EXPERIENCE WINTER
Winter Wonders Await at Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens
There’s something magical about winter
From the frosty grass crunching under your boots to seeing low-lying mists sweep across the lakes. There’s nothing like discovering our Grade I listed woodland gardens during the winter months. Dewdrops, winter blooms and frosty grass sparkling in the sunlight are framed in a valley filled with evergreens and bare branches. Overhead, spires of trees reach for the sky, reflecting in the lakes below. It’s a photographer’s paradise – your ticket to escaping to another world.
WINTER HIGHLIGHTS
CHAMPION TREES
Our gardens are home to a remarkable collection of Champion Trees – extraordinary specimens recognised for their exceptional size, age, or beauty. These arboreal giants are the superheroes of the plant world, standing as tall as natural landmarks.
Officially verified by the Tree Register, these champions hold titles for being the tallest or widest in their county, across Britain and Ireland, or even the world!
Keep an eye out for their distinctive blue plaques that mark these remarkable trees.
TOP GARDEN & DEER PARK
Venture into the wildest part of our 240-acre estate; the Top Garden and Deer Park.
Frosty mornings transform this part of the garden into glistening carpets of icy grassland and heather. With several routes to take, this is the perfect place for a pair of wellies and a sense of adventure.
Once a vibrant Pinetum, the Top Garden now boasts a collection of conifers, their evergreen hues providing a striking contrast to the winter palette. As you wander, listen for the rustling of leaves beneath foot, the distant crunch of acorns, and the muffled calls of wildlife adapting to the cooler temperatures.
THE LAKES
On a calm winter’s day, in the heart of our valley, you will find near-perfect reflections of the surrounding landscape shimmering on the surface of our seven interlinking lakes.
Sit on one of the many benches around our lakes and watch and listen to nature around you. With sounds of water rippling in the breeze or the rustle of life in the trees above or bushes nearby, take a moment to enjoy nature and what makes this season so beautiful.
BIRD LIFE
The combination of seven undisturbed lakes and extensive woodland means that Leonardslee is particularly rich in a range of interesting and scare birdlife.
With the change in seasons, we will say farewell to some migratory birds as they head south for the winter, but we also welcome birds arriving from far north to spend winter in our woodlands. Including redwings and fieldfares from Scandinavia and siskins from the continent.
THE ROCK GARDEN
Our famous Rock Garden, built in 1890, is a favourite attraction for visitors. With its distinct colours and textures, the Rock Garden becomes a sea of greens, blues, and yellows with lichens and moss in winter.
Visitors can expect to see Narcissus cyclamineus and bulbocodium, Iris reticularis, and snowdrops bloom late in the season.
WALLABIES
Our colony of winter-hardy Bennett’s Wallabies, descendants of the original herd brought here by Sir Edmund Loder in 1889, thrive in our gardens.
With their thick, warm coats, they bask in the winter sun and forage among the plants. As the undergrowth dies down, our wild wallabies are easier to spot in the deer park.
Wallaby feeding times: 12:00 – 12:15 daily
WINTER INTERESTS
CAMELLIA SASANQUA
Nov-Dec
Camellia sasanqua is an evergreen shrub that bears beautiful little semi-double white, pink and red flowers in early winter, bringing colour and fragrance to the gardens around the cafés and Dolls’ House Muesum.
SNOWDROPS GALANTHUS
Jan-Mar
Snowdrops are a sign that cold wintry days and nights are starting to come to a close. Pockets of snowdrops can be found around our gardens, with swathes expected on Snowdrop Rise..
Did you know? Snowdrops contain a natural anti-freeze; even if they collapse due to cold weather, they will recover once the temperature rises during the day.
CHRISTMAS BOX
SARCOCOCCA CONFUSA AND HOOKERIANNA
Dec-Feb
These unique evergreen shrubs and wintertime charm throughout the seasn with their sweet heavy scent and masses of small pure white blooms.
CYCLAMEN COUM
Jan-Mar
With pockets along paths or found nestled beneath shrubbery, cyclamen coum has heart-shaped leaves and vibrant pink to purple shell shaped flowers.
MAHONIA
Dec-Mar
Lifting your spirits in winter is the bright yellow scented mahonia found along paths in the upper part of the Dell. You will often smell this beautifully scented evergreen shrub long before seeing the flowers
WITCH HAZEL HAMAMELIS
Feb-Mar
An abundance of witch hazel such as Hamamelis x intermedia ‘Pallida’ with its sweet, intoxicating fragarance and bright yellow crown, can be found welcoming visitors when exploring the myriad of paths and tracks leading to the lakes.
WINTER ADVENTURES
WINTER WONDERS
Discover the magic of Leonardslee this winter. Our gardens are a haven for exploration, offering endless fun for all ages. Complete seasonal activity sheets, enjoy our expansive new play park. Designed for intergenerational play, it’s the perfect spot to create lasting memories together.
A STEP BACK IN TIME
Discover a world of enchantment at the “Beyond the Dolls’ House” exhibition. This captivating display brings Edwardian country estate to life, igniting children’s imaginations and transporting adults to a world of historic charm.
Located in the main courtyard, this famous exhibition is included with garden entry.
SCULPTURE PARK & ART GALLERY
Explore over 150 sculptures by local talents from Surrey and Sussex, blended with Anton Smit’s acclaimed works from South Africa.
Visit the Art Gallery within Leonardslee House where smaller scale works are displayed. All works are available for sale.
Viewing of the Sculpture Park & Art Gallery is included in garden entry.
FAMILY FUN MADE EASY
CONVENIENT LOCATION
Just 10 minutes from Horsham train station and a stop along Bus 17 to Brighton’s line, making your family day trip a breeze.
ACCESSIBLE
We have a route that explores our top garden, disabled toilets and inclusive play park. We also offer quiet sessions for events. Check out our website for details and upcoming dates.
MEMBERSHIP MAKES IT SPECIAL
Enjoy unlimited access throughout the year, special member events, discounts on refreshments and seasonal activities, and more! Become part of the Leonardslee family and create lasting memories together.
LIVE LIFE IN FULL BLOOM
For less than £1 per week, per adult in a joint membership.
Follow our journey on Instagram.
