Immerse yourself in the vibrant flavours and natural beauty of spring at Leckford Estate, nestled in the picturesque Hampshire countryside. Owned by the John Lewis Partnership, this 2,800-acre estate is dedicated to considered living, sustainable farming and community engagement, making it a perfect destination for all the family to experience seasonal freshness and mindful living.
Enjoy Our Farm-Fresh Seasonal Produce
As spring settles in, the estate becomes a vivid patchwork of promise. Vibrant yellow rapeseed flowers blanket the fields first; their bright petals mature into seeds we cold-press for our Leckford Rapeseed Oil, prized for its delicate, nutty flavour and naturally high omega-3s.
By early summer, the colour palette shifts to waves of green that fade to gold as our wheat ripens. We stone-mill this grain on site into Leckford flour, then bake it into the signature Leckford loaf you’ll find in Waitrose. Nearby, we intercrop Wildfarmed wheat and nitrogen-fixing beans, allowing us to grow flavour-packed, low-input wheat that becomes the Wildfarmed bread lining our farm shop shelves.
The Leckford farm shop offers visitors the opportunity to take home these seasonal products, connecting consumers directly with the source of their food in a way that promotes understanding of seasonal eating and sustainable agriculture.
The Longstock Park Water Garden
May transforms Leckford Estate's Longstock Park Water Garden into an impressive display of aquatic and bankside plants. Considered one of the finest water gardens in Europe, this horticultural space comes alive during the spring months.
The garden's network of streams and open water provides the setting for emerging water lilies, with their blooms creating a changing pattern across the water's surface. Plants like Iris, Primula and Gunnera grow along the water's edge, creating natural transitions between aquatic and terrestrial zones.
Cherry trees, magnolias and other ornamental specimens create a canopy of colour above the pathways, while spring bulbs add colour beneath. The garden's design is an inspiration for visitors' own home gardens.
Maintained by a dedicated team of gardeners, Longstock Park Water Garden demonstrates Leckford's commitment to preserving natural beauty while showcasing excellent horticultural practices.
Longstock Park Nursery: Your Gardening Companion
Adjacent to the water garden, Longstock Park Nursery serves as a resource for garden enthusiasts eager to bring spring colour to their own outdoor spaces. The nursery stocks a selection of aquatic plants suitable for your own water garden, offering advice on creating and maintaining water features from small container ponds to larger design and landscaping installations.
Spring-flowering perennials, shrubs and trees are displayed in thoughtful arrangements, demonstrating effective plant combinations for seasonal interest. The staff provide recommendations for plants suited to specific garden conditions, ensuring successful outcomes for gardeners of all experience levels.
The nursery emphasises sustainability through its selection of native species, pollinator-friendly plants and environmentally conscious growing practices.
More Experiences Await at Leckford Estate
Explore more of what Leckford Estate offers, from charming countryside walks and serene picnic spots to thoughtfully curated spaces perfect for relaxation and reflection. Discover artisan crafts, enjoy local delicacies, or simply immerse yourself in the estate’s natural beauty. Leckford Estate provides countless ways to embrace mindful living and sustainable enjoyment.
Discover More at Leckford Estate
Leckford Estate offers an enriching experience for visitors looking to immerse themselves in sustainable living, vibrant gardens and seasonal culinary delights. By visiting, you're not only exploring the bounty of nature but actively participating in a community that values environmental stewardship, quality produce and mindful living. Join us this May and see how Leckford Estate beautifully blends sustainability, inspiration and community engagement into a truly memorable experience.
