Leonardslee Gardens

An elaborate series of hedges, shrubs and trees, with a path in the foreground and in the lower left-hand corner a small statue of two figures

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 (2024)

31 March to 27 October: daily from 09.00 to 17.00 (last entry: 16.30)
after 27 October: daily, except Christmas Day, from 09.00 to 16.00 (last entry: 15.30)

Attractions

Part of a sculpture of a deer or bull, made of wire

a large, 19th-century stone house which now accommodates guests;
many examples of rhododendrons and azaleas, which thrive on Leonardslee’s acidic soil;
a rock garden (see the photograph above), 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 sculpture park and art gallery;
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 does not accept cash.
No food or drink may be consumed unless it is purchased on the premises.

Entrance Fees (2024)

Adult (age 17 or over): £14.50
Child (age 5 to 16): £8
One adult and up to 3 children: £31.50
Two adults and up to 3 children: £43

Tickets may be purchased at reception or online.

Membership

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

unlimited 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

A large, two-storey country house in pale brick, with a lawn in front and trees to the right

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. Fortunately, the gardens acquired a new owner a few years later and 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 just south of Lower Beeding. The entrance to the car park is on the A281, just after the junction with the B2110 from Lower Beeding.

Car parking costs £4.50 for a full day, and 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

Contact Details

website: www.leonardsleegardens.com
email: info@leonardsleegardens.com
phone: 0330 123 5893
address: Lower Beeding, near Horsham, Sussex, RH13 6PP

See the Pease Pottage Area Directory