Leonardslee Winter 2022

No Time to Hibernate - Head for the Woods

The dark days of winter can be a drag, but they don't have to be!  

When you're looking for fun things to do with your family and friends, nothing beats a walk in the woods. While some people might think that garden estates are best visited during the spring and summer months, visitors to Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens tell us that each season has special qualities, including autumn and winter.  

That's because there are a lot of benefits to spending time outdoors in the dead of winter - not just for the spirit, but also for your health.   

There's something special about being surrounded by trees that just feels so good. There are plenty of health benefits associated with being outdoors: increased fitness; reduced stress; better sleep; and more vitamin D from light exposure for an hour or two outdoors this time of year.  

You'll get some time away from technology too!  

Here are just a few reasons to review why Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens is such a great place to visit now:  

1) It's easy. There's just you and nature, and a range of different walks through the 240-acre estate, around the seven interlaced lakes.  

2) It's peaceful. When you're walking through the woodland gardens on an overcast day with perhaps a sprinkling of frost, it feels like you're stepping into another world entirely - one where everything is calm, peaceful and beautiful... well away from news channels!  

3) The grounds are full of rare and precious plants, trees, and flowers that are sure to impress even the most seasoned gardeners. There are miles of walking trails, so it's easy to find something to lighten your mood.  

4) You can also bring your dog along on your hike through the woods and gardens at Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens - just make sure dogs are kept on a leash and under control at all times!  

5) If you're looking for more than just a walk in the park, Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens is also home to a famous colony of wallabies wandering the estate - and an enclosure of these cute creatures, the mums and their joeys, safely protected from predators.  

6) And there's more - the best classic afternoon tea, perhaps anywhere; the Michelin Star restaurant, Restaurant Interlude, for a great winter holiday treat, with beautiful overnight accommodation; and shops and a coffee bar - perfect for a family day out this winter.  

7) Join as an annual member and you’re supporting a great environmental project (there’s a special offer, below). The Streeter family rescued and restored the estate in 2017 after seven years of closure and neglect.  

The Leonardslee team is now carefully nurturing the rare native flora and fauna, including planting tens of thousands of plants that are seriously threatened in the rest of the British Isles.   

Finally, it is a great value. Open 364 days of the year – only closed on Christmas day - the estate offers annual membership for less than £1 per week*. Yes, that’s a year full of your own wonderful experiences for just over a pound weekly. 

So, join us now – because there’s a great offer of a free ticket to Leonardslee Illuminated when you take out an annual membership, a saving of £18 for an adult. 

And why not treat a loved one to a £60 annual membership, for a very special Christmas gift this year?

They are sure to remember your lovely gift every time they visit!