Magic and Adventure at Leonardslee Gardens with the Half-Term Halloween Trail

This school half-term, Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens is set to enchant families with a new magical experience. From 21st to 31st October, the Grade I Listed woodland gardens will host the Halloween Trail, a captivating journey for children inspired by the tale of Merlin the Wizard and Adria the Wicked Witch.

Adria the Wicked Witch is on an evil quest to steal the vibrant colours that make Leonardslee Gardens a visual spectacle. Standing in her way is Merlin the Wizard, the guardian of the gardens' beauty. The key to this magical mystery lies along the Halloween Trail, and visitors are invited to join the quest to thwart Adria's wicked plans.

"The Halloween Trail offers a unique blend of storytelling, adventure, and education," says Adam Streeter, General Manager at Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens. "It's a perfect outing for families, especially for children who are fascinated by the magical world of witches and wizards."

As families traverse the trail, children engage with an activity book filled with intriguing tasks. From solving clues that bring them closer to the story's resolution to learning fascinating facts about the flora and fauna of Leonardslee, the trail promises an enriching experience. The journey culminates in a colouring page, allowing young artists to capture the essence of their adventure.

To add an extra layer of excitement, children are encouraged to come dressed in their favourite magical attire. Whether they're aspiring wizards, witches, or mythical creatures, the trail welcomes all to join in this spellbinding experience.

"Leonardslee has always been a place where the imagination can roam free. The Halloween Trail is an extension of that, inviting families to immerse themselves in a world where magic is real, and every turn holds a new discovery," says Streeter.

Complementing the Halloween trail, on the 21st, 22nd and 26th to 29th, between the hours of 10:00 and 15:00, the gardens will host a series of storytellers. As guests meander through the picturesque trails, they will be greeted with a series of hauntingly good tales. This storytelling experience is thoughtfully integrated into a specially designed Halloween Trail, offering a unique blend of narrative and natural beauty.

This limited-time event promises to make this October half-term a memorable one. Guests can book tickets now and be part of an adventure that celebrates the magic and wonder of Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens.

The Halloween Trail is included in the garden entry fee and is free for Leonardslee members. There is no charge for under 5s and free activity sheets are available at reception. Pre-booking is required for non-members.

Hawking About

This half term will also feature Hawking About at Leonardslee, a premier falconry experience with a range of awe-inspiring bird of prey displays. Visitors are invited to the event lawn alongside Leonardslee House on 21st-25th, 28th and 29th October, between 10:00 and 15:00, to witness the grace and power of owls, hawks, and falcons.

Founded in 2010 by head falconer Kevin, Hawking About began as a passion project with a single Harris Hawk named Aimee. Over the years, the organisation has honed its expertise in training a diverse collection of birds of prey. Hawking About provides guests with educational flying displays and has garnered an impressive portfolio, featuring appearances at top tourist attractions in the south of England, including Arundel Castle and National Trust Sites.

The upcoming displays at Leonardslee promise not just education but also entertainment and public interaction. "We mainly fly native birds like our Barn Owl, Kestrel, and Peregrine Falcon," says Kevin. "Whether you're interested in medieval-style displays or something more traditional, we've got something for everyone."

Don't miss this unique opportunity to get up close and personal with some of nature's most captivating creatures. Whether you're an avid birdwatcher, a family looking for an educational day out, or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of these majestic birds, Hawking About at Leonardslee is an event not to be missed.

For more information or to book tickets, visit the Leonardslee Gardens website. 

Ends

Editors notes

Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens is a family-owned vineyard estate, near Horsham in West Sussex, which features ‘the finest woodland gardens in England’, Grade I Listed, as well as a Michelin Star restaurant and luxury vineyard accommodation.

The 240-acre estate was established by Sir Edmund Loder, the great Victorian plant collector, and now includes a Sussex Wine vineyard, with the first release of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier sparkling wine in 2024.

The estate features outstanding displays all year round. In the spring this includes rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias, magnolias and bluebells. The collection is exceptional in its diversity and maturity, with several rare ‘champion’ trees, threatened in their natural habitat.

The gardens offer a protected ecosystem for rare wildlife such as Emperor Dragonflies and Damselflies, White Admiral and Purple Hairstreak butterflies and migratory and native birds - Kites, Great Tits, Tree Creepers, Nuthatches, Woodpeckers and Nightingales.

The estate reopened in April 2019, following acquisition and two years’ intensive work by entrepreneur Penny Streeter OBE to restore the woodland gardens after eight years of closure and neglect under previous ownership. It was the largest garden restoration project in the United Kingdom since Heligan 30 years before.

Since further restoration work in 2021, visitors can also stay in the luxury vineyard hotel after dining at Restaurant Interlude in Leonardslee House, the Grade II Listed Italianate mansion house, to experience the Michelin Star multi-course tasting menu created by chef Jean Delport.

Visitors can view a magical world in miniature at the Beyond the Doll's House exhibition, which depicts the Edwardian estate and neighbouring villages at 1:12 scale. They can then enjoy a classic afternoon tea in the mansion house, making for a great family day out. It is one of the top places to visit in Sussex and is open all year round except Christmas Day.

For great days out, there is an extensive programme of entertainment that includes winter garden illuminations and light trails, wine and beer festivals, photo and art exhibitions, live music events, cooking and gardening demonstrations, arts and crafts fairs, modelling and toy shows, and children’s events and adventure trails.

Vineyards –

Leonardslee Estate: Acquired 2018 - 3.1 Acres - 2018 First vines planted - 4,000 Estimated bottles Experimental planting of Pinotage - 2022 First estate Pinotage

Mannings Estate: Acquired 2017 - 34 Acres - 2017 First vines planted - 70,000 Estimated bottles Sparkling wine cultivars 60% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot Noir and 10% Pinot Meunier - 2024 First release of wine