Helen Bonser-Wilton
@hbwleedscastle.bsky.social
CEO Leeds Castle, Kent, Vice President & ex CEO of The Mary Rose, Trustee ALVA & VIAT. Intrepid traveller, film buff, cocker spaniel fan, happy wife & mother!
Great day at Great Dixter Gardens with Leeds Castle Senior Leadership Team developing thinking about audiences at a place that attracts adult garden fans.
Dixter stunning as ever, with really good learnings for us about gardens approach, as well as really idiosyncratic catering. (In a good way!)
Dixter stunning as ever, with really good learnings for us about gardens approach, as well as really idiosyncratic catering. (In a good way!)
July 30, 2025 at 5:23 PM
Great day at Great Dixter Gardens with Leeds Castle Senior Leadership Team developing thinking about audiences at a place that attracts adult garden fans.
Dixter stunning as ever, with really good learnings for us about gardens approach, as well as really idiosyncratic catering. (In a good way!)
Dixter stunning as ever, with really good learnings for us about gardens approach, as well as really idiosyncratic catering. (In a good way!)
At lovely Birmingham Botanical Garden today where they are planning major project to restore glasshouses & experience. Loved giant lily pads (on which 28kg worth of gin bottles were balanced recently!), stunning aeoniums & ‘lobster claw plants’! Great to catch up with Anna Eavis.
July 25, 2025 at 4:50 PM
At lovely Birmingham Botanical Garden today where they are planning major project to restore glasshouses & experience. Loved giant lily pads (on which 28kg worth of gin bottles were balanced recently!), stunning aeoniums & ‘lobster claw plants’! Great to catch up with Anna Eavis.
Apprentice Greenkeeper today! Drove ride on mower clearing Chipping Green! Created new holes on greens & filled old holes before repairing goose damage (v Leeds Castle) with sand/seed. More Back to Floor coming up soon, in Events, Gardens & Grounds, Castle, Catering & Finance.
July 23, 2025 at 3:48 PM
Apprentice Greenkeeper today! Drove ride on mower clearing Chipping Green! Created new holes on greens & filled old holes before repairing goose damage (v Leeds Castle) with sand/seed. More Back to Floor coming up soon, in Events, Gardens & Grounds, Castle, Catering & Finance.
After busy first week back & very enjoyable @leedscastle.bsky.social Concert, we are enjoying celebratory Roast Lunch before relaxing with Pimm’s for @wimbledonltc.bsky.social Final 🎾🍹
Huge thanks to Castle & Heritage Events teams for hard work to deliver an excellent Concert night. #teamwork
Huge thanks to Castle & Heritage Events teams for hard work to deliver an excellent Concert night. #teamwork
July 13, 2025 at 12:38 PM
After busy first week back & very enjoyable @leedscastle.bsky.social Concert, we are enjoying celebratory Roast Lunch before relaxing with Pimm’s for @wimbledonltc.bsky.social Final 🎾🍹
Huge thanks to Castle & Heritage Events teams for hard work to deliver an excellent Concert night. #teamwork
Huge thanks to Castle & Heritage Events teams for hard work to deliver an excellent Concert night. #teamwork
Travel Magnets’ fridge now has new magnets from Loire. Sure Lorcan will bring fresh batch from his Turkey/Romania/Austria/Germany trip when he returns next Saturday.
This pic is only one side of the fridge. We are going to need a new fridge soon just for the magnets!
This pic is only one side of the fridge. We are going to need a new fridge soon just for the magnets!
July 12, 2025 at 8:23 AM
Travel Magnets’ fridge now has new magnets from Loire. Sure Lorcan will bring fresh batch from his Turkey/Romania/Austria/Germany trip when he returns next Saturday.
This pic is only one side of the fridge. We are going to need a new fridge soon just for the magnets!
This pic is only one side of the fridge. We are going to need a new fridge soon just for the magnets!
To Amboise to see Chateau (not good) & excellent Chateau du Clos Luce, home of Leonardo da Vinci, polymath engineer & artist. Brilliant exhibition of designs for tank, car, swing bridge, paddle boat, constructed as models. Last dinner tonight, then back to England tomorrow. 🥲
July 6, 2025 at 3:13 PM
To Amboise to see Chateau (not good) & excellent Chateau du Clos Luce, home of Leonardo da Vinci, polymath engineer & artist. Brilliant exhibition of designs for tank, car, swing bridge, paddle boat, constructed as models. Last dinner tonight, then back to England tomorrow. 🥲
Great 20 mile cycle along Loire, to epic Winemakers’ Lunch at Domaine de Roche Blonde. Lunch al fresco in vineyard, trout terrine, cheeses, apple & almond tart, all with excellent wines. 3.5 hours & 6 glasses of wine later, wobbled 10 miles back to Tours.
