Leonardslee Gardens

Leonardslee Gardens near Lower Beeding is one of the most impressive gardens in Sussex.

The estate is constructed around a series of seven ponds, some of which are recent creations, and some of which were in use many centuries ago when this part of Sussex was an important iron-working location.

Opening Hours (2025)

• 30 March to 25 October: daily from 09.00 to 17.00 (last entry: 16.30)
• 26 October to 29 March 2026: daily, except Christmas Day, from 09.00 to 16.00 (last entry: 15.30)

Attractions

• a large, 19th-century stone house which now accommodates guests;
• a sculpture park and art gallery (see the nearby photograph);
• many examples of rhododendrons and azaleas, which thrive on Leonardslee’s acidic soil;
• a rock garden (see the photograph near the top of this page), laid out by the Victorian landscape gardener, James Pulham ;
• a population of wallabies;
• much other wildlife, including swans, ducks, geese, and koi carp;
• a collection of Victorian cars, some of which take part in the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run ;
• a dolls’ house museum;
• at least one café;
• a Michelin-starred restaurant: https://www.restaurant-interlude.co.uk/;
• a vineyard, with wine tasting.

Warning: Restrictions

• Leonardslee refuses to accept cash.
• No food or drink may be consumed unless it is purchased on the premises.
• Dogs must be kept on short leads. Any dog-owner thoughtless enough to use an extendible lead in public will have it confiscated for the duration of their visit, and a short lead will be provided in exchange for a refundable £10 deposit. Dogs other than guide dogs are not allowed inside the house.

Entrance Fees (2025)

Tickets may be purchased at reception or online.

Adult (age 17 or over)

• Standard price: £16.50
• If booked at least two days in advance: £15.50

Child (age 2 to 16)

• Standard price: £9.50
• If booked at least two days in advance: £8.50

One adult and up to 3 children

• Standard price: £34.50
• If booked at least two days in advance: £31.50

Two adults and up to 3 children

• Standard price: £47.00
• If booked at least two days in advance: £43.00

Concessions

• Children under 2 years of age are admitted free of charge, as are carers, who should produced evidence of their status (e.g. a Copmpass card).
• Holders of Gardeners’ World cards will be entitled to one free ticket on arrival if they have already purchased a ticket online. This offer is not available on bank holidays, or during May, or on days when certain other events are held.
• Members of the Royal Horticultural Society are eligible for free entry on Mondays and Tuesdays (excepting bank holidays) during March to June and October to November, and on every day in the remaining months of the year.
• Of course, members of Leonardslee are entitled to free entry.

Membership Benefits

Various levels of membership are available, giving the following benefits:

• unlimited free entry
• discounts to events
• free parking
• free entry to the dolls’ museum
• free tours of the gardens (must be booked in advance)
• priority booking at the restaurant

Access to Leonardslee Gardens

Leonardslee was developed by Sir Edmund Loder and his descendants from the late 19th century onwards, and has been open to the public for many years.

The property was sold for about £5 million in early 2010 to an east European businessman, who decided not to permit the general public access to the gardens (the photographs on this page were taken shortly before the gardens were closed to the public). Fortunately, the gardens acquired a new owner a few years later and were opened to the public again in 2019.

Accessibility Pros and Cons

• Disabled parking spaces are available near the main entrance.
• Low reception counters are available for visitors in wheelchairs.
• There are accessible toilets at reception, at the Clocktower Kitchen, and at Leonardslee House.
• Some of the paths are flat and suitable for visitors with reduced mobility.
• Other paths, especially in the lower half of the gardens, are steep, with uneven surfaces, and are not suitable for users of mobility scooters.
• A free shuttle service to the lower half of the gardens may be available, but it is run by volunteers and cannot be guaranteed.
• Mobility scooters may be hired; contact Leonardslee to book one in advance.

Location and Car Parking

Leonardslee Gardens are situated just south of Lower Beeding. The entrance to the car park is on the A281 (Brighton Road), just after the junction with the B2110 from Lower Beeding.

Car parking is free for Leonardslee members and holders of blue badges, and otherwise costs £4.80 for a full day. It can be paid for:

• on arrival at reception,
• or via an app.

Other Gardens near Pease Pottage

• Nymans Garden in Handcross
• High Beeches in Handcross

See the Pease Pottage Area Directory »