Jaine Blackman decides she’s ‘to the castle born’ after a night living like royalty

Sinking in to the comfortable bed, in my stylish room, with a view of the moat, I thought ‘I could get used to this’.

And I’m not the only one to be impressed with the Maiden’s Tower at Leeds Castle, in Kent.

The rooms might not always have boasted such luxury as central heating and plush en-suites – it does date from the 16th century after all – but it has had some illustrious guests.

Called the Maiden’s Tower because a religious recluse called Christina Hyde lived on the site in the late 14th century, later visitors included Charlie Chaplin, Noel Coward, Errol Flynn and James Stewart.

As for the castle itself (the tower is a separate building on the moated, walled island), it started life as a Norman stronghold; has been the private property of six of England’s medieval queens; a palace used by Henry VIII and his first wife Catherine of Aragon; a Jacobean country house; a Georgian mansion; an elegant early 20th century retreat for the influential and famous; and now has become one of the most visited historic buildings in Britain.

The history is fascinating (see panel) but what was even better was being able to stay in such a wonderful setting.

There are various ways you can stay at Leeds Castle, including holiday cottages, bed and breakfast in the stable courtyard or (from March to September) Knight’s Glamping in Medieval designed canvas pavilions (complete with four-poster and log-burning stove.

We were staying in the Maiden’s Tower, next to the castle, which offers five stunning bedrooms with fantastic views and en-suite bathrooms, all beautifully decorated in period style with a contemporary twist.

As part of the castle’s Medieval Festival, there was an evening dinner and talk by best-selling historical author Alison Weir in the 17th century oak-beamed Fairfax Restaurant.

If you opt for one of the castle’s dine and sleep packages which are available throughout the year for special events, the added attraction of staying on-site means you have it (virtually) all to yourself once the day-trippers have gone home... and before they arrive in the morning.

Checking-in mid afternoon, we joined the crowds who were there for the impressive festival, which included jousts, jesters, a medieval market, living history encampments, workshops and demonstrations.

There was a princess school, circus skills and even a mini battle for the youngsters; displays and exhibitions.

From a medieval day, we progressed to a different period of history – or rather “Herstory” as it was billed – with Alison’s entertaining and informative talk The Monstrous Regiment of Women: Tudor Queens and Commoners.

Served – along with some excellent food and drink – in such historic surrounding made for a very special evening.

And in the morning we could wander around the manicured grounds, which include a maze and grotto, and pretend we were ‘to the castle born’.

The castle itself – described by the historian Lord Conway as the loveliest in the world – is well worth a look inside. The last private owner, Lady Baillie, left the castle to a private charitable trust on her death in 1974, with the aim to preserve it for the benefit of the public.

In accordance with her wishes, the castle is kept as a living house, with bedrooms that regularly accommodate guests at weddings, conferences and banquets.

For some of the dine and sleep events you can eat and stay in the castle’s rooms: forthcoming events include Christmas, New Year and Valentine’s.

The one I really like the sound of though is the The Glorious 1930s Castle House Party next April, which includes punting, croquet, afternoon tea, prohibition cocktails, dinner and entertainment. If you stay in a castle bedroom it will cost a couple the best part of £450... but cheaper than a time machine.

ESSENTIALS

Leeds Castle, Maidstone, Kent ME17 1PL 01622765400 leeds-castle.com
Stable Courtyard bed and breakfast starts from £90 a night; Maiden Tower rooms from £260 per night

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