Picture this: a pub dinner with good company, then stepping out into a historic woodland garden after dark, where the lakes, trees and old rhododendron walks have been transformed with thousands of lights, colour washes and music into something you won't see anywhere else in Sussex.

Leonardslee's illuminated trail is one of the county's big winter draws — the kind of evening people post photos of for weeks afterwards. We'll do dinner first at a cosy country pub just down the road, then walk the trail together while it's cold, dark and at its most magical.

It's a proper night out, so it isn't the cheapest option in the calendar — but between a two-course meal, a memorable shared experience, and a decent chunk of the evening spent with friends rather than at home, we think it's well worth it.

And you don't have to do both: come for dinner, come for the lights, or make a full evening of it.

From the pub it's a short hop to Leonardslee, where the historic gardens are lit up for the season. The illuminated trail winds past lakes and through woodland, with glowing pathways, reflections on the water and atmospheric music as you go — plus plenty of spots to stop, take photos and just enjoy it. We'll be back on our way home by 9pm.
Estimated costs

Please register early

Both the pub and Leonardslee have limited capacity, and this event only goes ahead if enough of us commit — so please register your interest as soon as you can. Let us know whether you'd like dinner only, the lights only, or both, so we can confirm numbers, secure the spaces, and give a final go/no-go on the evening in good time.

Estimated costs

£37.63 - Dinner only (main course and dessert)

£20 - £25  - Lights only

£57.63–£62.63 - Dinner and Lights

These are indicative costs and exclude drinks, extra sides and any service charge. Final prices and booking arrangements will be confirmed before payment is requested.

Good to know
The illuminated trail takes about 60–90 minutes, and the route includes slopes, steps and woodland paths, so please wear sturdy footwear and warm, weather-appropriate clothing.

Please register early - Closing date November 28th
Both the pub and Leonardslee have limited capacity, and this event only goes ahead if enough of us commit — so please register your interest as soon as you can.

Let us know whether you'd like dinner only, the lights only, or both, so we can confirm numbers, secure the spaces, and give a final go/no-go on the evening in good time.