Current mood 😵💫
Current mood 😵💫
July 5, 2025 at 4:48 PM
Great 20 mile cycle along Loire, to epic Winemakers’ Lunch at Domaine de Roche Blonde. Lunch al fresco in vineyard, trout terrine, cheeses, apple & almond tart, all with excellent wines. 3.5 hours & 6 glasses of wine later, wobbled 10 miles back to Tours.
Current mood 😵💫
Current mood 😵💫
Driving vintage Citröen 2CV to Chateau de Villandry (epic gardens) & Chateau D’Azay Le Rideau today. Almost as bad as driving E German Trabant! Crazy Hidden Portraits exhibition in Chateau!
Celebrating surviving 2CV driving this evening with a cracking fondue!
Celebrating surviving 2CV driving this evening with a cracking fondue!
July 4, 2025 at 6:58 PM
Driving vintage Citröen 2CV to Chateau de Villandry (epic gardens) & Chateau D’Azay Le Rideau today. Almost as bad as driving E German Trabant! Crazy Hidden Portraits exhibition in Chateau!
Celebrating surviving 2CV driving this evening with a cracking fondue!
Celebrating surviving 2CV driving this evening with a cracking fondue!
To Royal Chateau de Blois today, location of Francis I’s court from 1515 (salamander motif), Louis XII (porcupine motif) Stunning interiors & tiled floors. Now enjoying Loire sunset cruise with local food (saucisson, goats cheese, mackerel pâté) and rose wine. Very pleasant!
July 3, 2025 at 6:43 PM
To Royal Chateau de Blois today, location of Francis I’s court from 1515 (salamander motif), Louis XII (porcupine motif) Stunning interiors & tiled floors. Now enjoying Loire sunset cruise with local food (saucisson, goats cheese, mackerel pâté) and rose wine. Very pleasant!
WHS Chateau Chenonceau today. Stunning Chateau & water reflections, loved Parterres, Kitchen Garden & donkeys. 🫏
Even had a Russell Page tribute garden! Tours tram expedition with Mövenpick ice cream later. In Istanbul, Lorcan rode trams, visiting mosques & Spice Bazaar.
Even had a Russell Page tribute garden! Tours tram expedition with Mövenpick ice cream later. In Istanbul, Lorcan rode trams, visiting mosques & Spice Bazaar.
July 2, 2025 at 6:10 PM
WHS Chateau Chenonceau today. Stunning Chateau & water reflections, loved Parterres, Kitchen Garden & donkeys. 🫏
Even had a Russell Page tribute garden! Tours tram expedition with Mövenpick ice cream later. In Istanbul, Lorcan rode trams, visiting mosques & Spice Bazaar.
Even had a Russell Page tribute garden! Tours tram expedition with Mövenpick ice cream later. In Istanbul, Lorcan rode trams, visiting mosques & Spice Bazaar.
Day 2 in Loire at 40 Degrees. Alfresco breakfast, Food Halls, Cathedral (stunning stained glass windows), Old Quarter visit. Finished with excellent Ethiopian lamb & injera pancakes. Meanwhile, Lorcan has visited Asian side of Istanbul, riding train under Bosphorus, vintage trams & multiple boats!
July 1, 2025 at 7:35 PM
Day 2 in Loire at 40 Degrees. Alfresco breakfast, Food Halls, Cathedral (stunning stained glass windows), Old Quarter visit. Finished with excellent Ethiopian lamb & injera pancakes. Meanwhile, Lorcan has visited Asian side of Istanbul, riding train under Bosphorus, vintage trams & multiple boats!
Day 1 of Loire via HS1, @eurostarnews.bsky.social Paris Metro & TGV to Tours. Great evening at local bistro - Loire wine, duck breast with figs & epic charcuterie plate.
Meanwhile Orla is enjoying first day with dog sitter & Lorcan is in Istanbul learning about Sultans in Topkapi Mosque.
Meanwhile Orla is enjoying first day with dog sitter & Lorcan is in Istanbul learning about Sultans in Topkapi Mosque.
June 30, 2025 at 8:04 PM
Day 1 of Loire via HS1, @eurostarnews.bsky.social Paris Metro & TGV to Tours. Great evening at local bistro - Loire wine, duck breast with figs & epic charcuterie plate.
Meanwhile Orla is enjoying first day with dog sitter & Lorcan is in Istanbul learning about Sultans in Topkapi Mosque.
Meanwhile Orla is enjoying first day with dog sitter & Lorcan is in Istanbul learning about Sultans in Topkapi Mosque.
Great time yesterday with BFF Sally at Frameless - series of immersive experiences bringing artistic masterpieces to life in giant format. Particularly enjoyed the Dali, Munch, Monet, Turner & Canaletto, but all impressive!
