Escape to Nature: Leonardslee in Mental Health Awareness Month, May 2024

13 May

With life’s daily stresses and anxieties, it’s worth remembering the healing power of nature. For Mental Health Awareness Month in May, Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens invites you to immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the 240-acre estate, where you can find solace and relaxation.

Located near Horsham in West Sussex, Leonardslee boasts “the finest woodland gardens in England”, offering visitors a chance to escape the chaos of everyday life and reconnect with the natural world. With 1 in 4 people experiencing mental health problems every year and over 2 million waiting for NHS mental health services, according to mental health charity MIND, it’s more important than ever to prioritise our wellbeing.

Numerous studies have shown that spending time in nature can have a profound impact on our mental health. The benefits are complex and still being understood, but it’s clear that our senses play a crucial role in connecting us to the environment. From the shapes and colours of the flora to the soft fascination that nature stimulates, helping our minds rest and recharge.

“Leonardslee is a haven for those seeking to improve their mental health and wellbeing”, says Adam Streeter, general manager at Leonardslee. “Our gardens provide a peaceful and calming environment where visitors can practice mindfulness, reduce stress, and increase feelings of self-compassion and empathy.”

Relax Into Spring

Spring is a particularly enchanting time to visit Leonardslee, as the estate comes alive in a landscape of colour and scent. From March to June, visitors can marvel at the majestic rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias, magnolias, and bluebells, creating a vibrant and awe-inspiring display that’s reflected in the estate’s seven interlaced lakes.

The famous Bluebell Bank is a must-see during this time, as thousands of bluebells carpet the forest floor, transforming the woodland into an enchanting fairy tale scene. Visitors can also spot a variety of wildlife, including squirrels, bluetits, fallow deer, and the estate’s resident Bennett’s wallabies, adding to the magical atmosphere.

In addition to the stunning gardens, Leonardslee offers a range of activities and attractions that cater to all ages and interests. The Beyond the Doll’s House exhibition showcases a magical world in miniature depicting the Edwardian estate and neighbouring villages, while the 2,500 sq m play park provides an exciting and natural recreational space for children.

For those seeking a more immersive experience, Leonardslee also offers well-being and mindfulness events, such as forest bathing, and guided walks. Please see view the details of events. These activities allow visitors to fully embrace the restorative power of nature and develop a deeper connection with the environment.

As we welcome Mental Health Awareness Month, it’s crucial to remember that taking care of our mental health is just as important as our physical health. By visiting Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens, you can give yourself the gift of tranquillity, beauty, and restoration, all while surrounded by the breathtaking wonders of nature.

So, gather your family and friends for a journey of self-care and discovery at Leonardslee. Let the magic of the gardens wash over you, and feel your stress and anxieties melt away as you immerse yourself in the stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife.

Take a Break: Leonardslee Experiences

Leonardslee offers a wide range of visitor experiences that cater to those seeking a midweek or weekend break, allowing guests to unwind and reconnect with themselves amidst the estate's stunning natural beauty.

One of the highlights of Leonardslee is the Michelin-starred Restaurant Interlude, located in the Grade II listed Italianate mansion, Leonardslee House. Chef Jean Delport's seasonally inspired tasting menu allows guests to connect with the estate's gardens through carefully curated ingredients, foraged on-site and sourced from local producers.

After a memorable dining experience, visitors can retire to one of the ten beautifully designed bedrooms, each featuring a unique garden theme, for a luxurious overnight stay.

For those interested in viticulture, Leonardslee Wine Estate offers golf buggy tours of the vineyards, set amidst the picturesque Sussex landscape and the estate’s international golf course. Golf enthusiasts will be pleased to know that Leonardslee is home to the Mannings Heath Golf, featuring both 9 and 18-hole courses. There are a range of player options, including lessons.

At the Vineyard Hotel & Kitchen at Leonardslee Wine Estate, guests can indulge in lunch or classic afternoon tea, as well as participate in wine tastings and pairings in the Tasting Room. The hotel provides luxury accommodation for those wishing to extend their stay.

The estate hosts an exciting calendar of arts, music, and wine-themed events throughout the year, including popular attractions such as Leonardslee Lates, when the estate is open in the evenings with live music and entertainment, and the Labyrinth Challenge with its giant inflatable obstacle course in August.

By offering a diverse range of visitor experiences, Leonardslee ensures that guests can find the perfect way to unwind, relax, and prioritise their mental well-being during their stay. Whether it's a weekend getaway or a mid-week break, visitors can immerse themselves in the tranquillity of nature while indulging in the estate's exceptional dining, accommodation, and leisure activities.

Adam Streeter says: “At Leonardslee, we believe that everyone deserves a chance to experience the healing power of nature. We invite you to join us this Mental Health Awareness Week and discover the beauty and tranquillity that our estate has to offer.”