West Dean College and Gardens is a special place with so much to discover.
Every penny raised thanks to your Friend membership supports the upkeep and development of West Dean College and Gardens for present and future students and visitors.
If you share our love for the arts and conservation or have a passion for the gardens then become a Friend of West Dean and be part of our story.
You can view the Terms and Conditions for College Friend membership and Garden Friend membership.
Complete your application form and become a Friend.
Friends go behind-the-scenes at West Dean and discover more.
The two levels of membership (College and Garden) enable you to enjoy the parts of West Dean that interest you most.
The following benefits are included in your Friend membership:
Complimentary entry - all Friends enjoy the changing face of West Dean Gardens throughout the year during normal opening hours. (Please note the gardens close from 23 December 2018 to 1 February 2019.)
Events - your chance to get behind-the-scenes. Discover more about the College and meet the people who look after West Dean house and the glorious gardens that you enjoy year round. An additional charge may apply and certain events are restricted to College Friends only.
Regular Newsletters - packed full of information to help you make the most of your membership, keep informed and right up to date with all the latest news and events.
Entry to West Dean events - Garden Friends get complimentary entry to one day of the West Dean Arts and Craft Festival. Entry fees will apply on all other event days.
Relax and have a brew! - After a long walk around the gardens, perhaps it's time for a cream tea? You can enjoy a 10% discount in the Gardens Restaurant (excluding alcohol and special menus/events) - just show your Friend membership card at the till.
College Friends receive the following additional benefits:
Entry to West Dean events - College Friends are provided with complimentary entry to the Arts and Craft Festival (all 3 days).
Make use of the College craft shop, Dining Room and Steward's bar - Connect with like-minded Friends and become part of our artistic community. Stock-up with supplies from the craft shop, have a drink in the bar or dine with us in the College dining room. Advance booking is essential.
Monthly coffee morning - Join us on the second Friday of each month from 10am for a cup of coffee and to meet other College Friends. We will also be joined by a guest speaker every other month - a great opportunity for you to hear from the people who work hard to protect the historic house, its collection and grounds. There's no need to book, just show your College Friend membership card and sign-in at the College reception. We look forward to seeing you.
"I was so pleased to find the regular monthly walk for Garden Friends. To know I can stroll around with a group of kindly people makes membership so valuable. I really look forward to it."
Alison Pearce, Garden Friend
Choose the level of Friend membership that suits you. Download and complete an application form.
Terms and conditions apply.
Give a Gift of Friend Membership
West Dean College or Garden Friend membership for an individual or a couple, is the perfect gift for a friend or loved one to enjoy all year round. We can send the membership pack directly to the person of your choice or return it to you to give them directly.
To buy or renew a Friend membership download your application form and return it completed with your preferred options. Friend memberships are also available to buy in the Gardens Shop or can be purchased by phone, please call us on 01243 818256.
Garden Friends get complimentary entry to one day of the West Dean Arts and Craft Festival. Entry fees will apply on all other event days. You will receive your complimentary ticket in your membership/renewal pack. Remember to bring it with you to gain entry into the event.
Friends Events
Every year we organise a number of events that are your chance to get behind-the-scenes and enjoy West Dean all year round. Come along and meet the people who look after West Dean Gardens. We look forward to welcoming you.
Carols by the Christmas Tree
'While Shepherds watched their flocks by night' Carols by the Christmas Tree with a Shepherds and Sheep theme
Thursday 12 December 2019, 2.30pm and 7.00pm in the Oak Hall, West Dean College
A programme of well-known carols for everyone to sing, carols
sung by the Winterbourne Singers
and played by the West Dean Viol Consort, including a new carol
specially written for the occasion by Mary Hampton, West Dean
Composer-in-Residence.
Tickets £12.50, including mulled wine and mince pies served in the Old Library during the interval.
The Christmas Gift Fair with work by West Dean Staff will be held in the Old Dining Room and Music Room, 2.00 to 8.30pm.
Click here to book the 2.30pm performance
Click here to book the 7.00pm performance
Find out about events at West Dean Gardens.
Friends' Garden Walks
The Garden Friends walk takes place on the first Thursday of each month. Meet Jenny Stewart (volunteer and Garden Friend) in the Gardens Restaurant at 10.30am for a coffee and then head off for a walk at 11am. These walks are informal and a chance for you to take a walk around the gardens with a group of garden enthusiasts and West Dean Friends.
'West Dean Gardens are so special because they are where horticultural skills are honed, traditions preserved and plants of all types grown and tested.'
TOBY BUCKLAND, Gardener and TV presenter.
The Friends office is open Monday to Friday 9.00am - 5.00pm.
You can contact us via email or telephone us on 01243 818256 and we shall be happy to help.
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.
