Leeds Castle to open new Knights' Stronghold Playground and adventure golf course in April

The countdown is on to the opening of a fantastic new adventure playground at one of Kent's top historical attractions.

Leeds Castle says the Knights' Stronghold Playground will lower the drawbridge to families for the first time on Saturday, April 13.

The much-anticipated new playground is one of two new attractions opening at the castle - an adventure golf course set to follow.

“We’re very excited to be opening not one, but two major new attractions this April at Leeds Castle,” said Shane Guy, Head of Tourism at Leeds Castle.

“A great deal of thought, creativity and fun has gone into their imaginative design.”

The Knights' Stronghold Playground will be unveiled at a special launch event on April 13 with children’s TV stars Ben Cajee and Ryan Russell. It is designed for children aged up to 14 and is modelled on the design of Leeds Castle.

Children can navigate through the wooden replica of the castle with spiralling slides, fireman’s poles, giant cargo nets and zip wires.

They can also mount the castle turrets which can be used as a lookout and besieged by a whole army of young visitors and the the large playground area includes space inside for parents to watch the action.

“Children will find the exciting new Knight’s Stronghold exhilarating, challenging and magical”, continued Shane.

“Most significantly, it’s designed to be more accessible.”

Also opening in April is the new Leeds Castle Adventure Golf which - similar to the playground - is modelled on the castle and its attractions.

The adventure golf course is family and child friendly and fully accessible, irrespective of weather.

“With the Leeds Castle Adventure Golf, we really wanted to create another attraction alongside the maze that could bring families together in a fun activity for all.”

“So with players from two to 90, this really fits the bill” Shane Guy added.

The fortress, which has an admission ticket that grants visitors free repeat visits for a year, is marking its 900th anniversary this year with a series of special events, which includes the opening of the new playground and golf course.

Leeds Castle is also running the ‘Big 900’ Story Writing Challenge - judged by TV's Clare Balding - where the winning short story will go into a time capsule and the castle is also hosting historic re-enactments and vibrant processions with the Carnival of History at the end of July.

To learn more visit www.leeds-castle.com