if it is a hotel/conference center now, maybe there are alternative choices out there that are more authentic/interesting - so to speak. I am planning on going to Dover for the day also. I understand that that the keep is closed during renovation but I plan on hiking along the white cliffs and visiting the tunnels. I'd like to go the Cotswolds also but haven't gotten to planning that day yet. I'm also debating between Cambridge or Oxford, any stong feelings anyone? Thanks so much.

I have a strong preference for Cambridge, at least in part because of the American Cemetery at Madingley. This final resting place for so many who took part in World War II is reverent and beautiful. It's part of the hop on/ hop off tour. The Fitzwilliam Museum, touring a couple of the colleges, walking along the backs, watching the punters on the Cam, poking around in the bookstores, make a wonderful day trip or even an overnite.

"enough time to enjoy all that Leeds to has to offer"

I expect you do know this but just in case - you do realise that Leeds Castle is 200 hundred miles or so from Leeds the city ? (Janis, you are doing it too !)

Sorry for any confusion - I was just answering the OP who clearly said Leads Castle. So I posted info about Leeds [castle inferred]. She obviously was not confusing Leeds the city and Leeds the castle.

(I have often pointed out the difference but that wasn't an issue here)

You are correct, I am not confused between Leeds and Leeds the castle. Now, there are alot of other things I am confused about - but that's another topic!

I have almost taken Leeds Castle off my list. Now I'm thinking about Winchester - the cathedral AND the town. Other options are Dover castle (yes, I know the keep is closed) and hiking the bluffs of the White cliffs and a day in the Cotswolds (wish I had time for more).

I appreciate your help.