Exciting Events at Leonardslee | Spring 2025
Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens in Sussex has a fun lineup of events for late winter and spring 2025!
Just 10 minutes from Horsham, the award-winning woodland gardens are home to rare wallabies, have an exciting new play park, cafes and recently refurbished Garden Shop & Plant Centre. From tranquil forest bathing experiences to creative workshops and captivating talks, Leonardslee offers an exciting array of activities for visitors of all ages and interests.
All events & workshops are subject to change.
Family-friendly activities
Winter Welly Walk | 8 February – 2 March
Join us for a fun walk on our Welly Walk trail. Complete the activity booklet to learn interesting facts about Leonardslee and nature. Don't forget to design your own wellies at The Clocktower Kitchen – your child’s creation could win exciting prizes!
Little Life savers: Kids first aid class | 18 February
Empower yourself with the knowledge to handle emergencies with this fun and informative first air class designed for children aged 5 – 10 years old.
Nature Maker Workshops | 19 February – 28 May
Let your child’s imagination soar with these creative workshops designed for ages 18 months – 4 years old & 5+ year olds workshops. Using natural materials, children will create unique crafts while playing and making new friends.
Easter Trail: How Things Grow! | 2 – 21 April
Join us over the Easter half-term at Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens for an exciting nature trail to discover how things grow! Packed with fascinating facts, complete the sticker booklet along the trail, with a special prize waiting at the end. Keep an eye out for Willow the Wallaby and the Easter Bunny along the way!
Prebooking is essential
Unwind & reconnect with nature
Forest Bathing | 28 February – 21 June
Join Emma Weaver for a calming forest bathing session. Enjoy the fresh air, relax in our ancient woodland gardens, and practice mindfulness.
Heritage Trail Series | 23 March
Experience the beauty of Leonardslee with our exclusive seasonal running events. Choose from a 10km or 5km route. These trails are typically closed to the runners, making this a unique opportunity to explore Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens.
Unleash your inner artist
Candle making workshops | 5 February – 29 March
Make your own fragrant candles with local artisan Ursula from Wax and Willow. Experiment with different scents and create a personalised piece to illuminate your home.
Modern Calligraphy | 7 February – 16 March
Join Helen Wallace to learn modern calligraphy. This workshop equips you with the skills to craft beautiful lettering, perfect for beginners or those seeking to refine their hand-lettering style.
Jesmonite Coaster Making | 9 February & 28 March
Explore the wonders of Jesmonite, an eco-friendly material that sets quickly. In this workshop you’ll learn to make unique coasters, experimenting with techniques and incorporating your own creative flair.
Watercolour Brush Lettering Workshops | 9 February – 16 March
Learn to create beautiful lettering and complement it with loose florals and washes, perfect for beginners seeking a new artistic pursuit.
Abstract floral, landscape and forest painting workshops | 13 February – 5 July
Join Jo Starkey and delve into the world of abstract painting. Learn various techniques to create stunning abstract renditions of floral landscapes and forests.
Botanical Illustration Workshop | 26 March
Learn how to draw and illustrate a unique piece of art from start to finish. Professional botanical artist Leigh Ann, who is part of our Leonardslee Florilegium will guide you step-by-step, to produce accurate initial drawings, that will then be transferred to specialist watercolour paper before using watercolours and/or pencils to bring your illustration to life.
Workshops for all skill levels
Botanical Machine Embroidery Workshops | 27 February & 13 March
Learn the art of free-hand machine embroidery with Lara, who will guide you through the process of creating beautiful botanical embroideries.
Cupcake Decorating Workshops | 1 March
Hone your cupcake decorating skills with Zoe from Boutique Bakes, these workshops offer a fun and rewarding experience for bakers of all levels.
Crepe Paper flower workshop: Anemone | 4 March
Craft beautiful and everlasting crepe paper crepe paper anemones with local artist Helen Mole’s expert guidance.
Educational Talks
The Little History of Sussex with Kevin Newman | 8 March
Embark on a captivating journey through Sussex’s history with a talk by renowned historian Kevin Newman. This interactive session promises to be both informative and entertaining.
Visit www.leonardsleegardens.co.uk for our full list of events, latest information and updates.
