Garden Features

West Dean Gardens is 90 acres in size, and includes many interesting architectural delights, national plant collections and unique features. Have a look through these pages before you visit to gain an understanding of what you will see here.

The Park, Arboretum and Gardens are on English Heritage’s Register of Historic Parks and Gardens and have Grade II* status.

The Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest in England was established in 1983 and now contains over 1600 sites. The Register serves to ensure that the features and qualities which make these landscapes of national importance can be safeguarded. Each site is graded into three bands to give added guidance on their significance; those being awarded a grade II* are considered to be of exceptional historic interest and grade II are of national importance. Inclusion of a historic park or garden on the Register in itself does not bring additional statutory controls, local authorities are required by central government to make provision for the protection of the historic environment in their policies and their allocation of resources.

In addition, West Dean House, now home to West Dean College is a Grade II* Listed Building. This grading covers the top 5.5% of listed buildings in England and Wales.