Leonardslee Presents the Ultimate Summer Adventure: The Labyrinth Challenge 2024

Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens at Horsham in West Sussex has announced the return of the Labyrinth Challenge, an exhilarating four-day festival of summer fun from 8th to 11th August 2024. This year's event promises to be bigger and better than ever, featuring one of the UK's largest inflatable obstacle courses, spanning 1,000 feet in length.

The Labyrinth Challenge is divided into five action-packed zones: Lava, Jungle, Toxic, Combat, and Ocean. Thrill-seekers of all ages can conquer over 34 unique challenges and obstacles, including jump-offs, hurdles, biff n' bash sections, slides, giant balls, corkscrews, and more. Participants dodge swinging blades, leapfrog over hurdles, and sprint to the finish line in this adrenaline-pumping adventure.

"We are delighted to host The Labyrinth Challenge at Leonardslee once again and invite visitors to experience the thrills of the largest inflatable obstacle course in the UK," says Adam Streeter, estate general manager. "It's going to be a summer to remember, and we can't wait to see families, friends, and adventure-seekers of all ages taking on this incredible challenge."

In addition to the main Labyrinth Challenge, which is suitable for those over 1.2m in height, there is also a Mini Labyrinth Challenge designed specifically for younger children. This 200ft inflatable obstacle course brings storybook and video game adventures to life, creating a fantastical world of bouncy fun with four themed zones: Arctic, Jurassic, Egyptian, and Jungle.

New for 2024, adult-only (18+) timeslots will be available from 9th to 11th August, allowing grown-ups to unleash their inner child and take on the challenge in a more competitive atmosphere. The event also offers quiet sessions on 8th August for those who prefer a more relaxed experience.

Gardens Entertainment

Leonardslee offers an ideal setting for this exciting event, with its 240 acres of Grade I Listed woodland gardens. Visitors can explore the estate, where wallabies and deer roam free, visit the ‘magical world in miniature’ dolls' house museum, and the play park.

The newly opened play park is designed to blend recreational play with the natural beauty of the Grade I Listed woodland gardens. This 2,500 square metre park offers immersive installations for children of all ages. Highlights include a 5m multi-level champion tree tower with two slides, a St Leonard's Dragon play structure with climbing nets, a 32.5m zipline ride, and various other play elements such as swings, balance beams, and a crawling tunnel.

The Little Explorers junior area caters to toddlers and preschoolers with age-appropriate attractions, ensuring that every member of the family can enjoy an unforgettable day out.

Art enthusiasts and inquisitive older children can enjoy the Surrey Sculpture Society's open-air sculpture exhibition, the Art Walk, which showcases monumental contemporary sculptures throughout the gardens. Featuring over 100 sculptures by local artists from Sussex and Surrey, admission to the Art Walk is included in the entrance price to Leonardslee, making it an ideal addition to the Labyrinth Challenge experience. 

The gardens also feature on-site restaurants and shops to buy fresh produce for a picnic, and a selection of local food vendors will be available during the Labyrinth Challenge to keep everyone energised.

“Whether you're looking for an unforgettable family day out, a unique birthday celebration, or an exciting activity for the school holidays, the Labyrinth Challenge at Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens is a great choice. Book your tickets now and prepare to embark on the ultimate summer adventure!” says Adam Streeter.

For more information and to book tickets, visit www.leonardsleegardens.co.uk/all-events/labyrinth-challenge-leonardslee-2024 

• The Labyrinth Challenge takes place from 8th to 11th August 2024 at Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens, Horsham, West Sussex. 
• Tickets for the main Labyrinth Challenge are priced at £22.50 per adult and £12.50 per child for non-members. Leonardslee Members receive a 50% discount on ticket prices. 
• Tickets for the Mini Labyrinth Challenge are priced at £12.50 per child, which includes one free accompanying adult. Additional adult spectators can join for £7.25 each. 
• All Labyrinth Challenge ticket holders receive all-day entry to Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens, allowing them to explore the estate's beauty and attractions. 

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ugjfzzvej7o 

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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.

The estate offers a great family day out and is one of the top places to visit in West Sussex. 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. There is also an exciting new 2,500 sq m play park designed to mix recreational play with the natural attractions of the Grade I Listed woodland gardens, and a spectacular winter festival annually when the gardens are illuminated, attracting many thousands of visitors.

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.

Leonardslee Family Vineyards in numbers

· Acquired 2017 · Total Estate 750 acres · 38 Acres of vineyard, 73,000 vines

· 2017 First vines planted · 170 Tonnes of grapes, 2023 harvest · 100,000 bottles annually produced · Sparkling wine cultivars 60% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot Noir and 10% Pinot Meunier · 2024 First release of wine