SPONSORED EDITORIAL

Celebrations at Leeds Castle are in full swing as Kent’s historic fortress marks its 900th anniversary with a series of special events including the opening of a big new playground and adventure golf course.

Special celebrations and fun-packed events are in this year’s programme which will also look back on the historic milestone as well as highlight the work of the Leeds Castle Foundation in preserving the building and grounds.

“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.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT LEEDS CASTLE’S 900TH ANNIVERSARY CLICK HERE

The all-new Knights' Stronghold Playground will be unveiled to the public with 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.

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 up 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.”

And there’s more.

Children from all over the UK can take part in the Leeds Castle’s ‘Big 900’ Story Writing Challenge - judged by TV's Clare Balding - with the chance to become part of history.

The winning short story - to be between 100 and 900 words - will go into a time capsule to be buried by the winning children and only opened again in 100 years.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT LEEDS CASTLE’S ‘BIG 900’ STORY WRITING CHALLENGE CLICK HERE

But it’s not all about the future at Leeds Castle this year.

You can also travel back in time - nine centuries to be exact - and join local communities dressed in costumes during the Carnival of History which will include historic re-enactments with vibrant and exciting processions.

Set against the stunning backdrop of the castle, the Carnival of History will also feature

acclaimed national professional arts companies, community participants, dancer and bands.

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS FOR THE CARNIVAL OF HISTORY

And what better way to commemorate the occasion than with a nice drink.

That is why Leeds Castle has teamed up with Copper Rivet Distillery in Medway to produce a special edition Motte & Baillie Gin.

The gin has been distilled in a limited batch of 900 bottles and infused with specially selected botanicals from the castle estate - namely, sweet fig from the Castle Island, floral Rosehip from the Culpeper Gardens and fragrant pine picked from the Lady Baillie Mediterranean Terraces.

Each botanical has been handpicked by the Leeds Castle gardeners and given to Copper Rivets Head Distiller to infuse the flavours and create a unique, craft gin.

You must be 18 and over to purchase this item.

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE A BOTTLE OF MOTTE AND BAILLIE GIN

Or how about the chance to grab some souvenir five-year tickets for only £100 each?

These limited editions - valid for one adult per ticket - grant repeat visits for five years from the date of issue, meaning visitors can pop into Leeds Castle again and again.

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE A FIVE-YEAR TICKET

For more information about Leeds Castle’s 900th anniversary, click here.