Experience the Magic of Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens
6 Must-Do Activities During English Tourism Week!
Take a stroll through the woodland gardens - Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens boasts "the finest woodland gardens in England". The estate features outstanding displays of rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias, magnolias and bluebells. The collection is exceptional in its diversity and maturity, with several rare ‘champion’ trees that are threatened in their natural habitat.
Dine at Restaurant Interlude - Enjoy a multi-course tasting menu experience created by Michelin Star chef Jean Delport at the Restaurant Interlude in Leonardslee House. Book a classic English afternoon tea, with wonderful cakes, sandwiches and savouries, with many ingredients foraged or grown on the estate.
Stay overnight at the luxury vineyard hotel - Following extensive restoration work in 2021, visitors can stay overnight in beautiful accommodation after dining at Restaurant Interlude in Leonardslee House. The rooms were created by top British designers, and it was recently awarded ‘100 Best Places to Stay in Britain for 2023’ by the Times.
Experience the wildlife - The gardens offer a protected ecosystem for rare wildlife. Visitors can see Emperor Dragonflies and Damselflies, White Admiral and Purple Hairstreak butterflies and migratory and native birds - Kites, Great Tits, Tree Creepers, Nuthatches, Woodpeckers and Nightingales
Visitors can see a magical world in miniature at our Beyond the Doll's House exhibition that depicts the Edwardian era estate and neighbouring villages at 1:12 scale. It shows all aspects of bustling village life, with a school, kitchens dining rooms, farmyard and more, including many animated activities and characters.
Visit fun events - Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens offers a great family day out with an extensive programme of entertainment throughout the year. This includes winter garden illuminations, wine and beer festivals, photo and art exhibitions, live music events, cooking and gardening demonstrations, arts and crafts fairs, modelling and toy shows, children’s events and adventure trails. There is also a range of wellbeing and mindfulness events, including yoga, forest bathing and other health and fitness classes, for great days out in Sussex.
Fun Events for All!
The following is a list of events now on and upcoming at Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens, with their dates, times and brief descriptions:
Shaun the Sheep at Leonardslee - Saturdays, from 09:00 until 17:00.
Join the world of Shaun the Sheep with an augmented reality trail.
Leonardslee Comedy Club - Fridays, March 10, 2013, from 18:00 to May 12, 2023, until 21:15.
The Leonardslee Comedy Club will feature live stand-up comedy.
Paint Workshop: 'Bob Ross Special' - Saturday, 11 March 2023, from 10:00 to 12:30.
Local artist Raymond Warren will lead a paint workshop inspired by Bob Ross.
Tree Walks - Wednesdays, from 11:00 until 12:30.
Explore the estate's Grade I listed ecosystem, rich in character and history, and learn about the unique trees within it.
Garlic Wood at Leonardslee - Saturdays, March 18, 2023, from 11:00 to Sundays, June 4, 2023.
On various days, Garlic Wood will offer local food at the venue.
Mother's Day at Leonardslee - Sunday, 19 March 2023, from 09:00 to 16:00.
Spend the day with your mum exploring the awakening gardens.
Modern Calligraphy Workshops - Sundays, from 11:00 until 13:00.
Learn the craft of modern calligraphy with Helen Wallace.
Watercolour Brush Lettering Workshops - Sundays, from 13:00 until 15:30.
Spend a relaxing afternoon learning watercolour brush lettering.
Hand-painted Crocus Pottery Painting Workshop - Thursday, 23 March 2023, from 11:00 to 13:00.
Join a hand-painted Crocus Pottery Painting Workshop.