Festive illuminations at Leonardslee and fancy a stroll in the New Year?
he Leonardslee lakes acted as a mirror to the moon and the light projections of the changing illuminations that made Leonardslee gardens an Instagram must last week.
We walked down the hill, through more light shows than last year, to the sound of the wolves with little boy amongst the trees; the owls tweeting in the trees and the sound of people chatting with excitement to the singer across the lake light by a coat of starry lights a vocals of a lullaby song echoed to us and the floating mosses baskets.
The sculptures of sheep, birds, wallabies and dragons as we walked back up the hill were joined by instrumentals of players in the woods and a big black bear accompanying a guitarist.
We exited the woods via a light show of candles which added to the tree lit from below of multiple colours that made the gardens look so very special. Out of the woods we found a funfair, Christmas market and spirits to sample.
If you fancy escaping to the outdoors after a busy Christmas Day, to walk off the turkey and too many mince pies, then you will want to know that for the first time ever the award-winning
TWest Dean Gardens, near Chichester will be open on Boxing Day (Saturday December 26) and New Year’s Day (Friday January 1) between 10.30am and 4pm.
West Dean Gardens is part of the Edward James Foundation, a charitable trust, also comprising West Dean College of Arts and Conservation,
West Dean Estate and the West Dean Tapestry Studio.
The college and gardens is at the foot of the South Downs and is one of the best restored gardens open to the public today. The College of Arts and Conservation recently announced that it had won the 2020 Public and Community Award as part of the Sussex Heritage Trust Awards 2020 for the restoration of the College’s 126-year-old roof.
Taking almost two years to complete, the project repaired the numerous leaks, rotten roof timbers and failed masonry of the 39 individual sections using 26,000 Welsh slate tiles to the highest standards, ensuring the building can continue to provide worldclass education for future generations.
Visitors can explore a wide range of historic features on a gentle walk around the grounds – from surreal trees to the restored walled garden. And if you want any tips for the garden then head online and take a look at the short videos by head gardener Tom Brown, who demonstrates how to sow and grow tings like salad leaves from seed, as well as how potatoes and French beans.
Entry is by timed tickets, which are available to book online. Pre-booking is essential. The shop is also open as is the gardens restaurant offering full table service.
As Alexander Barron, chief executive, West Dean College of Arts and Conservation, commented: “This will be a very different Christmas for many people, but I hope that by opening West Dean Gardens we can help provide a perfect place to relax outdoors with family or friends. Not only can visitors enjoy the wonderful gardens, they can also choose to escape for a longer walk through the stunning parkland and arboretum – whether simply for the fresh air, flora and fauna or whether as creative inspiration for artists and photographers alike.”
As announced in June, West Dean Gardens continues to offer free entry to NHS workers plus one adult (until January 1). This also needs to be prebooked online and ID shown on arrival. RHS Members gain free access to the Gardens in January and February and October to December. Dogs on a short lead are also welcome at the gardens.