Leeds Castle Advances Accessibility and Sustainability Initiatives with Grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund
As part of its transformative initiatives funded by a £225,700 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund in November 2023, Leeds Castle has advanced activations to enhance accessibility, preserve its historic structure and resilience, and engage the local community, through;
- Accessibility Improvements: An access audit by Accessible UK has identified key enhancements for visitors with mobility and sensory needs.
- New Facilities: Enhanced wheelchairs are now available for visitors, with plans for autism-friendly spaces and improved signage to create a more welcoming environment.
- Public Transport Collaboration: Partnering with Stagecoach to launch a new 10X bus route that stops directly at the Castle, improving access for visitors and the local community.
- Heritage Conservation: Ongoing preservation work on the Castle’s stonework, alongside a mechanical and engineering audit aimed at reducing energy consumption and supporting renewable energy integration.
- Community Engagement: Workshops planned with local groups, including young carers and LGBTQ+ individuals, to break down barriers and foster inclusivity.
- Economic Resilience Strategy: The hospitality audit outcomes have already seen enhanced marketing outputs, restructure of the sales team, and will maximise event spaces to improve revenue generation.
As one of Kent’s most iconic historic landmarks, Leeds Castle offers a unique blend of history, beauty, and cultural significance. The Castle attracts visitors from around the world, serving as a popular destination for history lovers, families, and nature enthusiasts alike. Support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund has enabled Leeds Castle to create a comprehensive plan focused on improving accessibility, heritage conservation, community engagement, hospitality ventures, and sustainability. Since receiving the grant, Leeds Castle has begun introducing initiatives to enhance the visitor experience and improve inclusivity.
Helen Bonser-Wilton, Chief Executive of Leeds Castle Foundation, remarked, “We are immensely grateful to National Lottery players and the Heritage Fund for their ongoing support. These initiatives represent our commitment to accessibility and sustainability while enhancing the experience for all visitors. We are dedicated to preserving our rich heritage and making Leeds Castle a welcoming place for everyone.”
Working alongside Accessible UK has identified key access improvements for visitors with mobility and sensory needs. The outputs of the audit has already seen the creation of ‘Access Champions’ with 50 staff members being trained to provide better support. Additionally, new wheelchairs are now available for visitors, alongside plans for autism-friendly spaces and clearer signage to create a more comfortable environment.
In partnership with Stagecoach, a new 10X bus route will stop directly at Leeds Castle, enhancing public transport access for visitors and the local community. Efforts are also underway to extend these public transport services to link with local Hollingbourne Station.
Work has begun on preserving the Castle’s stonework and reducing energy consumption through a new mechanical and engineering audit. These efforts will protect the Castle’s structures and support long-term plans for renewable energy integration. Actions from this audit have already been implemented to drive down costs and improve operational efficiency.
Workshops with local groups, including young carers and LGBTQ+ individuals, are set to take place as part of an audience development initiative. These efforts aim to break down barriers and make Leeds Castle more accessible and welcoming to diverse audiences. Furthermore, workshops with Leeds Castle staff, volunteers and audience development consultants took place in March to gain valuable feedback on barriers for certain groups that would prevent them from visiting the Castle.
To allow Leeds Castle to become more resilient, a hospitality audit has been completed with new developments already made in the restructuring of the sales team – introducing a Business Development Executive, supporting marketing outputs – updating the website and digital experiences as well as prioritising marketing spend and collateral development, and maximising event spaces to drive revenue – the soon-to-be introduced Gate Tower for small events and groups.
Leeds Castle extends its heartfelt gratitude to the players of the National Lottery and The National Lottery Heritage Fund for their unwavering support, belief in the Castle’s mission, and commitment to preserving and enhancing our shared cultural heritage.
