Where Art and Nature Meet
Set within 240 acres of Grade I listed woodland, Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens offers a setting in which art and nature exist in quiet harmony. The Sculpture Park extends the experience of the gardens, inviting visitors to encounter works placed thoughtfully along woodland paths, beside lakes and within open vistas. The collection brings together a range of contemporary sculpture from both established and emerging artists. Each piece is carefully positioned to complement its surroundings, creating a living gallery that evolves with the seasons.
A Landscape Transformed by Spring
Spring brings a gentle transformation across the estate. Magnolias, camellias, rhododendrons and bluebells begin to colour the landscape, softening the woodland and introducing fresh seasonal texture and depth.
This seasonal change transforms the way sculpture is experienced. Forms that feel bold and defined against winter structure become softened by blossom and fresh foliage. Light shifts across the lakes and valleys, creating changing reflections and new perspectives throughout the day. Each visit offers a different encounter with both art and nature.
Sculptures in Spring
There are several sculptures that particularly come to life during spring, when the gardens are at their most expressive and the surrounding landscape is in full seasonal transition.
The Bluebell by David Hyde can be found on Bluebell Bank, where seasonal planting enhances its natural setting. Nearby, The Snow Drop, also by David Hyde, sits at the bottom of Falling Walk, where fresh growth softens the woodland floor.
Below the house, Falling in Love by David Paynter is framed by a landscape that shifts beautifully as spring unfolds. At the Engine House Café, Sky Bound by Jeremy Moulsdale brings a sense of movement and energy to the space.
Near Mossy Ghyll Pond, Protea by Nicholas Baker reflects both water and planting, strengthening its connection to the surrounding landscape. On the Engine House wall, Fin Man by Crispin Foy adds character and intrigue, while Bliss by Laura Jane Wylder offers a moment of calm on the exit lawn.
It is always a pleasure to see how each sculpture changes with the seasons. In spring especially, blossom, fresh foliage and woodland growth continually reshape their backdrop, revealing new details and perspectives with every visit.
There is no single route to follow through the sculpture collection. Instead, the philosophy is simple: the right sculpture in the right place. Visitors are encouraged to explore freely and discover artworks naturally as they move through the gardens.
Explore Spring in the Gardens
The sculpture collection can be found throughout the estate, with works presented in collaboration with the Surrey Sculpture Society. This brings together a diverse mix of styles, materials and artistic approaches, with artists such as Graeme Lougher, Jo Walls, Jeremy Moulsdale and Nicholas Baker contributing to a rich and varied outdoor gallery.
Alongside the outdoor collection, visitors can also explore paintings and smaller sculptural works within the gallery space in the Garden shop, offering an additional layer to the artistic experience at Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens.
Spring Evenings in the Gardens
This spring, experience the sculpture park in a different light at Leonardslee Lates. Across six evenings in May, the gardens open at twilight as sculptures take on a new character in soft evening light and lengthening shadows.
With live music, seasonal food and Leonardslee sparkling wine, it is a chance to experience the gardens after hours. Upgrade your ticket for a guided sparkling wine tasting before you explore.
