Originally purchased in 1929 by John Spedan Lewis, founder of the John Lewis Partnership, Leckford Estate is the Waitrose Farm. We are the only UK retailer owned farm and our produce is supplied to Waitrose stores across the country. John Lewis was a visionary retailer with a passion and knowledge for botany, entomology and aquatic life. True to his legacy, Leckford is committed to sustainability and passionate about British farming and the environment.
Located 64 miles west of London and 20 miles north of Southampton near Stockbridge, Hampshire, Leckford Estate is easy to access and is an ideal place to spend some time learning more about Hampshire history and enjoying time outdoors.
Make sure your summer includes a great day out – here are a few ideas to get you started:
Longstock Park Water Garden
Known as the ‘the finest water garden in the world’, the Longstock Park Water Garden travels freely for seven acres, with the beautiful River Test flowing through it. Originally created by the Beddington family during the 1930’s, the Water Garden became a part of the Leckford Estate in 1942. John Spedan Lewis spent much of his later life in the large, but intimate gardens as a place to relax and reflect.
The Water Garden is a truly remarkable place and home to an extensive array of plant life, with over 100 different species of trees and 40 different species of waterlilies. This serene setting also attracts a variety of wildlife, from water birds to butterflies. The Water Garden provides an amazing experience to watch and relax for the young and the young at heart. See the Longstock Park Water Garden here.
Enjoy a relaxing and joyous day out at the Water Garden for our Charity Open Days, supporting a nominated charity on selected Sundays from April to September. See the Water Garden events here.
Longstock Nursery
Just a few minutes drive or a lovely walk from the Water Garden, Longstock Nursey is a beautiful place to spend a day, regardless of the season. Although we especially love the spring and summer as the herbaceous border is in full bloom! We are proud to house the National Collection of Buddlejas and offer many of those varieties for sale at Longstock Park Nursery.
Visitors can enjoy a walk through our fruit tree archway covered with its climbing clematis, which sits alongside the brilliant 80-metre herbaceous border. Our aim is to conserve, grow, document and celebrate the beautiful and diverse plants that exist in the UK. Our team of horticultural experts love nothing more than to share and offer advice to help our fellow gardeners, we are always here to help answer your questions!
For something special, join us for our Arboretum guided walks on the third Friday of each month from April to October. This two hour guided walk through our Arboretum is not normally open to the public and shows you a side of Leckford Estate visitors don’t normally get to experience. View our Nursery events here.
Longstock Farm Shop and Café
Our popular Farm Shop and Café sits alongside Longstock Park Nursery and is a fantastic place to end up after a walk through our Plant Nursery or a stop at the beautiful Water Gardens.
Overlooking our Plant Nursery, the Farm Shop Café is a perfect place to stop for refreshments. The café serves an array of handmade, home-cooked dishes for both light and full meals with our own Leckford produce as well as locally sourced ingredients. The Farm Shop Café is a must for visitors to enjoy a yummy and seasonal breakfast, lunch or afternoon tea. View our seasonal menu here.
In keeping with our commitment to quality products, the Longstock Farm Shop stocks a variety of Leckford and locally-sourced produce, cupboard staples and tasty treats! Visit our Farm Shop and stock up on Leckford-grown goods including; rapeseed oil, English sparkling wine, apple juice, chestnut mushrooms, cider, flour, apples and pears.
Join us for our next event on the farm, Open Farm Sunday on 10 June. View our Leckford Estate events here.
Get in touch today
Leckford Estate welcomes visitors from around the world, whether you are looking for a relaxing stroll through our Nursery, want to watch the native wildlife in our Water Garden, or enjoy a delicious meal in our Farm Shop Café, we would love to have you. If you have any questions or would like to get in touch please contact us.