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-   -   Leeds Castle or Castle Howard? (https://www.fodors.com/community/europe/leeds-castle-or-castle-howard-280276/)

MHS Dec 18th, 2002 07:41 AM

Leeds Castle or Castle Howard?
 
How does Castle Howard compare with Leeds Castle -- architecture, room &amp; interior decor, period &quot;correctness&quot;, gardens? Late May we will be spending a few days in London, then plan on York &amp; Edinbourgh. Either one would be a day trip from the appropriate city. Doing only 1 of these (we have been to Hampton Court, Windsor, etc. on prior visit), which would be &quot;best&quot;?<BR>Thanks.

janis Dec 18th, 2002 11:10 AM

There is no comparison. Leeds has a lovely setting and beautiful gardens. But the castle itself (both outside and, especially, inside) is nothing to write home about. Leeds is only about my 10th favorite castle in Kent.<BR><BR>In contrast, Castle Howard is a beautiful bldg and has a glorious interior. It is one of my favorite stately homes in the entire country. It is in the same league as Blenheim, Chatsworth and a couple of other major sites..

Sebastian Dec 18th, 2002 11:34 AM

Castle Howard was in the TV series &quot;Brideshead Revisited&quot; made by BBC in 1981.

elaine Dec 18th, 2002 12:06 PM

Haven't been to Leeds Castle, but Castle Howard was memorable, and I intend to return one day. Same architect as Blenheim. Gorgeous interior and the gardens are also beautiful and extensive,so try to go on a pretty day.

John Dec 18th, 2002 01:42 PM

Leeds Castle is really a large residence and not a castle at all. The attraction is really the grounds/garden/aviary.<BR><BR>You can do much better elsewhere . . . and you have not listed Warwick Castle. Have you been there? If not, you may want to consider it. It is super.

daph Dec 18th, 2002 06:24 PM

I've been to both and Castle Howard is much more impressive. However, Leeds is much easier to get to. Just buy an entrance and roundtrip train ticket --they sell them together--at Victoria Station, as I recall. We drove to C.H. so I'm not sure how you get there on public transportation.


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