With autumn on the horizon and the castle coming into full bloom, Leeds Castle, in Kent, has launched a brand-new outdoor sculpture trail inspired by the beauty of the botanical world.

Running from 5th September to 3rd October, ‘Sculpture at the Castle: A Botanical Showcase’ features more than 30 outdoor artworks showcasing unique floral and garden themed sculptures set within the majestic grounds of the historic castle.

Helen Bonser-Wilton, Chief Executive Officer at Leeds Castle, said: “With summer ending and a new season on the way, we are thrilled to launch our first outdoor sculpture trail which celebrates the natural world. Guests are invited to immerse themselves in the imaginative sculptures and revel in their unique beauty, of which some have been commissioned specially for Leeds Castle. There are also 20 hand painted sustainably-made bee sculptures hiding in the trees and scattered across the gardens for children to find during their visit.”

This diverse display of abstract and figurative floral artworks features works from 10 sculptors, and have been created using a variety of different materials, from recycled plastic to industrial steel.

Perched along the water’s edge of the Lady Baillie Mediterranean Garden Terraces, amongst the blooms in the Culpeper Gardens and in the tree tops and bushes of the Princess Alexandra Gardens, visitors will explore every inch of the castle’s grounds as they search for the sculptures.

Award-winning Kent-based artist, Carole Andrews, who is exhibiting a selection of her sculptures shares: “My sculptures are my response to coming across a collection of carnivorous plants on display in a botanical garden in Australia. I was intrigued by these strange looking plants that colonise forest floors in tropical rain forests. Their delicate markings and intricate designs captured my imagination to create these special pieces, and can be found in the Princess Alexandra Gardens.”

To finish the sculpture trail, visitors can visit the pop-up ‘Floral Selfie Bench’ located on the Castle Island, where a beautiful floral arch awaits. Using seasonal blooms and with the castle as the backdrop, guests can capture a memorable photo with friends and family as they say goodbye to summer and hello to autumn.

Visitors can also make a day or weekend of it during their visit to Leeds Castle as there is a wide range of activities and pursuits for all to enjoy. Whether it be an afternoon exploring routes around the Maze, standing on top of the fortress at the Knights’ Stronghold playground, practicing putting at the Leeds Castle Adventure Golf, or testing fears at the Go Ape Tree Top Adventure.

For a quieter day out, the extensive 500-acre grounds are complete with stunning gardens and parkland with a variety of wildlife to admire. Just take the Princess Alexandra Gardens where you can find beautiful Azaleas and Rhododendrons – an idyllic spot for a picnic or opt for the hour-long weekly garden tours where guests will learn of the many species that call Leeds Castle home.