Flower power

Leeds Castle in Kent invites you to celebrate the glamour and thrill of the racecourse on 'Ladies Day' - created through flowers

Leeds Castle may boast 500 acres of sweeping parkland and formal gardens, but from 15 to 20 September 2018. t will become an eclectic, vibrant tribute to the women who make up its history. Having been owned by six medieval Queens of England and most recently Lady Baillie, Leeds Castle is often referred to as the 'ladies' castle' and this year. award-winning international floral designers will take inspiration from high fashion. high society and high-stakes horse racing to dress rooms in the castle in floral finery ready for ladies day. When you buy a ticket to the Festival of Flowers. you can enjoy all the floral demonstrations. specialist talks and daily garden tours included in the price. Among the highlights is a guest talk on Saturday 15 September by English garden designer and television personality Joe Swift, taking place in the festival marquee. There will also be the opportunity to buy beautiful flowers. David Austen roses and garden accessories from a variety of stalls on the Pavilion Lawn. Lady Baille's unconventional younger sister Dorothy Paget has been coined as 'The Eccentric Queen of the King of Sports' due to her love of horse racing. She most famously owned Golden Miller. a thoroughbred racehorse who is still the most successful Cheltenham horse ever and the only horse to win both of the United Kingdom's premier steeplechase races - the Gold Cup and the Grand National - in the same year (1934). Lady Baillie herself was famed for her elaborate floral displays at society house parties in the 1930s. attended by stars such as David Niven, Errol Flynn, Prince Edward and Wallace Simpson. Lady Baillie's love of flowers is a tradition continued by the floristry team today. who provide floral creations to adorn the castle rooms. Admission to the Castle Island. Culpeper and Lady Baillie Mediterranean gardens is included in the admission ticket. What's more, admission tickets are valid for 12 months so you can pay once and visit all year round. Leeds Castle is located near Maidstone in Kent, just off Junction 8 of the M20, within easy reach of London. Grounds open at 10am daily and the Castle is open from 10.30am.