The Leonardslee Gardens are one of the finest woodland gardens in England that is known the world over for its beautiful rhododendrons and azaleas. This 240 acre gardens were laid out by Sir Leonard Loder in 1889 and are still managed by the Loder family.

The valley in which the garden is set possesses a set of old hammer ponds that were used for driving a now defunct flour mill. Today these ponds are home to a number of species of wildfowl such as ducks, geese and swans that are often seen swimming here.

One of the most beautiful and popular parts of the garden is the Rock Garden. A natural setting has been created by the skilful usage of rock and Pulhamite. This section is usually a riot of colour when the Rhododendrons and the numerous species of azaleas are in full bloom.

A climate controlled greenhouse is home to a number of tropical and exotic plant species such as banana, Cordylines and Dicksonia antartica. The striking feature of this greenhouse is that it houses plants found in the colder tundra regions of the world as well as those found in the tropics.

The Loderi Gardens were among the first gardens to be created and were built in 1901 when Sir Loder planted the first Loderi seedlings. These seedlings have now grown into large trees offering shelter to the area’s squirrels and birds. Among the varieties that grow here are “Pink Diamond”, “ Sir Joseph Hooker” and “White Diamond”. Located within close proximity of London and the busy Gatwick Airport, these beautifully laid out gardens offer respite from the hustle and bustle of the city. The Copthorne Hotel Effingham Gatwick which is located exceedingly close to the Leonardslee Gardens can be reserved via a Gatwick hotel booking for service travelers looking for the best hospitality in the region.