Leonardslee Announces Winter Entertainment Programme

Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens has announced its winter programme. This season’s lineup promises a diverse range of events that cater to all ages and interests, with the gardens and 24-acre estate remaining a hub of activity and enchantment even as the winter chill sets in.

The programme includes Wreath Workshops from 24th to 26th November and 1st to 3rd December. Guests will have the opportunity to create their own festive wreaths, guided by expert florists, amidst the inspiring surroundings of the gardens.

As the evenings draw in, the gardens will come alive with Leonardslee Illuminated, a spectacular light display that weaves through the landscape from 24th November to 21st December. This event promises to be a visual feast, transforming the natural beauty of Leonardslee into a night-time wonderland.

For those seeking tranquillity, Forest Bathing on 21st December offers a chance to reconnect with nature. This guided experience draws on the Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku, encouraging participants to absorb the forest atmosphere for health and wellbeing. 

Adding a touch of humour to the winter festivities, the Leonardslee Comedy Club: Christmas Special on 22nd December will feature a lineup of top-tier comedians, ensuring an evening of laughter and fun in Leonardslee House.

The Christmas Afternoon Tea at Leonardslee House from 1st to 24th December offers a classic British experience. Guests can indulge in a selection of festive treats and teas in the elegant setting of the historic Leonardslee House.

Creative spirits will enjoy the Bauble Decorating Workshop with Art Styles Academy on 4th December, where bespoke ornaments will be crafted, ready to adorn the Christmas tree. Then the Crepe Paper Flower Workshop: Poinsettia on 7th December invites guests to create lifelike poinsettias from crepe paper, a perfect addition to any festive decoration.

For those interested in arts and crafts, the Festive Christmas Candle Making session on 8th December offers the chance to make bespoke candles, scented with the fragrances of the season. The Arm Knitting Blanket Workshop on 10th December is set to be a cosy affair, with participants learning to knit their chunky blankets, perfect for winter evenings.

Lastly, the Little Crafters event on 13th December provides an opportunity for pre-schoolers to engage in crafts, fostering creativity in the youngest of visitors.

Winter at Mannings Heath Estate 

Just three miles from Leonardslee, Mannings Heath Estate will host its Best Shared Christmas Party Nights, on 24th November and 8th December, for a series of evenings where the spirit of communal celebration takes centre stage.

Visitors to Mannings can also join the Christmas Wreath Making Workshop on December 1, 2023. Led by expert florist Kate Wright, guests will have the chance to create their own unique festive wreaths. Don't miss out on this creative and festive experience.

As December arrives, guests can enjoy Christmas Lunch, available from 1st to 24th December. This offers a classic English Christmas lunch, presented with a modern touch and served in the estate’s luxurious setting.

To welcome the New Year, Mannings Heath offers The Best New Year’s Eve Party, taking place on 31st December. This event showcases Mannings Heath’s dedication to providing a luxurious and celebratory experience, promising a memorable evening of dancing and joy as guests ring in the new year.

Visit: www.leonardsleegardens.co.uk and www.manningsheath.com 

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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