What happens when I arrive?
Please enter the car park from the main Gardens entrance and enter the Gardens through the Visitor Centre entrance. You will need your booking reference and any relevant ID or membership cards at the visitor centre once you have parked so please have this ready for a speedy arrival. Please ensure that you only arrive for your chosen timeslot and not before to help us manage visitor flow.
Where do I park?
Please arrive at the main Gardens entrance as usual, find a space within the car park or overflow. If you have a blue badge or need to park closer to the entrance please use the disabled car parking spaces. If they are all full you can get dropped near the door and the car can then be parked in the main car park.
Can I get to the gardens using public transport?
Yes, trains run frequently in and out of Chichester station. Close to the train station, you will find the bus station which operates the Stagecoach number 60 bus from Chichester to Midhurst. Please depart the bus at the West Dean Gardens stop and walk along the road to the main Gardens entrance, which is a short walk from the main road. For an up-to-date timetable visit the Stagecoach website.
Is the entrance still through the Visitor Centre Shop?
Yes, we have now made adjustments to enable visitors to enter through the visitor centre. To exit the gardens please follow the signage through the walled garden. Please note the gift shop is currently closed.
Will all areas of the gardens be open?
Yes, apart from the glasshouses. We have implemented one way systems and restrictions on visitor numbers where required so please adhere to any signage and guidance given to you on site. Some areas will be restricted at times due to staff working in those areas and we would ask that you respect any roped off areas or signage advising on this. Please note that due to the Coronavirus, we have had limited garden staff working on site during lockdown and therefore we have more wild flower areas throughout the grounds than you would normally see.
Is the gift shop open?
Unfortunately due to the restrictions in place, we are currently unable to open the gift shop.
Are you accepting cash payments?
No, in the interest of hygiene we are no longer accepting cash on site. Tickets can be pre-booked online and contactless payments can be made on our payment machines at the Gardens Restaurant.
Do you have wheelchairs available?
Yes, we have a limited number available on a first come first served basis. Request a wheelchair at the entrance and return it at the exit where it will be fully sanitised.
Can I change my booking for a different date?
Unfortunately we are not able to make amendments to bookings once they are made, this is so we can control numbers on site. If you are feeling unwell, please do not come to the Gardens. Please email reception@westdean.ac.uk to let us know you won't be visiting, please provide your booking reference number and name.
I have an Afternoon Escape voucher or a Gardens gift voucher that has expired during the lockdown, what can I do?
Please contact us on reception@westdean.ac.uk for any vouchers which expired between 23 March-30 June 2020 and 5 November-2 December 2020 so we can advise you further. You will be able to use your Afternoon Escape voucher at our catering outlets on site when they are open. Please surrender the voucher and the team will be happy to offer you a hot drink and cake of your choice for two.
I am a Friend – are you going to make up for the three months entry I’ve missed?
We can extend your membership by three months if you would like us to. So that we can manage the administration, we'll give you the option to extend your membership by three months (even if you choose not to renew) when we write to confirm your renewal is due.
I have HHA/Gardener’s World membership – can I book online?
Yes, there are now options for Gardeners World and Historic Houses Association membership holders. You will need to bring your vouchers or cards with you to validate your ticket at the admission kiosk.
Can I make a group booking?
Unfortunately we cannot take any groups bookings as we are working to the Government guidance on social distancing. We ask our visitors and staff to keep two metres apart on site therefore any large groups in the Gardens may be asked to disperse to maintain the appropriate distancing measures.
Is the House open?
The House operates as West Dean College of Arts and Conservation so it is not open to the general public. The College is currently closed with access only to essential staff, please do not try to enter the building.
Do I need to wear a mask and gloves?
As per Government guidelines, you will be required to wear a face covering when you are in communal washroom areas. Face coverings do not need to be worn outdoors as you stroll around.
What if I notice someone not adhering to the rules or I become worried about others behaviour?
Please call our Duty House Officer on 01243 818 206 with the details if you are concerned about any behaviour on site. We will have staff patrolling the grounds throughout the day and others stationed in key areas so please make them aware if there is an issue.
Is there any other information I need to be aware of?
We would be extremely grateful if you could follow the guidance below when on site to make all visitors feel safe and comfortable.
- Maintain a 2m distance from other visitors and staff
- Wash your hands regularly for at least 20 seconds and use the sanitiser stations provided
- Wear a face covering when you are in the Gardens shop and in communal washroom areas
- Some of our paths are quite narrow so please be respectful and patient with others using them by allowing them to pass safely at a distance
- Follow the signage in place on site for your own and others’ safety
- No bicycles are allowed on site
- No ball games are allowed on site
- No use of drones are allowed on site
- Access to the College is not available, please do not try to enter
- Please pick up any litter and place in the bins provided or take it home with you
- Please keep your dogs on a lead and clean up after them using the bins provided
- Please keep your children close within your group