Leonardslee Lights 2024: Winter Enchantment

Winter Enchantment at Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens   

This winter, visitors to Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens in Horsham, West Sussex, are invited to experience a breathtaking after-dark light trail as Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens transforms into an enchanting realm – awash with light, sound and colour.  

The annual winter light trail runs on select nights from 22 November – 30 December 2024, with light trails operating from 16:15 – 20:15. Visitors are encouraged to check the Leonardslee website for specific dates, ticket prices, and exclusive offers for Leonardslee members. 

Now in its sixth year, the annual winter light trail at Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens is back with a brand-new route and promises to be bigger, better, and even more magical than before.  

New for 2024 

Experience the magic in peace with our Quiet Night  

Designed for those seeking a more tranquil atmosphere, our Quiet Night offers a sensory-friendly experience with reduced crowds and lower sound levels on 5 December 2024. 

Hassle-free travel with our free shuttle bus service!  

Enjoy a convenient round-trip journey from Horsham Station directly to Leonardslee Lights with our complimentary shuttle bus service. Simply purchase a Leonardslee Lights + Shuttle Bus ticket to take advantage of this perk. 

Enjoy greater flexibility with flexible tickets  

Our flexible tickets offer the ultimate convenience, allowing you to change your ticket date and trail entry time up to 31 October 2024.* Tickets start at just £17.50, and Leonardslee members can enjoy even greater savings with free or discounted ticket options. 

T’s & C’s apply 

The event will transport visitors into an enchanting world as the gardens come alive with stunning illuminations, captivating large-scale installations, mesmerising fountains, ethereal soundscapes, and meet enchanting characters along the way. 

"We're thrilled to unveil a new route for this year's Leonardslee Lights," says Adam Streeter, Managing Director of Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens. "Visitors will have a captivating 60 to 90-minute journey through our woodland gardens, experiencing awe-inspiring installations that transform Leonardslee into a multisensory wonderland." 

This year's event features an exciting lineup of local artists and enchanting characters - one of our most stunning new features this year is a field of 300 illuminated crocuses. 

Witness the mesmerising “Sea of Light” installation by Brighton-based Ithaca Studios, known for their work with Coldplay at Glasonbury 2021. This collective of light artists, sound designers, composers, and experimenters is set to create an unforgettable audio-visual experience. 

Complementing the visual spectacle, a renowned sound artist Dan Fox of Sound Intervention will present his new work, "Glittering Grove." This innovative sound installation promises to add another layer of immersion to the event, engaging visitors' senses in new and exciting ways. 

Adding a dynamic, interactive element to the event, Third Space, a local group of young performers, will bring the light installations to life as visitors meet enchanting characters along the way. 

Boutique Christmas market 

Beyond the light trail, Leonardslee Lights offers a festive atmosphere with a small boutique Christmas market, open from 15:00 – 21:00. Here visitors can indulge in delicious seasonal food and drink, enjoy vintage funfair rides, and peruse local artisans' wares before or after their light trail adventure. 

Discover sculptures illuminated: a celebration of art and nature 

As you wander through the enchanting Leonardslee Lights trail, immerse yourself in a captivating blend of nature and artistry. This year, Leonardslee proudly commemorates the Surrey Sculpture Society’s 30th anniversary by highlighting a remarkable collection of sculptures by local talents. 

Meander through the valley and lakes along the twinkling-lit trail, encountering breathtaking works seamlessly integrated into the surrounding landscape. Admire the Surrey Sculpture Societies Leonardslee Sculpture of the Year, Graeme Lougher’s captivating installation of “Prowling Wolves” and “In Haste.” 

Be captivated by the winter-themed artistry of Nicholas Baker’s “Flowering Proteas,” the playful “Let’s Dance” by Jeremy Moulsdale, and the giant “Mycelium Major” by Abby Martin. 

Tickets are available online, starting from £17.50 for adults, with children under 2 going free. Leonardslee members can enjoy free or discounted tickets, and parking is complimentary for all attendees. 

Visitors are advised to book early to secure their preferred date and time slot. For more information and to book tickets, please visit www.leonardsleegardens.co.uk/lights  

Annual membership at Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens starts from £60. It offers many benefits, including year-round entry to the gardens and play park, free tickets to Leonardslee Lights, discounts on shopping and dining, and exclusive access to exciting events throughout the year. All for less than £1 per week when signing up for joint membership via Direct Debit* 

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Garden News | November 2024

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