Easter 2024: Leonardslee Introduces Michelin Star Lunch and Spring Events Programme - 100,000 Reasons to Visit Leonardslee Gardens – the Daffodils.

Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens has launched a new lunchtime service at Restaurant Interlude, in addition to dining in the evening, and announced its spring 2024 events programme. There is an extensive new play area for children and a 100 sculpture Art Walk amid the outstanding spring displays in the woodlands and a series of guided walks, workshops and other experiences for visitors.

Over 10,000 white daffodils (Narcissus ‘Thalia’) were recently planted on the 240-acre estate as well as 2,000 dwarf bi-colour daffodils. Most of the estate’s daffodils are Narcissus pseudonarcissus, the wild daffodil, with 5,000 added recently, to total some 100,000 specimens, says head gardener Jamie Harris.

Under executive chef Jean Delport since it opened in 2018, Restaurant Interlude has won a Michelin Star and three AA rosettes, with a tasting menu inspired by the estate's Grade I Listed gardens. There are also ten luxury bedrooms that guests can book for the perfect spring break, says estate manager Adam Streeter.

The new lunchtime menu is a multi-course journey, with fresh produce grown on the estate and sourced locally, starting at 12:30 for drinks and seating at 13:00. This addition complements the existing dinner service, available from Thursday to Sunday, from 18:00.

Easter Visits

Leonardslee is organising a children’s Easter trail from 29 March, and a play park will open in the spring, to entertain families with children of all ages. The play structures include a 5m tall climbable treehouse, 32.5m zipline, a life-size doll’s house and a dragon sculpture for imaginative play. The Hut serves freshly baked hot doughnuts and a range of other treats.

The estate’s woodland gardens and parkland become a kaleidoscope of colour in the spring with rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias, magnolias, daffodils, and bluebells in full bloom. Visitors can enjoy a range of extensive walks with outstanding views across the estate and its seven lakes.

Head gardener Jamie Harris says: “In addition to the daffodils, the snowdrops offer an outstanding display at Snowdrop Rise, just north of the Engine House café, by the lakes. There are also large collections in Camellia Walk and the Rock Garden.”

A new Art Walk is open now; organised by the Surrey Sculpture Society, it features over 100 sculptures in the gardens. The exhibition will run year-round, with admission included in the entrance price to Leonardslee.

Events Programme

Leonardslee's Spring 2024 events programme includes the Heritage Trail Series, starting on 24 March, with a 10km trail running experience along the scenic route. The Spring Easter Wreath Making Workshop, from 24 to 27 March, and the Hand-painted Crocus Pottery Painting Workshop on 25 March, blend creativity with the season's spirit.

The estate hosts the Macramé Wall Hanging Workshop on 30 March, where guests can learn the art of producing textiles using knotting techniques. For the younger audience, the Children’s Cooking Classes with Table Talk Foundation, on 4 and 10 April, offer an interactive culinary adventure.

A highlight of the programme is the Spring Forest Bathing, from 6 April to 15 June, a guided experience that promises tranquillity and rejuvenation, says Adam Streeter. The Tree Walks beginning on 17 April, led by naturalist Elliot Chandler, showcase the estate's woodland wonders.

Modelling enthusiasts can enjoy the Model Boats on the Lake exhibitions from 20 April to 22 September. The Spring Walks with the Head Gardener, on 24 April and 22 May, offer an insightful tour of the gardens' spring highlights. Lastly, the Botanical Illustration Workshop on 30 April, led by Leigh Ann Gale, is an opportunity to capture the essence of spring at Leonardslee.

Dining Experiences

In addition to Restaurant Interlude, the estate offers a range of other dining experiences. The Clocktower, near Leonardslee House, opens daily at 9:00 am, and has a new menu that includes hot food, light lunches, and afternoon tea.

The Wine Garden offers fun and informative tastings, with wines from Benguela Cove Lagoon Wine Estate in South Africa, also owned by the Streeter family, while children can enjoy the adjoining ‘Beyond the Doll’s House’ exhibition and experience a magical world in miniature. The Engine House Café provides snacks and light lunches. Visitors can enjoy local produce with pre-bookable picnics which can be collected to enjoy amidst the natural beauty of the gardens.

Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens, having reopened in 2019 under new ownership after a decade of decline and closure, has been the subject of England's largest garden restoration. This spring, the estate continues its legacy of offering unforgettable experiences, blending events and hospitality with the natural beauty of its historic gardens.

For more information, to book tickets, or to make a reservation at Restaurant Interlude, please visit the Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens website www.LeonardsleeGardens.co.uk  

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 2017 - 37 Acres - 2018 First vines planted - 125,000 bottles of Sparkling wine cultivars 60% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot Noir and 10% Pinot Meunier - 2024 First release of wine.

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.