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.

Book your tickets NOW

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

West Dean Gardens in Autumn

Take a short tour of West Dean Gardens - watch this short film with a birds eye view of the beautiful gardens in autumn.

Film credit: Sam Lee

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.

Marquee wedding reception at West Dean Gardens Image credit Steve Tattersall

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 a your special day. Limited dates available for 2019, see all availability.

Yellow chillies on display at West Dean Gardens

What's new at West Dean Gardens?

CHILLI FIESTA IS THIS WEEKEND! It looks set to be another fantastic year so get your advance tickets online TODAY! Plus, find out about another award for West Dean Gardens, 'what's looking good in summer', and the sculptures in the Gardens.

Garden Gallery

The Walled Kitchen Garden
Conetwirl - One of the four sculptures by Eilís O'Connell in West Dean Gardens
A view of the gorgeous pergola at West Dean Gardens - a sight not to be missed.
Apple Store at West Dean Gardens
The glorious summer sunshine highlighting the beauty of the Edwardian pergola at West Dean Gardens
West Dean Gardens makes a stunning venue for the perfect wedding reception
Daffodils at West Dean Gardens
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Upcoming events

At West Dean Book Launch

Date
2 October 2018, 6.30pm

Halloween Activities

Date
24- 28 October 2018
View All Events

Gardens Blog

What's looking good in summer - Part 2

Posted on 9th August 2018

Weather has not been such a hot topic for ages with the drought of June and July making us rather nervous as we watched the skies for any sign of rain. If you can keep watering the plants over summer, then displays of rudbeckias and zinnias thrive in this endless sunny weather, as you'll see in our Cutting Garden. Read more in our latest blog from Sarah Wain.

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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 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.

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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.