In addition to the castle itself, visitors to
Leeds can also experience:
The Maze - Planted with 2,400
yew trees in 1988, the maze at Leeds Castle challenges
visitors to reach the panoramic central viewing
point. (No need to fear getting lost; staffers
perched high in the center help to guide the direction-impaired
through this topiary castle.) The Aviary - More than 100 species
of rare and colorful birds including macaws, cockatoos,
and toucans are housed in the outdoor aviary.
The Dog Collar Museum - Certainly
one of the world's most unusual collections, the
Dog Collar Museum displays nearly 100 antique
dog collars spanning five centuries. Collars dating
from the 15th, 16th, and 17th centuries were designed
to protect a dog during a time when wolves, bears,
and wild boar roamed the forests of Europe and
the vulnerable throats of hunting dogs needed
protection with broad iron collars bristling with
fearsome spikes. The Dog Collar Museum also houses
Leeds Castle's small gift shop. Culpeper Garden - This quintessential
English garden features neat box hedges enclosing
traditional colorful perennials and fragrant annuals
such as roses, pinks, lupins, and poppies. Restaurant - More than 8,000
bottles of wine are produced each year from the
castle vineyard. Award-winning Leeds Castle wines
are sold exclusively in the castle restaurant
and shops.