Commended at Beautiful South Awards 2025-2026
Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens Receives Commended Status in the Beautiful South Awards for Excellence 2025-2026
Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens is proud to share that we have achieved Commended status in the Beautiful South Awards for Excellence 2025-2026, organised by Tourism South East. The awards recognise the very best tourism and hospitality businesses throughout the South East of England, including Sussex, Kent, Surrey, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
This year, Leonardslee entered the Large Visitor Attraction of the Year category. This award celebrates attractions that deliver outstanding visitor experiences and demonstrate excellence across every area of the business. The category recognises major attractions that welcome more than 75,000 visitors per year or employ more than 10 full-time staff. Being named as one of the Commended businesses shows how far Leonardslee has come since reopening, and reflects the dedication of every department across the estate.
Recognising the Best Visitor Attractions in the South East
The Large Visitor Attraction of the Year finalists included iconic destinations such as Bletchley Park, Chichester Cathedral, Drusillas Park and Hever Castle. Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens appeared alongside prestigious names Blenheim Palace and The Bodleian Libraries in the Commended list. This reinforces Leonardslee’s position as one of the leading visitor attractions in Sussex and a must-visit destination for families, groups and garden lovers planning days out in South East England.
We would like to thank our incredible visitors, members and community for supporting the gardens and helping us achieve this special recognition. We look forward to another fantastic year welcoming guests from across the UK and beyond.
Discover Beautiful Gardens, Estate Wines and Memorable Days Out
For visitors seeking inspiring days out in Sussex, peaceful woodland walks, wildlife encounters or seasonal family events, Leonardslee offers a unique combination of natural beauty, world-class gardens and heritage. Guests can explore scenic lakeside trails, see our famous wallabies, enjoy seasonal blooms and discover hidden sculptures throughout the estate.
Alongside the gardens, our estate-grown wines, dining experiences, vineyard tastings and vibrant calendar of events ensure there is something for everyone. From family adventures to wine tastings and immersive seasonal trails, every visit to Leonardslee is memorable.
