Leonardslee Gardens

The great woodland garden at Leonardslee is one of the finest in England. The 240 acre valley has a magnificent setting within easy reach of London.

Leonardslee Gardens were laid out by Sir Leonard Loder since 1889 and today they are still maintained by the Loder family. The gardens are world famous for acid-loving ornamental trees and shrubs.

The collection of rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias and magnolias is one of the most spectacular to be seen anywhere.

The rhododendrons to be seen at Leonardslee include the famous 'Rhododendron loderi' raised by Sir Edmund Loder in 1901. The flowering shrubs, under-planted with spring bulbs and bluebells, are a blaze of colour in May. In autumn they provide superb foliage colour.

The seven lakes in the garden give wonderful reflections and views.

Leonardslee also has a charming Rock Garden which is full of colour in May.

A walled courtyard garden gives shelter to a splendid exhibition of Bonsai trees.

The Alpine House has a magnificent collection of 400 different alpine plants growing in a natural rocky setting.

For over 100 years wallabies have lived wild in part of the garden. These beautiful creatures are used as natural mowing machines! There are also Sika, Fallow and Axis deer in the parkland.

The Loder family collection of Victorian motor cars (1895 to 1900) is also on display at Leonardslee. These vehicles provide an fascinating insight into the differing designs of the early motor manufacturers.