One itinerary, one family dynasty and three epic autumn gardens
From plant-hunting adventures to botanical experiments, one family shaped three of Sussex’s most remarkable gardens: High Beeches, Leonardslee and Wakehurst. And in doing so, they shaped both the countryside of Sussex and the very nature of horticulture.
Today, their vision and drive lives on in three landscapes that come alive each autumn with fiery reds, golden yellows and rich russets, along with muted ochres and subtle shades of fawn and gold. In short, the legacy of the Loder family has come to epitomise autumn in West Sussex. So why not immerse yourself in the season’s colours with a stunning two-day itinerary that explores the influence and story of this extraordinary family.
The gardens
Over the late 19th and early 20th centuries, three members of the Loder family, each with a distinct style, passion and personality created or transformed three extraordinary gardens.
- High Beeches: Sir Robert Loder (and after him, his son, Colonel Wilfred Loder, gentle harmonist of woodland and water, and Robert’s grandson, Colonel Giles Loder).
- Leonardslee: Sir Edmund Loder (another of Sir Robert’s sons and a horticultural showman and master of hybrids) and Sir Robert’s grandson Robert, great grandson, Sir Giles Loder and great, great grandson, Robin Loder.
- Wakehurst: Gerald Loder (another son of Sir Robert), 1st Lord Wakehurst and uncompromising botanist and global plant collector.
Although their approaches varied and sometimes clashed, they shared a pioneering spirit and a love of rare and exotic plants.
Your Two-Day Loder Autumn Garden Trail
This two-day itinerary takes you to the very heart of Loder country. Best travelled by car from late September to October, these gardens provide some of the best displays of autumn colours in West Sussex.
Day 1 – morning
Wakehurst: a landscape of layers
Wakehurst opens at 10 am and has 500 acres of diverse landscapes and plants from across the globe, as well as the Millennium Seed Bank and the recently reopened Elizabethan mansion (with exhibitions spaces on the ground floor, including the Billiard Room, the Chapel, which traces the origins of the Millennium Seed Bank, and the Library). You can purchase any ticket type at the Visitor Centre or pre-book online. Wakehurst is part of Kew Gardens.
Autumn Highlights – Wakehurst
- Birch collection – glowing gold
- East coast North American maples – in vivid reds
- Global woodland walks through Japan, the Americas and Asia
Day 1 – afternoon
High Beeches: harmony and elegance in woodland
High Beeches is eight miles west of Wakehurst. It opens at 1 pm (but not on Wednesdays). It closes for the winter at the end of October. The smallest of the three gardens, you’ll find 27 acres of woodland, water gardens and a collection of rare, exotic and award-winning plants. It has been owned by the Boscawen / Bray family since 1966.
Autumn Highlights at High Beeches
- Nyssa sylvatica ‘High Beeches’ – brilliant scarlet foliage
- Acer palmatum varieties – deep crimson and orange tones
- Liquidambar styraciflua – glossy reds and purples
- Disanthus cercidifolius – heart-shaped leaves in every autumn hue
- Cyclamen hederifolium – pink and white carpets under trees
- Willow Gentians – rare naturalised blue blooms in autumn
Day 2 – morning
Leonardslee: A blaze of botanical colour and brilliance
Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens near Horsham is five miles west of High Beeches. They have accommodation if you want to arrive the night before.
Leonardslee reopened in 2019 after a closure of nine years and is now owned by the Streeter family. Arrive at 9 am and spend the morning exploring the gardens and grounds. There are 240-acres of Grade I Listed Gardens with parkland, lawns, deer parks and seven interlinking lakes. They also have a sculpture trail and wallaby enclosure. The gardens are within a steep valley, with well laid out paths and trails although these can be steep in places. Tickets can be pre-booked in advance online or on the day at reception.
Autumn Highlights at Leonardslee
- Acer Walk – stunning reds, oranges and golds mirrored in the still water
- The Champion Trees Trail – discover record-breaking specimens, including the world’s largest recorded Algerian oak
Day 2 – afternoon
After a morning spent exploring the grounds, head to lunch at the Leonardslee restaurant, Interlude, or book a wine tasting masterclass in the main house.
For the full story of each of these gardens and the incredible family that created them, visit:
