Leeds Castle swans

21 March to 19 April and
15 August to 13 September

We think every bird's home is their castle.

Stately, elegant, timeless – and that's just us swans!

Call us haughty and proud, but we really are monarchs of the waters. We know how to feather our nests with regal care – and, trust me, they take quite a bit of feathering as they can be up to a metre wide.

Watch us gliding, preening and posturing on the placid waters of the moat, or explore 1,000 years of history in the castle and fragrant formal gardens around it.

In spring, we'll be joined by fleets of fluffy grey cygnets. By autumn, they'll have turned a pristine white and flown the nest. But fear not, there's still plenty to see, as we are joined by a variety of ducks and waterfowl.

To see us raise heirs in royal splendour, join RSPB guides in the heart of historic Kent.

When can you see us?

The viewpoint is open Thursday to Tuesday, 10 am-4.30 pm.

In spring, the RSPB viewpoint overlooks the lake near to the café and terraced gardens. In autumn, it will be on the opposite side of the lake looking towards the gardens.

What's at the site?

There will be three telescopes and five pairs of binoculars available for you to use.

How to find us

By road
Leeds Castle is 7 miles east of Maidstone, off Junction 8 of the M20 motorway just 1 hour from London, 30 minutes from the Channel Tunnel and Channel Ports, and Dartford River Crossing. It is clearly signposted from all routes - just follow the brown and white tourist signs.

IMPORTANT - SatNav Users
If you are using a satellite navigation system, please follow the brown and white tourist signs once you reach the A20. Otherwise, you may be incorrectly directed to a private entrance from where you will be redirected.

By coach
National Express coach from London: Coach travel and '2 for 1' day admission tickets are available through National Express, or by calling 08717 818181 (£1 telephone booking fee applies).

From London's Victoria Coach Station: Coach 021 departs at 9 am stopping at various pickup points in South London - to arrive at the castle at 10.25 am. It departs the castle at 3.05 pm to arrive at Victoria Coach Station at 4.50 pm.

Coaches for group travel can be booked by calling 0121 423 8528, or you can book online.

Sightseeing tours from London and all areas of the South East are operated on a year round basis by the following companies:

Evan Evans on 0207 950 1770; Golden Tours on 0207 233 7030; Venice Simplon - Orient Express on 0845 077 2222; Premium Tours on 0207 404 5100

By train
Southeastern run frequent services to and from Bearsted and a coach shuttle service run by Spot Hire is available from the station.

Transport from other places
Nuventure no.13 bus runs from Maidstone to Hollingbourne.

Still got some questions?

Telephone: RSPB South East Regional Office on 01273 755333

This date has been brought to you with help from Leeds Castle.