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.

A stop in our Visit England-endorsed restaurant and on-site gift shop will complete every visit.

Sunken Garden and Edwardian Pergola at West Dean Gardens

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

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.

Jewellery for sale at West Dean Gardens Shop

Restaurant and Shop

Our Gardens Restaurant at West Dean has a Visit England Quality Food & Drink status (2015). Relax and enjoy home cooked food overlooking the South Downs. Browse the extensive plant and gift range in the shop and treat yourself to something special.

Apple Tree in the Orchard at West Dean Gardens

What's new at West Dean Gardens?

The Autumn Pass is back for 2017. Gardens entry for £17.50 (valid until 30 November), perfect for exploring the autumn colours on show at West Dean. The Autumn Pass and day tickets for visiting the Gardens are now bookable online. Plus, read Sarah Wain's latest blog for September.

Garden Gallery

Pink nerines in September at West Dean Gardens
Apple Store at West Dean Gardens
The wonderful walled gardens with a view of the apple store at West Dean Gardens.
The glorious summer sunshine highlighting the beauty of the Edwardian pergola at West Dean Gardens
Browse our plant sale area in the Gardens Shop
West Dean Gardens makes a stunning venue for the perfect wedding reception
Bright summer borders in West Dean Gardens
Autumn view of the College from the Spring Gardens. Image credit: Chris Ison Photography.
Autumn walks at West Dean Gardens. Image credit: Stephen Tattersall
Purple Crocuses at West Dean Gardens
Spring pots in the Walled Gardens
Daffodils in West Dean Gardens
A view of the gorgeous pergola at West Dean Gardens - a sight not to be missed.
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Upcoming events

Halloween Activities

Date
25 - 29 October 2017

Visit Father Christmas

Date
9 - 10 & 16 - 17 December 2017
View All Events

Gardens Blog

What's looking good in September

Posted on 6th September 2017

How quickly the seasons pass, there's a change in the air as autumn strides into view. Hey-ho it's apple harvest time and Stu has begun to harvest this year's crop. Fruit is his forté and harvesting is the natural conclusion to his fruit year. We need to plant more fruit trees, don't you think?

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Try a garden-themed creative short course

Let the gardens be your inspiration on a short course at West Dean College. 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, 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 here.

For shorter garden talks please visit our gardens events page.

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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.