Leeds Castle has been called the loveliest castle in the world. It is located in the county of Kent outside of the village of Maid stone southeast of London. The castle sits within five hundred acres of lush parklands and gardens. The River Len was diverted in the 13th century to create a man-made lake and moat around the castle keep.

The history of Leeds Castle goes back over a thousand years when it was built as a fortified Norman stronghold in 1119. By 1278 it was the favorite property of King Edward I who expended considerable resources to expand the buildings and grounds. This began it's royal period as the dower personal property of six English queens. Henry VIII used it as his honeymoon get-away with Catherine of Aragon. After his reign, the castle was awarded and sold to various families until the modern era.

The last private owner was Lady Bailie who, with the assistance of renowned designers, transformed the castle and grounds into one of the great county estates. Upon Lady Bailie's death in 1974, the castle was left to the Leeds Castle Foundation. The private charitable trust was created to preserve the castle and its grounds. The castle remains an active residence accommodating guests for weddings, conferences and banquets.