The Last of the Winter Walks
February is your final chance to enjoy the Winter Walks at Longstock Park Water Garden. With its still pools, winding paths and elegant bridges, the garden feels especially serene at this time of year. Without summer foliage, the structure of the landscape reveals itself and early signs of spring begin to show.
Snowdrops bloom beneath the trees, buds begin to swell and the reflections on the water shift with the soft winter light. It is a gentle and uplifting experience that invites you to slow down, take in the detail and reconnect with the world around you.
Each Winter Walk ticket includes a complimentary hot drink at Longstock Park Café. Booking is essential and spaces are limited, so early reservations are recommended.
Simple Gestures and Shared Moments
Forget the clichés. Valentine’s Day at Leckford Estate is all about simple pleasures and meaningful moments. Whether you are planning a romantic outing, celebrating with a friend or simply treating yourself, February is full of opportunities to embrace love in all its forms.
You might begin with a walk through the Water Garden, taking time to talk and explore the landscape together. Then head to the café for coffee and cake or a light lunch made with seasonal ingredients. It is relaxed, welcoming and just the right mix of cosy and elegant.
For gifts that feel special but not overstated, browse the Farm Shop for artisan chocolates, small-batch preserves, Leckford Estate wine and sweet treats. A bottle of English sparkling wine, a box of handmade truffles or a jar of honey from the estate's own hives makes a beautiful gift that feels both personal and rooted in place.
If you are planning to celebrate at home, the shop is full of inspiration for romantic suppers and low-key treats. Pick up ingredients, choose a dessert, add a bottle of wine or a bouquet of seasonal flowers and create your own little celebration.
Warm Plates and Cosy Spaces
Tucked within the estate, Longstock Park Café is a calm and inviting space where the menu celebrates simple and seasonal food. February brings warming dishes that feel just right for the time of year, such as hearty soups, savoury tarts, toasties, bakes and indulgent puddings.
You will also find a tempting selection of homemade cakes and freshly brewed drinks, all served in a relaxed setting with views across Longstock Park. Whether you are stopping in after a walk or meeting a friend for lunch, it is a space to unwind and enjoy the estate’s quiet charm.
This month, the farm shop is also celebrating Pancake Day with everything you need to recreate the perfect stack at home. Pop into the shop next door and pick up Leckford Estate flour milled from wheat grown on the farm. Add eggs, milk and a touch of love and you have the ingredients for a cosy breakfast or indulgent treat. Whether you prefer yours with lemon and sugar, fresh fruit or chocolate sauce, Pancake Day is a chance to bring a little joy to your February table.
From Leckford with Love
February is the kind of month that calls for small luxuries. A beautifully wrapped chocolate bar, a jar of something sweet, a bottle of sparkling wine or a bundle of fresh-cut flowers to brighten the kitchen table.
At Longstock Park Farm Shop, you will find all this and more. The shelves are stocked with fresh fruit and veg, homemade cakes and pastries, estate wine, jams, chutneys, charcuterie and locally sourced gifts. Many of the products support small-scale producers across Hampshire and beyond and everything reflects the estate’s commitment to sustainability and thoughtful sourcing.
Whether you are preparing a quiet dinner at home or simply picking up ingredients for a comforting midweek supper, the shop is full of quality you can taste and a warm welcome that never rushes.
Experience the Estate
With its open skies, winding footpaths, and sweeping views across the Test Valley, Leckford Estate is the perfect place to embrace the changing seasons.
February might be short but it offers a chance to reconnect with nature, with loved ones and with the small, beautiful rituals that make each day feel special. Whether you are walking beneath bare trees, sharing cake in the café, flipping pancakes at home or selecting a bottle of sparkling wine for a quiet evening in, the estate has a way of making ordinary moments feel meaningful.
So come for a walk, stay for lunch and leave with something lovely in your basket. Plan your visit today and enjoy a little magic in the month of love.
Signs of Spring at Longstock Park Nursery
Even in February, the Nursery and Garden Shop is quietly full of life. With the first signs of spring appearing, this is the perfect time to get inspired and reconnect with the outdoors.
You will find winter-flowering plants like hellebores and early bulbs, along with a wide selection of hardy shrubs, herbs, houseplants and gardening essentials. Whether you are adding a splash of colour to your doorstep, refreshing your windowsills or getting a head start on seed sowing, the Nursery is a treasure trove for anyone who loves to grow.
There is also plenty of help on hand. The friendly team are happy to share advice, seasonal tips and ideas to suit gardens of all sizes. For those thinking ahead, the shop also stocks flower seeds and kitchen garden essentials to help you prepare for the warmer months to come.
This month the Nursery is also encouraging visitors to think about wildlife. Discover bird feeders, seed mixes and nesting boxes to help local species thrive as spring approaches. It is a gentle way to support biodiversity and bring more life into your garden.
