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.
View the Terms and Conditions for Garden Friend membership or College Friend membership.
Complete your application form to become a Friend.
Friends go behind-the-scenes at West Dean and discover more.
There are two levels of membership (Garden and College) that enable you to enjoy the parts of West Dean that interest you.
The following benefits are included in both Garden and College Friend membership:
Complimentary entry - all Friends can enjoy the changing face of West Dean Gardens throughout the year during normal opening hours. (Please note the gardens close from 23 December 2017 to 1 February 2018.)
Events - your chance to get behind-the-scenes. Discover more about the College and Gardens and meet the people who look after West Dean house and the glorious gardens. 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 the latest news and events.
Entry to West Dean events - Garden Friends receive a complimentary event ticket that can be used on an event day of your choice. Entry fees will apply on all other event days. College Friends enjoy complimentary entry on all event days.
College Friends can also:
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 through our monthly coffee morning. 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.
"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.
Remember that you can use your complimentary event ticket on an event day of your choice within the period of your 12 month membership. This can be used for our Arts & Craft Festival (1-3 June 2018) or Chilli Fiesta (10-12 August 2018).
You will find your complimentary ticket in your membership/renewal pack. Remember to bring it with you with your membership card to gain entry into the event of your choice.
Please click below to view our Garden Friends event programmes.
Garden Friends event programme 2018
To book an event please complete the booking form and send it back to us. Alternatively you can call the friends team on 01243 818256 or click here to book online and to find out about other events at West Dean Gardens.
Carols by the Christmas Tree | Thursday 6th December
2018
Join us for our annual celebration in the Oak Hall with carols
around the Christmas Tree led by a local choir. A festive
celebration, with mulled wine and mince pies to refresh you in the
interval. The Christmas Gift Fair with work by West Dean Staff will
be held on the same day, in the Old Dining Room, from 2.00 to
8.30pm.
Entry: £10 exclusive to West Dean Friends.
Afternoon carols start at 2.30pm - SOLD OUT
Evening carols start at 7pm - SOLD OUT
Please email friends@westdean.org.uk to be added to a waiting list for ticket returns.
'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.
