Discover the Best Walks at Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens
Set within 240 acres of Grade I Listed woodland, Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens is one of the UK’s most spectacular garden destinations.
Known as “The Finest Woodland Gardens in England”, our gardens offer visitors an unforgettable collection of scenic walking routes surrounded by rare plants, lakes, wildlife and historic landscapes. Whether you are looking for peaceful woodland strolls, seasonal flower displays or fascinating horticultural discoveries, the walks at Leonardslee provide something special in every season.
Champion Tree Walks at Leonardslee Gardens
One of the most fascinating experiences at Leonardslee is the Champion Trees. Our gardens are home to more than 70 Champion Trees, recognised for their exceptional height, age or beauty. These remarkable specimens are officially verified by The Tree Register and represent some of the finest examples in Britain and Ireland.
As you wander through the woodland paths, you will spot distinctive blue plaques marking these extraordinary trees. The walks showcase towering conifers, elegant Japanese maples, swamp cypress and dawn redwoods that create a dramatic landscape throughout the year. Autumn is particularly striking, when the foliage transforms into shades of fiery red, gold and orange.
The Champion Tree Walks are ideal for nature lovers, photographers and anyone interested in historic trees and rare species. The combination of peaceful lakes, winding paths and towering canopies creates an immersive woodland experience unlike anywhere else in Sussex.
Rhododendron Walks at Leonardslee Gardens
Leonardslee is internationally renowned for its rhododendron collection, including the National Collection of Rhododendron Loderi hybrids. During spring, the gardens erupt into colour as thousands of blooms transform the landscape into a vibrant display of pinks, purples, reds and whites.
Routes often include the Loderi Garden, the Dell, Top Walk, Middle Walk and Lower Walk, each offering a different perspective of the vast collection.
Our guided walks are led by knowledgeable gardeners and naturalists who share the fascinating history of the plants, many of which were collected from around the world. Visitors can learn about cultivation techniques, flowering periods and the heritage of Sir Edmund Loder, whose passion for rhododendrons helped shape the gardens into the horticultural masterpiece seen today.
Peak flowering season usually arrives in May, making this one of the best times to visit Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens. Even with the season starting a little early this year our late blooming Rhododendrons are putting on quite the show. The woodland setting, combined with reflections across the lakes, creates an almost dreamlike atmosphere during the rhododendron season.
Camellia Walk
The Camellia Walk at Leonardslee offer a more tranquil and elegant experience, especially during early spring when the blooms are at their best. Camellia Walk, located beside Leonardslee House, features some of the oldest camellias in the gardens, with several specimens dating back more than 100 years.
Visitors can also explore Camellia Grove near Waterfall Pond, an enchanting area designed and planted by Sir Giles Loder in 1957. Meandering paths weave through collections of japonica camellias, creating a serene atmosphere filled with delicate blooms and glossy evergreen foliage.
These walks are especially popular with garden enthusiasts searching for inspiration for their own planting schemes. The combination of mature trees, gentle slopes and lakeside scenery makes the camellia areas among the most picturesque parts of the estate.
General Walks Around Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens
Beyond the specialist tree and flower walks, Leonardslee offers countless general walking trails suitable for visitors of all ages. The gardens feature eight lakes, rolling lawns, woodland valleys and forest paths that encourage slow exploration and relaxation.
Popular routes include walks through The Rock Garden, where dramatic stone formations, winding pathways and spectacular foliage create a magical setting. Visitors can also explore the Top Garden and Deer Park, home to free roaming deer and the famous wallabies that have lived at Leonardslee since 1889.
Wildlife lovers may spot kingfishers, mandarin ducks, woodpeckers and other native bird species around the lakes and woodland edges. With seasonal highlights include bluebells and daffodils in spring, lush green valleys in summer and rich autumn colours later in the year.
Whether you prefer a gentle stroll beside the water or a longer woodland adventure, the variety of walking routes means every visit to Leonardslee can feel completely different. We also offer a buggy ride down to our lakes that is run by our amazing volunteers who provides new perspective on our gardens and information you might not know.
Experience every season as a Leonardslee Member
After spending a day exploring the beautiful walks at Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens, it is easy to see why so many visitors choose to become members. From the breathtaking Champion Tree Walks and vibrant Rhododendron Walks to the peaceful Camellia Walks and tranquil lakeside paths, every visit offers something new to discover throughout the changing seasons. You can also get your day ticket refunded when signing up for your membership at reception on the day of your visit. For visitors searching for woodland walks in Sussex, rhododendron gardens in England or beautiful seasonal garden walks near Horsham, Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens is an essential destination throughout the year.
