As the 'loveliest castle in the world' welcomes visitors inside again, we take a look at where across the county you can now be king of the castle this summer holidays.

Leeds Castle

After celebrating its 900th anniversary last year, Leeds Castle, near Maidstone, reopened its grounds in June, followed by some of its other facilities, but this week it’s the big one, as the castle itself reopens to visitors.

Staff there couldn’t be happier to invite visitors inside again to escape into the glamour of the glorious state rooms and enjoy the elegance of the place Lady Baillie called home as the last private owner of the castle.

In keeping with the times, visitors must of course wear face masks inside and book a time slot online to visit at leeds-castle.com

Dover Castle

The English Heritage site ad its grounds are now open to pre-booked visitors.

Throughout the summer at weekends, there is also an explorer quest families can follow outside and meet costumed characters who will talk about the castle's role during the Second World War. Find out more here.

Deal Castle

The castle reopened earlier this month to pre-booked visitors. They can explore the castle and visit the exhibition which reveals how Henry’s fears for the safety and security of his realm shaped the country’s defences and his own married life. Find out more by clicking here.

Hever Castle

One of the first to reopen to socially-distanced visitors, the castle is open to pre-booked visitors, with its attractions, including the popular Water Maze, now reopened too. The castle is holding its outdoor jousting tournaments at weekend throughout the summer, including this weekend, August 15 and 16. To find out more click here.

Tonbridge Castle

The castle, set in the heart of Tonbridge, reopened to visitors this month. There are limited visiting numbers and pre-booking is required. The castle is open seven days a week and the grounds are open daily from 8am to dusk. Book your slot here.

Chiddingstone Castle

The castle has now reopened to visitors, though the tea rooms remain closed. Find out more here.

Scotney Castle

The National Trust property has reopened its grounds and gardens. The tea room and the gift shop has also reopened to visitors, but the inside of the house is still closed, like most of the trust's sites. Find out more here.

Walmer Castle

The castle's 8 acres of award-winning gardens include the Broadwalk and the Queen Mother's Garden; the recently opened Glen and the new natural play trail for little ones are all open but the interior of the castle is still closed. To find out more click here.

Rochester Castle

You can take a stroll to see the outside of the castle, but the interior is currently closed, due to safety concerns with some falling masonry. To get the latest info, see what English Heritage has said.

Upnor Castle

Tucked away n the village of Upnor, the rare example of an Elizabethan artillery fort which is managed by Medway Council on behalf of English Heritage, is currently closed and, although it is expected to open later this summer, a date has not yet been announced.

Lullingstone Castle

The grounds and famous World Garden at the castle near Eynsford have reopened to visitors, but the house currently remains closed. Find out more here.

For more days out ideas across Kent click here.