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.

Award-winning Sunken Garden at West Dean Gardens near Chichester

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 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.

Mixed tulips in pots in West Dean Gardens

What's new at West Dean Gardens?

Wherever you walk in the gardens there is plenty to see in May. May is National Walking Month, and with a Spring Pass it's the perfect chance to walk more around West Dean Gardens, available from the Gardens Shop for just £17, unlimited visits until 31 May.

Garden Gallery

Stunning spring views from the Spring Garden
Spring pots in the Walled Gardens
Daffodils in West Dean Gardens
Purple Crocuses 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
View of the stunning Edwardian pergola in the summer at West Dean Gardens, with the gazebo at the northern end.
A view of the gorgeous pergola at West Dean Gardens - a sight not to be missed.
Autumn view of the College from the Spring Gardens. Image credit: Chris Ison Photography.
Autumn walks at West Dean Gardens. Image credit: Stephen Tattersall
West Dean Gardens makes a stunning venue for the perfect wedding reception
Beautiful wedding receptions in the South Downs countryside at West Dean Gardens near Chichester
Browse our plant sale area in the Gardens Shop
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Upcoming events

West Dean Arts and Craft Festival

Date
2 - 4 June 2017, 10am-5pm (last entry 4pm)

Pergola Open Air Theatre

Date
7.45pm
View All Events

Gardens Blog

What's looking good in May

Posted on 28th April 2017

Now listen you lot, I know that many of you are keen to see wildflowers and lots of them, so all I can do is invite you to visit the gardens to walk up to the Arboretum to see the sheets of cowslips which are looking truly splendid at the moment. Read more in the latest blog by 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. 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.