MHS

How does Castle Howard compare with Leeds Castle -- architecture, room & interior decor, period "correctness", gardens? Late May we will be spending a few days in London, then plan on York & 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 "best"?
Thanks.

janis

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.

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

Castle Howard was in the TV series "Brideshead Revisited" made by BBC in 1981.

elaine

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

Leeds Castle is really a large residence and not a castle at all. The attraction is really the grounds/garden/aviary.

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

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.