Children’s Activity Trail at Leonardslee with Award-Winning Author Hannah Peckham

Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens is excited to announce the return of the Conker Activity Trail to the Horsham estate, featuring the acclaimed children's author Hannah Peckham, from 10th June to 30th July, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. This immersive event invites visitors to explore nature, their senses, and their emotions while engaging with the imaginative world of Peckham's books. 

The Conker Activity Trail is designed to help lay the foundation of good mental health in children, mirroring the goals of Peckham's books. Upon arrival, visitors can pick up a free activity book at reception and follow Conker, the lovable chameleon, around the picturesque gardens in celebration of her award-winning book, Conker the Chameleon. 

Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens was chosen as the perfect location for the trail, as woodland gardens provide a calming and restorative effect on the mind for both children and adults. Studies have shown that cortisol levels decrease when walking in nature, and outdoor activities can reduce the risk of poor mental health. 

The trail is free for Leonardslee members, while non-members will need to purchase a garden entry ticket - £14.50 for an adult, £6.50 for a child and free entry for children five and under. 

In addition to the activity trail, Hannah Peckham will host a book reading at Leonardslee on 17th June. Peckham is passionate about writing beautiful stories that teach essential social and emotional lessons, supporting children’s emotional literacy. 

Peckham's latest book, Bronty's Battle Cry, follows a little dinosaur who learns to live life singing to his own tune. During the illustration stage, Peckham's three-year-old son was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. Now on a mission to raise awareness and find a kinder cure, Peckham works tirelessly on the #PantsToLeukhemia initiative with her son, Bodhi. As a result, 25p of each book sold will be donated to the Leukaemia UK #PantsToLeukaemia fund. 

Don't miss this opportunity to bond with nature, read literature, and support a great cause. Visit Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens for an unforgettable experience. 

Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens is a stunning Grade I listed woodland garden located in Horsham, West Sussex. Known for its breathtaking landscapes and diverse flora and fauna, it provides a serene environment for visitors to connect with nature and enjoy various events throughout the year. 

For more information, please visit www.leonardsleegardens.co.uk 

#HannahPeckham #ConkerBook #Conker #SummerGarden #ActivityTrail #Leonardslee #LeonardsleeGardens #BrontysBattleCry

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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