The Pavilion Project in Partnership with PAYE
We are excited to share the news of our Pavilion restoration project, which brings together the expertise of PAYE Stonework and Restoration Ltd and our commitment to preserving Leeds Castle’s unique heritage. PAYE, a market-leading stonework and restoration contractor based in London and the South East, generously donated their time and skills to help us breathe new life into the Pavilion. The team worked tirelessly and completed the restoration in less than a week, delivering exceptional quality that exceeded our expectations.
Helen Bonser-Wilton, Chief Executive at Leeds Castle, expressed her delight, saying: “I expected it to be good, but it’s truly incredible—it literally took my breath away.” She added: “Being able to use this space for events, community groups, a second-hand bookshop, and perhaps even hosting Father Christmas”.
The beautifully restored Pavilion is now set to open as a peaceful community hub and pre-loved bookshop in spring 2025. We are excited to share PAYE’s video below, which captures the incredible transformation and highlights the meticulous work that went into revitalising this cherished space. This video offers a behind-the-scenes look at the project, bringing to life the story of how the Pavilion was restored for future generations to enjoy:
The Pavilion: A Glimpse into the Past
The Pavilion, completed in 1929, is an unlisted building situated within our Grade II* listed garden. Originally designed as a tennis Pavilion, a popular feature during Lady Baillie’s ownership of the Castle, it holds moderate historical significance.
As part of her extensive renovations to transform the estate into a luxurious country retreat, Lady Baillie integrated an old staircase from the Castle into the Pavilion’s design. In addition to tennis pursuits, the estate was a hub for various leisure activities including golf, swimming, and shooting which were popular during Lady Baillie’s famous weekend gatherings.
PAYE’s Dedication to Heritage and Community
PAYE has a long-standing relationship with Leeds Castle, having successfully completed multiple phases of work on our historic site. Their efforts have not only preserved the Castle but also helped us engage with the local community in meaningful ways. As part of our collaboration, PAYE has conducted a series of stonemasonry masterclasses for local school students, offering them a rare opportunity to learn about the craftsmanship required to maintain our built heritage.
Matt Kember, Managing Director of PAYE Stonework and Restoration, shared his thoughts on the project:
“Together, our aim is to inspire the young people taking part to take up a traditional trade and pursue a career in stonemasonry, and give those who didn’t a better understanding of the UK’s built heritage. The crowning piece of the project was to undertake the restoration of Lady Baillie’s Pavilion so it could be turned into a community space in the castle grounds.
This project, undertaken by both PAYE and Leeds Castle staff in their own time and at no charge, provided us with the opportunity to give something back by creating something that is a tangible benefit to Leeds Castle visitors and the local community.”
A Call for Volunteers: Join Us in This Exciting Journey
As we prepare for the official opening of the Pavilion in spring 2025, we are inviting volunteers to join our team. The pre-loved bookshop will be a key feature of this new community space, and we need passionate individuals to help run it. Whether you’re a book lover, a history enthusiast, or simply looking to give back to your local community, we’d love to have you on board.
Volunteering at Leeds Castle is a unique opportunity to be part of something special, contributing to the preservation of a historic landmark while engaging with visitors from all over the world. If you’re interested in joining our dedicated volunteer team, please click here for more information.
Looking Ahead
The Pavilion restoration project is a testament to what can be achieved when heritage experts, local communities, and passionate individuals come together. We are deeply grateful to PAYE for their generous support and to everyone involved in bringing this vision to life. As we look forward to the spring 2025 opening, we are excited to share this new chapter in the story of Leeds Castle with all our visitors.
Stay tuned for updates on the project’s progress, and we hope to see you at the Pavilion soon, where history, nature, and community come together in a unique and peaceful setting.
