The loveliest castle in the worldLeeds Castle in England is known as "the ladies' castle" and home to queens and kings of England as well as an American millionaires with movie-star friends. Leeds Castle is centuries old and is in Maid stone, Kent. Today Leeds Castle is open to the public, who are welcome to visit its restored(恢复的) rooms and 500 wonderful acres. Built in a valley of the River Len in the heart of the English countryside, Leeds Castle is a very romantic location. The castle itself, surrounded by the lake, has much, antiques, and history. Leeds Castle's history includes romance, conflict and majesty（王权）. Although Edward I, Edward III, Richard II, and Henry V all held court at Leeds Castle, it has long been known as a ladies' castle. From 1278 to 1552, it was normal for the castle to be part of a queen’s dowry（嫁妆）and kept during widowhood. The last owner of Leeds Castle, Lady Billie was an American-born heiress. She bought the castle in 1926 for $873,000. Lady Billie spent the rest of her life fixing the Norman castle and the parkland that surrounds it. And she brought Hollywood charm to the place. She held parties in her lovely castle and invited many of her Hollywood movie-star friends. When Lady Billie died in 1974, she left Leeds Castle to a place which can enjoyed by the public. And now the castle is also the place for weddings and national and international seminars(研究会). Leeds Castle offers couples four wonderful and historic settings for a fairytale wedding: The Library, Dining Room, Gate House and Terrace. In addition to many places for wedding receptions and banquets as well as smaller gatherings, the castle has 37 rooms available for newlyweds and their guests to stay over. Leeds Castle wedding services include flower arrangements by the castle’s own florist, and wines and champagnes. In addition to the castle itself, visitors to Leeds can also experience: The Maze - Planted with 2,400 trees in 1988, the maze at Leeds Castle challenges visitors to reach the central viewing point. There is no need to fear getting lost; someone there will help visitors find their way.The Aviary( 鸟 舍 ) - More than 100 species of rare and colorful birds including macaws, cockatoos and toucans are housed in the outdoor aviary. The Dog Collar Museum - Certainly one of the world's most unusual collections, the Dog Collar Museum has nearly 100 antique dog collars (项圈)from five centuries. Collars dating from the 15th, 16th, and 17th centuries were made to protect a dog during a time when wolves, bears and wild boar roamed the forests of Europe and the throats of hunting dogs needed protection with broad iron collars. The Dog Collar Museum also has Leeds Castle's small gift shop. Restaurant - More than 8,000 bottles of wine are produced each year from the castle vineyard. Award-winning Leeds Castle wines are only sold in the castle restaurant and shops.
