Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens Winter Guide
Winter guide for the perfect day out at Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens
With stunning winter scenery, exciting seasonal events, opportunities to volunteer, and an unforgettable dollhouse exhibition, Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens gives visitors ample reasons to brave the cold. The new winter guide is available at the garden's reception, highlighting all the estate has to offer and providing ideas to make the most of a winter visit. From peaceful nature walks to hands-on workshops, Leonardslee cultivates wonder and joy even during the colder months.
Winter Blooms
Though many plants lie dormant in winter, pockets of colour persist in the gardens. Witch hazel, snowdrops, mahonia, camellias, cyclamens, Christmas box, and other flowers continue providing fragrance and beauty. The rock garden also impresses with vibrant lichens and moss. Later in the season, early bloomers like hellebores, crocuses, and irises join the display. Two champion holly trees, a Himalayan and an American holly, show off their glossy leaves and bright red berries.
The Lakes
At the heart of Leonardslee lie seven interconnected lakes. On calm days, near-perfect reflections shine on the water's glassy surface. The benches surrounding the lakes provide an ideal spot to soak in the peaceful sights and sounds of nature. It's a place to appreciate the simple beauty of winter.
Winter Wildlife
In addition to events, the wintertime gardens offer ample opportunity to spot local wildlife. The combination of woodlands and lakes provides an ideal habitat for many rare birds and mammals. Some species such as siskins, crossbills, and redwings migrate from northern climates to spend the winter here. Visitors may also spot resident species like hares, badgers, and the garden's famous colony of Bennett's wallabies. Free-roaming wallabies can be seen grazing in the Deer Park and Top Garden. There is also a wallaby maternity enclosure to safely house mothers and joeys. Wallaby feeding time occurs daily at 12:00 - 12:15, offering a chance to see them up close.
- See wallabies up close
- Daily at 12:00 to 12:15PM
Top Garden & Deer Park
In the wilder sections of Leonardslee, visitors can explore the 70-acre Deer Park and adjacent Top Garden. Frosty mornings transform the landscape into icy vistas dotted with heather. Meandering trails allow adventurers to discover scenic views and wildlife. Both areas provide prime habitats for the estate's deer and free-roaming wallabies. The Top Garden was originally planted with many conifers and trees during the early 1900s, though most were lost in the Great Storm of 1987. Today, it remains a peaceful wildlife haven.
Champion Trees
Leonardslee is home to over 80 champion trees, the largest or tallest of their species in the country or world. These natural marvels stand like sculptures throughout the gardens, especially captivating when dusted in frost or snow. The 33-metre Algerian Oak holds the record as the tallest tree of its kind globally. Helpful signage marking the champions helps visitors learn the stories behind the record-breaking trees.
Sculpture Park & Art Gallery
Leonardslee integrates art into the natural landscape with its sculpture park and art gallery. The sculpture park scatters creative works, from strikingly large figures to hidden forest nymphs, throughout the gardens. The indoor art gallery in Leonardslee House showcases smaller paintings and sculptures. Many works are created by local artists and are available for purchase. Art lovers will appreciate how seamlessly art complements the garden's existing beauty.
Beyond the Dolls' House Exhibit
The "Beyond the Dolls' House" exhibit transports visitors into a magical world in miniature. The 1:12 scale village and country estate features intricate, surprising details in each room. Children in particular will delight in exploring every tiny nook and cranny. Some figures even have clever moving elements to discover. This unique display brings out childlike wonder in all who visit.
Seasonal Events & Workshops
Throughout the winter, Leonardslee offers a variety of creative workshops for both children and adults. These include festive workshops like hand-painted bauble decorating, candle making, and wreath making to get in the holiday spirit. We also hold workshops teaching new skills like calligraphy, coaster making, and acrylic pouring for those looking to pick up a new hobby after the holidays. With topics ranging from festive to artsy, there's a winter workshop for everyone to spark creativity and joy during the colder months.
Membership
Joining as a Leonardslee member helps to support the continued preservation of the gardens. Members gain year-round benefits including free or discounted tickets to major events like Leonardslee Illuminated. Early booking access, garden entry refunds, and other perks make membership worthwhile for regular visitors. Purchasing a membership directly aids in conserving this historic woodland paradise.
Volunteering
Volunteers play a vital role in sustaining Leonardslee's splendour through hands-on gardening, conservation initiatives, and more. Tasks like planting over 20,000 new snowdrop bulbs demonstrate the impact volunteers have on the gardens. Volunteers also operate the shuttles providing mobility assistance around the large grounds. Becoming a volunteer provides a chance to get involved in ensuring the estate remains a treasured place for generations.