The sun is shining, you want to make the most of it, and you fancy a little bit of something different this weekend.

If that’s how you’re feeling, Leeds Castle is your place.

With stunning grounds, history, shops, cafes, a restaurant and places to stay – it’s a fantastic place to spend a summers weekend without having to go too far from home.

(Image: Immy Share, Newsquest)

Just this year, the new lakeside lodge accommodation launched, and they are exactly as they sound - lodges, on the lakeside, overlooking the stunning Leeds Castle grounds.

@immyshare Your next UK staycation venue📍brand new lodges which opened THIS year #ukstaycation #lodge #couplegoals #holidays #uktravel #kent #leeds #leedscastle #lake #traveltiktok #surprise #summer2024 #wheretogo #whattodo @Zach Harris ♬ Sun Is Shining - Bob Marley & The Wailers

With a little outdoor sitting area, an outdoor bath, a fully equipped bedroom and bathroom, and most importantly electric blinds and bi-folding doors which reveal views of dreams over the lake, it’s the perfect place for some nature, zen and time out of office.

(Image: Immy Share, Newsquest)

The picturesque setting is one of dreams, and even the surrounding area has benches, fountains and flowers to look at, admire and spend time in.

There is plenty to do during the day at Leeds Castle, with a historically-rich castle tour, a maze (that took my boyfriend and I half an hour to get out of!!), mini golf and more – so it’s perfect for the whole family.

(Image: Immy Share, Newsquest)

I went to the castle on a Friday evening, just a drive from south east London over the Dartford Crossing, and I felt like I’d been whisked off to a world of nature and tranquillity.

We had dinner in the Castle View restaurant, where two courses are included when you book a stay.

(Image: Immy Share, Newsquest)

There are an array of options on the menu, and my boyfriend had chicken and I had seabream before we dug into desserts which were nothing but divine.

(Image: Immy Share, Newsquest)

Apple crumble and custard and a warm gooey chocolate brownie with ice cream were the perfect combo for indulgence.

 

We spent the rest of our evening having a short walk around the grounds, enjoying the amenities of the cabin, and getting some much needed sleep in the comfy bed where the only sounds are the tweeting of birds and the quacking of ducks.

The next day we enjoyed the history, the maze and the golf, before heading to Ashford Designer Outlet which isn’t a far drive away for some retail therapy.

It seriously felt like we’d escaped the country, and although the sunny hot weather definitely helped, there isn’t much that can be beaten as far as I’m concerned than a cabin, views, nature and peace and quiet.