As was Dishoom Kensington with its Deco touches!
As was Dishoom Kensington with its Deco touches!
June 29, 2025 at 6:10 PM
Great time yesterday with BFF Sally at Frameless - series of immersive experiences bringing artistic masterpieces to life in giant format. Particularly enjoyed the Dali, Munch, Monet, Turner & Canaletto, but all impressive!
As was Dishoom Kensington with its Deco touches!
As was Dishoom Kensington with its Deco touches!
Epic tasting menu paired with @chapeldown.bsky.social wines. Fabulous food, including beetroot hummus, broad bean salad with black garlic oil, local cod with curry & raisin dressing, chicken with wild garlic & nduja risotto, yummy pavlova with passion fruit curd. Great job Graysons team!
June 25, 2025 at 9:06 PM
Epic tasting menu paired with @chapeldown.bsky.social wines. Fabulous food, including beetroot hummus, broad bean salad with black garlic oil, local cod with curry & raisin dressing, chicken with wild garlic & nduja risotto, yummy pavlova with passion fruit curd. Great job Graysons team!
Hosepipe season is Orla’s absolute favourite! Now have a soaking wet, muddy, happy cocker spaniel snoozing on my lap. #happydays
June 18, 2025 at 5:21 PM
Hosepipe season is Orla’s absolute favourite! Now have a soaking wet, muddy, happy cocker spaniel snoozing on my lap. #happydays
With Visit Kent Leaders today, touring @shepherdneame.bsky.social Brewery & discussing business.
We fed back to @dcmsgovuk.bsky.social on tax burden (e.g. Employer NI) & statutory legislation inhibiting investment in visitor experiences & staff.
LOVED the light fitting made out of beer bottles!
We fed back to @dcmsgovuk.bsky.social on tax burden (e.g. Employer NI) & statutory legislation inhibiting investment in visitor experiences & staff.
LOVED the light fitting made out of beer bottles!
June 16, 2025 at 6:39 PM
With Visit Kent Leaders today, touring @shepherdneame.bsky.social Brewery & discussing business.
We fed back to @dcmsgovuk.bsky.social on tax burden (e.g. Employer NI) & statutory legislation inhibiting investment in visitor experiences & staff.
LOVED the light fitting made out of beer bottles!
We fed back to @dcmsgovuk.bsky.social on tax burden (e.g. Employer NI) & statutory legislation inhibiting investment in visitor experiences & staff.
LOVED the light fitting made out of beer bottles!
Great Goat Experience at the fabulous Buttercups Sanctuary for Goats
Brushing, ear scratching and walking some lovely goats before general feeding time!
Lovely little local charity which we plan to support.
Brushing, ear scratching and walking some lovely goats before general feeding time!
Lovely little local charity which we plan to support.
June 15, 2025 at 10:57 AM
Great Goat Experience at the fabulous Buttercups Sanctuary for Goats
Brushing, ear scratching and walking some lovely goats before general feeding time!
Lovely little local charity which we plan to support.
Brushing, ear scratching and walking some lovely goats before general feeding time!
Lovely little local charity which we plan to support.
Trip to Hever Castle today to see my fellow CEO.
Enjoyed seeing the lovely new Anne Boleyn rooms in the Castle, especially enjoyed seeing her beautifully illustrated Book of Hours.
Also a treat to see behind the scenes Astor’s Pink Bathroom (you can see this by booking special tour with Hever).
Enjoyed seeing the lovely new Anne Boleyn rooms in the Castle, especially enjoyed seeing her beautifully illustrated Book of Hours.
Also a treat to see behind the scenes Astor’s Pink Bathroom (you can see this by booking special tour with Hever).
June 10, 2025 at 6:58 PM
Trip to Hever Castle today to see my fellow CEO.
Enjoyed seeing the lovely new Anne Boleyn rooms in the Castle, especially enjoyed seeing her beautifully illustrated Book of Hours.
Also a treat to see behind the scenes Astor’s Pink Bathroom (you can see this by booking special tour with Hever).
Enjoyed seeing the lovely new Anne Boleyn rooms in the Castle, especially enjoyed seeing her beautifully illustrated Book of Hours.
Also a treat to see behind the scenes Astor’s Pink Bathroom (you can see this by booking special tour with Hever).
Today at Visit Kent Strategic Advisory Board at Eastbridge Hospital in Canterbury.
Great tour of new accommodation at Hospital, with stunning views.
Tonight is @leedscastleuk Board Dinner ahead of tomorrow’s Board Meeting. Tonight I am staying in the Turret Room in the Castle.
Great tour of new accommodation at Hospital, with stunning views.
Tonight is @leedscastleuk Board Dinner ahead of tomorrow’s Board Meeting. Tonight I am staying in the Turret Room in the Castle.
