Leonardslee Gardens, also known as Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens, is a historic landscape garden in West Sussex, southern England. Located near Horsham in the wooded village of Lower Beeding, the estate covers around 97 hectares and features woodland, seven lakes, winding paths, rare plant collections, a historic rock garden and outdoor sculpture displays.
History of Leonardslee
The estate's story is closely linked to the development of English country gardens and specialist plant collecting. In the early nineteenth century, Charles George Beauclerk acquired part of the former St Leonard's Forest estate and began laying out gardens and parkland. In the middle of the century, William Egerton Hubbard bought the property, built the present country house and continued improving the grounds.
The Loder family later played a defining role. From 1889, Sir Edmund Loder expanded the plant collections, developed the woodland gardens and introduced unusual animals. After periods of neglect, the gardens closed to the public in 2010. Penny Streeter bought the estate in 2017, and following a major restoration project, it reopened in 2019. Leonardslee is registered as a Grade I historic park and garden in England.
Seven lakes and woodland walks
Leonardslee occupies a sheltered valley where wooded slopes, mature trees and water create a sequence of changing views. The seven lakes reflect the surrounding vegetation and sky, while paths wind through woodland and ornamental shrubs. The terrain varies, with some gentle sections and other routes climbing the slopes, so comfortable footwear is recommended.
Rhododendrons and rare trees
The garden is particularly celebrated for its rhododendrons and azaleas. In spring, their flowers brighten the wooded hillsides. The collections also include camellias, magnolias, conifers and broadleaf trees, including the National Collection of Rhododendron Loderi. More than 70 trees have been recognised as Champion Trees. Spring brings flowering shrubs and bluebells, summer offers lush foliage and lakeside reflections, and autumn turns the valley gold, copper and red.
The Victorian Rock Garden
The historic Rock Garden combines natural sandstone with artificial Pulhamite, a material used to create convincing rock formations in Victorian gardens. These carefully constructed landscapes provided habitats for alpine plants, ferns and dwarf conifers. The garden is associated with James Pulham & Sons, a specialist firm known for its artificial rockwork, grottoes and landscape features.
Wildlife and wallabies
The woodland and lakes support a variety of wildlife, including squirrels, foxes and many birds. Wallabies, small marsupials resembling miniature kangaroos, are among the estate's unusual residents. Their presence reflects the historic tradition of keeping exotic animals at English country estates. Visitors should observe wildlife from a respectful distance and avoid feeding the animals.
Sculpture park and miniature exhibition
Art is woven into the garden landscape through sculptures by artists from Surrey and Sussex, alongside works by South African sculptor Anton Smit. The pieces are placed among trees and beside lakes. Another attraction, Beyond the Dolls’ House, features detailed miniature scenes at a scale of 1:12, depicting an Edwardian country estate and neighbouring villages.
Best time to visit
Spring is a particularly rewarding season, when rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias and magnolias bloom. April and May are often highlights, although flowering times depend on the weather. Summer is ideal for lakeside walks and birdwatching. Autumn brings rich gold, red and copper foliage, while winter reveals the structure of the trees and the contours of the valley. Seasonal evening light events may also take place.
Visitor information
Leonardslee is on Brighton Road in Lower Beeding, near Horsham in West Sussex. Check the official website before travelling for current opening hours, ticket arrangements and seasonal events. Allow several hours to explore the extensive grounds. Some paths are steep or uneven, so accessibility varies by route. Facilities include a children's play area, plant and gift shop, refreshment options and the Interlude restaurant. Leonardslee is an appealing destination for garden enthusiasts, photographers, history lovers and anyone seeking a peaceful countryside walk.
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