Rhododendron Celebration
April - June | Opening times
Live Life in Full Bloom and join us for a celebration of spring, showcasing the beauty of our famous rhododendrons.
Each spring, our gardens burst into life, showcasing one of the UK’s most expansive collections, with over 300 species and hybrids of rhododendrons. Some of these remarkable plants remain unnamed and undiscovered, forming part of our horticultural team’s ongoing mission to restore and preserve our Grade I listed woodland gardens.
Explore a living legacy in bloom
Wander through our historic landscape, where rhododendrons have flourished for over 200 years. Many of our rhododendrons hold ‘champion’ status with TROBI, marked by blue plaques to signify the tallest or largest of their kind in the country, Britain and Ireland, or even the world.
Loderi Rhododendron National Collection
At the heart of the Rhododendron Celebration lies a truly special collection – our renowned National Plant Collection, awarded by Plant Heritage for its significance.
As you explore the gardens this spring, pick up a self-guided trail to discover these award-winning rhododendrons, gathered from around the world over two centuries. With 63 distinct hybrids, including 32 under threat in cultivation and 17 unique to Leonardslee. Our collection stands as a testament to Sir Edmund Loder’s vision and dedication to conservation.
Keep an eye out for Loderi rhododendrons in the National Collection by spotting their plaques along the trail.
Free with garden entry and for Leonardslee members| Free parking for Leonardslee members | Parking information
SPRING EVENTS
EASTER TRAIL: HOW THINGS GROW!
2 - 21 April
Join us this Easter holiday at Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens for an exciting nature trail to discover how things grow! Packed with fascinating facts, complete the sticker booklet along the trail, with a special prize waiting at the end.
SPRING WALKS
23 April & 14 May
Led by Head Gardener Jamie Harris, enjoy a two hour walk around our 240-acre estate as he guides you through our Grade I woodland gardens. Learn all about the hard work that goes into this spectacular garden and more!
RHS RCM CENTENARY CUP COMPETITION
31 May & 1 June
Established in 2015 to celebrate 100 years of the RHS Rhododendron Society, this prestigious competition showcases the finest rhododendrons, camellias and magnolias. Join us as members present their best specimens.
LEONARDSLEE LATES
9 & 10 May | 6 & 7 June
Explore our 240-acre estate, during its peak flowering season, as the sun sets and twilight settles across our lakes and gardens. Featuring live music by the finest local talents, our new sparkling wines and mouth-watering food each night, it’s an evening not to be missed!
FAMILY NIGHTS
23 & 24 May
As the sun sets over our spring gardens, step into a world of fun, music and adventure with the whole family. Enjoy an evening filled with live music, Silent Disco, live magic skills, circus workshops, free photobooth and tasty alfresco dining to satisfy hungry tummies!
NATIONAL CHILDREN’S GARDENING WEEK
24 May – 1 June
Learn how to grow your own sunflower or runner bean to take home. Our planting station will show you a step-by-step guide on how to sow a seed and look after it until you have your very own sunflower or runner bean! You will be able to find our planting station inside the Garden Shop & Plant Centre.