Knights’ Retreat Lodges review: a regal retreat in the grounds of Leeds Castle

Our verdict

In the grounds of Leeds Castle, Knights’ Retreat is a collection of eight pod-style lodges that are perfectly set up for families looking for a quirky overnight stay. I visited with my five-year-old son and two-year-old daughter and the highlight of our trip was having after-hours access to the grounds - it was magical being able to walk around the castle late into the evening.

We haven’t done many 'outdoorsy' holidays as a family, so we weren’t sure what to expect, but the lodges were fully equipped, comfortable and clean. Named after mythical characters, each features a kitchen, a bathroom, an open-plan lounge and dining area, a TV, and a decking area that leads to an enclosed garden. My kids were well catered for with a cot for our youngest and a medieval-themed room for our eldest. 

Rates include tickets to Leeds Castle from 1pm on the day of arrival until check-out so we got to explore the grounds across two days. Our kids loved the epic castle-themed playground, the sand pit, falconry shows and the maze, which didn’t feel crowded at all despite visiting during the school holidays, and we didn’t have to wait for any of the activities. 

All staff we encountered - from the reception staff to the volunteers in the castle - were incredibly helpful and welcoming. We experienced sunshine and torrential rain during our stay and there was more than enough to keep our kids entertained throughout. My son is already asking when we can return. 

How we tested

Rates include after-hours access to the castle grounds

My family of four (including two children aged five and two) stayed in the Phoenix Lodge at The Knights Retreat for one night in August. We tried out most of the activities in the grounds as well as touring the castle. We cooked dinner in our lodge and had breakfast in the Castle Restaurant.

What’s the accommodation like?

There are eight pods in total, all set in the grounds of Leeds Castle

The wooden lodges are pretty basic in terms of design and layout but felt spacious enough for our family of four. And the novelty of sleeping in a wooden pod felt exciting for the kids. 

Lodges are fully equipped for self-catering stays

Sage green walls and light wood mean the interiors feel light and bright throughout, and we loved the large windows that opened up to a decking area and an enclosed garden with a picnic table. 

We stayed in the Phoenix Lodge which was incredibly clean, modern and well equipped. The kitchen had an oven, a fridge, and a dishwasher so you can easily prepare food there, and basics like tea, coffee, sugar and dishwasher tablets are provided. 

Medieval decor in the triple bedroom of our Phoenix Lodge

Lodges sleep up to four or five guests in one king room and either a twin or a triple room. We found the bedrooms very comfortable, and loved that we could pre-order a travel cot for our youngest and that the kids’ triple room featured fun medieval motifs on the cushions. There are also handy practical features like USB ports, free WiFi and a smart TV.

The lodges are conveniently located close to the castle’s activities, so you can easily pop back to base during the day if needed.

The compact bathroom

We stayed in August and we had a fan in the lodge to keep things cool, but the lodges are open all year round and it’s reassuring to know that central heating is available in the colder months. 

A small improvement would be the addition of a few kids’ activities or colouring sheets in the room for children to learn more about Leeds Castle during their stay. 

What activities are on offer? 

We loved the Bird of Prey Centre

In addition to the impressive castle and grounds, there are birds of prey displays, meet-the-keeper talks, adventure golf (for a small additional fee), a maze and grotto, a sand pit, a castle train and boat tours as well as some of the best playgrounds we’ve been to. You can also visit the castle island shop and bookshop. 

The castle-themed crazy golf course was popular during our stay

All of the experiences are perfect for kids of all ages. Parents are also well catered for with plenty of deckchairs and seating options. And you’re never too far from somewhere to grab a coffee.

There are plenty of rainy-day activities on offer

Depending on the time of year, there are different experiences on offer (seasonal activities vary between April and September, October and March and the Christmas period).

What’s the food like?

Eating pizza in our enclosed garden

We decided to take some pizzas to cook in the lodge in the evening as we thought the kids may be tired after a day of exploring and would want a cosy night in. 

We looked at the Castle View Restaurant menu but found it to be quite pricey (average starter £14; fish and chips for £23). We also considered buying a bottle of wine to take back to the room but the cheapest bottle was around £38 (there may have been more options at the castle shop, which we could have missed). 

Enjoying breakfast at the Castle View Restaurant

The kids’ menu was very reasonable at £7.50 though and offered three different options to cater to different tastes. 

We loved the ice cream parlour and thought the ice cream was delicious and well priced. And we had breakfast at the Castle View Restaurant the following morning, which featured cooked and continental options, but I wouldn’t say the food was amazing. 

We also got some snacks and coffees from the playground café which served pizzas, sausage rolls, small bites and drinks, all of which were very reasonably priced.

What is there to do nearby?

The castle grounds are huge and there's lots of space for kids to run around

Leeds Castle itself provides a brilliant backdrop for a family escape. Steeped in history and surrounded by lush greenery, it offers a peaceful setting for families. With so much to see and do on-site, from exploring the grand interiors to wandering the picturesque grounds home to playgrounds and an epic maze, it's easy to lose yourself in the magic of it all. Beyond the castle, there’s the Kent countryside to explore with its charming villages and scenic landscapes. 

The location puts you within an hour’s drive of both Canterbury and Royal Tunbridge Wells, and it’s a 20-minute drive from Rochester with its castle, cathedral and links to Charles Dickens.  

About the author

Olivia Wright runs HR and Operations at Mumsnet and has 10 years’ experience in similar roles focused on people and ensuring things run smoothly. She began her career in fashion as a Personal Shopper at Selfridges & Co. before launching her own sleepwear brand in 2018 (which grew to be stocked in stores worldwide). After welcoming two children (now five and two), she sold the business in 2024 to spend more time with her family.

Olivia lives in Kent and when she’s not working at Mumsnet, or chasing after the kids, she enjoys running, travelling, going to the gym and attempting to cook!

About the editor

Rachel Erdos is an Editor at Mumsnet where she commissions, edits and writes content with a focus on family travel.

She has written hotel reviews, features and destination guides for top publications including the Guardian, Four Seasons Magazine, Travelzoo, Visit Britain and Visit London. She loves nothing more than researching and writing about fun things for families to do in destinations near and far, as well as trawling the Mumsnet holiday forum for inspiration for her next trip away with her husband and two kids. 

About Mumsnet reviews

All Mumsnet hotel reviews are written by real people after extensive hands-on testing. We travel with children to test out how each property caters to families and assess whether it's genuinely geared up for kids. We test the beds, amenities and food, and explore the local area to highlight stand-out features and address any concerns. We work hard to provide honest and independent advice you can trust. We may be hosted on a complimentary basis and sometimes we earn revenue through affiliate (click-to-buy) links in our articles. However, we never allow this to influence our coverage and we will only ever publish an honest review.