Sir Edmund Loder a pioneer of rhododendron breeding, acquired the estate of Leonardslee in 1889. Five generations on his family still tend to the collection of rhododendrons and azaleas he developed, including many of the impressive scented Loderi hybrids, now grown to full tree size. The estate also features a large collection of camellias, as well as a famous dolls house scale scene, sculpture collection and several 1890's motor cars, many of which have featured in the London to Brighton Races.
The estate is best viewed in May, when the rhododendron collection is in full bloom. The nine miles of paths, lakes, a large rock garden and a conservatory , deer, wallabies and birds, mean there is always something worthwhile on display throughout the open season. The estate contains a tearoom as well as a licensed restaurant and there is ample free parking.
Beyond the Dolls House is an exhibit at Leonardslee gardens created by Helen Holland which features a complete estate and adjoining market town pictured during the early 1900's. It is a large 1:12 scale display occupying a dedicated building with many animated scenes and over 140 feet of display frontage. This is a very popular exhibit any day the garden is open.
Leonardslee Garden Essentials
- Where: Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens, Lower Beeding, Horsham, West Sussex, RH13 6PP England.
- Phone: Tel: +44 (0)1403 891 212
- Opening times: The gardens are open daily between April 1st and October 31st from 9:30am to -6 pm. Last admission is at 4:30 pm. See their website for special events, restaurant and shop hours
- Admission: April 1st to June 1st Adults £8.00 Weekdays, £9.00 Weekends and Bank Holidays, children (5-15) £4.00. June 2nd – October 31 Adults £6.50 Children £4. Group rates are available
- Wheelchair access: The "Beyond the Dolls House" exhibition, the Victorian cars, Alpine house, Clock Tower Restaurant and Gift Shop are all wheelchair-accessible. There is a slope from the car park to these areas. The temperate green house and toilets (including disabled toilet) are adjacent to the car park. The lower lakes and gardens can be viewed from the upper pathways, although not all paths are suitable for wheelchair access.
- Getting there
By car: The garden is very close to Nymans Garden about 40 miles from Central London, just below Horsham off the London Brighton M23/A23, at the junction of the A281 & B2110. From the M23, take the turning 1 mile after J11 signposted Handcross
By train: Horsham has a regular service from London Victoria, and other London stations. From Horsham station ( 5 miles from Leonardslee) you can catch a bus number 17 Horsham – Brighton which stops at the garden entrance.
Events take place often during the spring and summer months. Check the website to see what's happening at Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens.
