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.
Click here for the Terms and Conditions for Friend membership.
Click here for an 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 that the gardens are closed from 23 December 2016 to 3 February 2017.)
Friend events - your chance to get behind-the-scenes with an event programme exclusively for Friends. 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 will apply and certain events are restricted to College Friends only.
Annual Discover more magazine - packed full of information to help you make the most of your membership, keep informed and find out what's going on.
Regular e-newsletters - keeping you right up to date with the latest news and events.
Entry to West Dean events - Garden Friends enjoy complimentary entry to Chilli Fiesta (Friday) and Apple Affair (Saturday & Sunday). Entry fees will apply on all other event days. College Friends enjoy complimentary entry on all event days.
In addition, College Friends receive the following benefits:
Entry to West Dean events - In addition to the above events, complimentary entry to the following public events: Design and Craft Fair (all 3 days) and Chilli Fiesta (all 3 days). Come and relax in our Friends area at events.
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.
Choose the level of Friend membership that suits you. Click here for an application form.
Terms and conditions apply. View them here.
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 to you to give.
Click here to download your application form and return the completed form with your preferred options.
Every year we organise a number of exclusive Friend events. Come along, discover more and meet the people who look after West Dean house and the glorious gardens. This is your chance to get behind-the-scenes and enjoy West Dean all year round. We look forward to welcoming you.
Book online by clicking the links below or download the booking form and return it to us.
Tuesday 20 September, standard garden opening times - Bring a friend for free
Share your love of West Dean and just for today, you can bring in a friend free of charge. Enjoy the last of the summer sun and admire the gardens bathed in the glorious autumnal light. Then you could treat yourself to tea and cake in the Gardens Restaurant.
£ free - Open to all Friends
Tuesday 11 October, 10a.m. - 11.30a.m. - "Highlights of Autumn" garden tour
Meet for coffee and then take a guided walk through the Gardens with one of the Gardens Team who work closely with Sarah Wain, Garden Supervisor. They will lead the walk and explain how the team create interest and focal points using Autumn colour and shape in the garden.
£10 - Open to all Friends
Thursday 8 December, 2.30p.m. - 4.30p.m. - Christmas words and music around the Christmas Tree
Join us in the afternoon this festive season for readings and carols around the Christmas Tree. Enjoy a roaring log fire, a glass of mulled wine and mince pies.
£10 - Open to all Friends
Thursday 8 December, 7p.m. - 9p.m. - Christmas words and music around the Christmas Tree
Come in the evening this festive season for readings and carols around the Christmas Tree. Enjoy a roaring log fire, a glass of mulled wine and mince pies.
£10 - Open to all 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.
