THIS year’s Spring Flower Festival at Leeds Castle has a distinctly feminine theme. Often referred to as Castle of Queens, the sumptuous rooms in the historic castle will be filled with fabulous blooms fit for a queen.

Creative displays of spring flowers and foliage combine to dazzle and delight over the five-day festival from Wednesday, March 21 to Sunday, March 25. Seasonal blooms selected for their beauty and fragrance such as Lily of the Valley with its heady scent, cheery spring bulbs including Tete a Tete, hyacinths and muscari, will contrast with the soft pastels of early roses and delphiniums.

Continuing the theme of women through the ages, a display of glamorous dresses from different periods on loan from the Kent Costume Trust and a selection of original fans from The Fan Museum in Greenwich will complement the floral displays.

Home to six of England’s medieval queens, Leeds Castle is often thought to reflect the feminine touch of its past owners. Their influence can be found in the many antiques, tapestries and paintings on show in the rooms.

Lady Baillie, the castle’s last private owner, always had cut flowers indoors, usually to designs created by her French interior design advisors. Leeds Castle Foundation maintains this tradition by ensuring that fresh flowers are always displayed in the rooms for visitors.

Grounds open at 10am daily and the castle is open from 10.30am. Last admission is 5pm and gates close at 7pm. For information visit www.leeds-castle.com or call the Leeds Castle 24-hr Information Line on 0870 600 8880.

Tickets cost £13.50 for adults; £11 for senior citizens and visitors with disabilities (carer goes free); £8 for children (under fours free). Every ticket to Leeds Castle is valid for 12 months and includes entry to an extensive programme of varied and exciting events.