West Dean Gardens

Nestled at the foot of the South Downs, West Dean Gardens in West Sussex is one of the greatest restored gardens open to the public today.

Visitors can explore a wide range of historic features on a gentle walk around the grounds. From surreal trees to the restored walled garden, West Dean Gardens proudly presents its rich creative and social heritage. 

To visit the Gardens pre-booking tickets online is essential. Please read our FAQs for more information.

Yours to Explore

Creatively inspired by its rich heritage and setting. For a day out near Chichester West Dean Gardens is brimming with features to enjoy.

An impressive collection of working Victorian Glasshouses, a 300 foot pergola, a spring garden with flint bridges and the occasional surreal fibreglass tree offer year-round interest to garden visitors.

Explore the Gardens

Grow your own with Tom Brown

Thinking of growing your own and wondering where to start? If the answer is 'yes', West Dean's Head Gardener, Tom Brown, is here to inspire and help you with his series of short videos to 'grow your own'. We now have four videos in the series:

See the latest grow your own videos

Try a garden-themed short course

Let the Gardens be your inspiration on a short course at West Dean College of Arts and Conservation. Learn practical gardening skills or garden design from the experts. Get behind the camera lens and discover how to get the best images of the garden on a photography course, or join an art course and interpret the landscape on canvas.

Find out more about gardening courses and lectures or the wide range of creative courses available.

For shorter garden talks please visit our gardens events page.

Cutting garden in summer at West Dean Gardens

About the Gardens

View a map of the gardens, meet the gardening team and find out what’s new in the garden this month. Learn about the history of the gardens and how they became what they are today.

Hot borders in the Walled Garden at West Dean

What's New?

See Tom Brown's 'grow your own' videos, read the 'top picks' for flowers in September and NHS staff enjoy free entry to West Dean Gardens.

Wedding receptions at West Dean Gardens. Credit Helen Cawte Photography

Wedding Receptions

Celebrate your wedding day in style with a marquee reception for up to 200 guests on the picnic lawn or front lawn at West Dean Gardens. Our experienced team offer a bespoke service to help you plan your special day.

Gardens Gallery

Apples grow in abundance in the Walled Kitchen Garden at West Dean
Stunning Sea Holly (Eryngium)
Japanese Anemones, growing next to the Pergola
Roses in bloom along the pergola
The glorious summer sunshine highlighting the beauty of the Edwardian pergola at West Dean Gardens
Colourful alliums (also known as 'ornamental onions') in the Spring Garden
A tranquil spot where the River Lavant flows through the Spring Gardens
Lilly pads adorn the pond under the Edwardian Pergola
The October sun shining through the trees in the Arboretum at West Dean Gardens
Conetwirl - One of the four sculptures by Eilís O'Connell in West Dean Gardens
Apple Store at West Dean Gardens
The results of the 2020 Foxgloves trial
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Upcoming events

Easier ways to a successful vegetable and fruit garden

Date
Saturday 23 January, 9.30am-3pm

Enchanting Plants

Date
Saturday 20 March, 9.30am-3pm
View All Events

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Support West Dean Gardens

West Dean Gardens is part of a registered charity and its upkeep and care are only possible with the support of generous donors, friends and legacy gifts.

If you share our passion for the gardens and gardening excellence,
please find out how you can help support their upkeep.