June 5, 2025 at 5:44 PM
Today at Visit Kent Strategic Advisory Board at Eastbridge Hospital in Canterbury.
Great tour of new accommodation at Hospital, with stunning views.
Tonight is @leedscastleuk Board Dinner ahead of tomorrow’s Board Meeting. Tonight I am staying in the Turret Room in the Castle.
Great tour of new accommodation at Hospital, with stunning views.
Tonight is @leedscastleuk Board Dinner ahead of tomorrow’s Board Meeting. Tonight I am staying in the Turret Room in the Castle.
Very entertaining evening trying out new RG Live Squid Game Immersive Experience at Excel Waterfront.
Korean Grape Milk, sinister Guards & rather stressful game of Red Light Green Light!
Huge thanks to Joni Marks & team - very welcome break mid-A Levels for Lorcan.
Korean Grape Milk, sinister Guards & rather stressful game of Red Light Green Light!
Huge thanks to Joni Marks & team - very welcome break mid-A Levels for Lorcan.
June 4, 2025 at 8:33 PM
Very entertaining evening trying out new RG Live Squid Game Immersive Experience at Excel Waterfront.
Korean Grape Milk, sinister Guards & rather stressful game of Red Light Green Light!
Huge thanks to Joni Marks & team - very welcome break mid-A Levels for Lorcan.
Korean Grape Milk, sinister Guards & rather stressful game of Red Light Green Light!
Huge thanks to Joni Marks & team - very welcome break mid-A Levels for Lorcan.
At Visit Kent Reception at House of Lords. Great to meet new Kent County Councillors & Patricia Yates from @visitbritain.bsky.social
Opportunity to thank outgoing VK CEO Deirdre Wells for her excellent work & welcome new CEO Jo Richardson.
Opportunity to thank outgoing VK CEO Deirdre Wells for her excellent work & welcome new CEO Jo Richardson.
June 2, 2025 at 3:47 PM
At Visit Kent Reception at House of Lords. Great to meet new Kent County Councillors & Patricia Yates from @visitbritain.bsky.social
Opportunity to thank outgoing VK CEO Deirdre Wells for her excellent work & welcome new CEO Jo Richardson.
Opportunity to thank outgoing VK CEO Deirdre Wells for her excellent work & welcome new CEO Jo Richardson.
Any offers for a small and soaking wet working cocker spaniel? Currently in disgrace after taking a flying leap at the hosepipe and upending my entire herb planter.
May 28, 2025 at 7:01 PM
Any offers for a small and soaking wet working cocker spaniel? Currently in disgrace after taking a flying leap at the hosepipe and upending my entire herb planter.
Reposted by Helen Bonser-Wilton
May be one day my awesome wife @hbwleedscastle.bsky.social will commit to paper her career story! Making a brew 🫖 behind our @maryrosemuseum.bsky.social momento. Just back from #BankHolidayMonday Morning Incident Call Out @leedscastle.bsky.social All safely now under control! #ALifeLessOrdinary ⚓️🏰
May 26, 2025 at 10:43 AM
May be one day my awesome wife @hbwleedscastle.bsky.social will commit to paper her career story! Making a brew 🫖 behind our @maryrosemuseum.bsky.social momento. Just back from #BankHolidayMonday Morning Incident Call Out @leedscastle.bsky.social All safely now under control! #ALifeLessOrdinary ⚓️🏰
Gearing up @leedscastle.bsky.social for Queens Joust. England, France & Norway competing for trophy on Saturday, Sunday & BH Monday, with medieval camp set up around arena. Will be huge fun!
Today, I also met our new Kookaburra babies and gave them a good head scritch!
Today, I also met our new Kookaburra babies and gave them a good head scritch!
May 23, 2025 at 5:50 PM
Gearing up @leedscastle.bsky.social for Queens Joust. England, France & Norway competing for trophy on Saturday, Sunday & BH Monday, with medieval camp set up around arena. Will be huge fun!
Today, I also met our new Kookaburra babies and gave them a good head scritch!
Today, I also met our new Kookaburra babies and gave them a good head scritch!
Dinner menu tasting @leedscastle.bsky.social today. Delicious options including Asparagus & toasted quinoa, smoked salmon & lemon curd, corn fed chicken & Caesar dressed hispi, verbena lemon posset & lavender shortbread & chocolate mousse with mango sorbet. A hard life sometimes!
May 9, 2025 at 5:46 PM
Dinner menu tasting @leedscastle.bsky.social today. Delicious options including Asparagus & toasted quinoa, smoked salmon & lemon curd, corn fed chicken & Caesar dressed hispi, verbena lemon posset & lavender shortbread & chocolate mousse with mango sorbet. A hard life sometimes!