Celebrate Easter and bring family and friends to explore the gardens as they burst into life with vibrant displays of over 500,000 naturalised spring bulbs. Children can take part in a traditional Easter Trail around the award-winning West Dean Gardens, where they will be rewarded with a small handmade chocolate treat for completing the trail. Easter Trails run throughout the day from 13 - 17 April 9am - 5.00pm, last entry 4.00pm. Standard Adult gardens' entry applies. Children's entry to the gardens is FREE. There is a small additional charge of £4 per child for the Easter Trail, including two children's craft activities and some games along the way.

Wander through the historic Edwardian pergola, visit the restored Victorian glasshouses, Walled Kitchen Garden, and the orchards as they come into bud, and take a stroll through the Sunken Garden and the Spring and Woodland Garden.

West Dean is offering a special Hello Spring! gardens pass for a limited period to encourage everyone to enjoy the Great Outdoors. The pass is available to purchase at £17 (Adult) from 1 March and is valid until 31 May. Visit just twice and the pass will pay for itself. Children's gardens entry is free all year round (accompanied by an adult and excluding special events).

Enjoy a home cooked lunch in the Gardens Restaurant or complete your day with a delicious cream tea in the Vintage Tea Marquee. Browse the Gardens Shop for unusual gifts, greetings cards, gardening accessories and garden plants to take home.

2017 Garden Events Dates

Gardens Open Day, 26 March (Mothering Sunday)

Easter Trails 13 - 17 April

West Dean Arts and Craft Festival and Annual House Opening, 2 - 4 June

Chilli Fiesta, 11 - 13 August

Half term week Halloween Activities, 25 - 29 October

Father Christmas Visits 9 - 11 and 16 - 17 December

Free parking. Free admission to Shop and Restaurant. Dogs on short leads welcome.

Become a Friend of West Dean and benefit from free access to the gardens year-round (except during major events). For more information on what's on visit www.westdeangardens.org.uk.

-ends-

Notes to editors

• West Dean Gardens is part of The Edward James Foundation, a charitable trust, also comprising West Dean College, West Dean Estate and the West Dean Tapestry Studio. Charity No. 1126084.
• All photography is free to use for editorial purposes.
• West Dean Gardens are situated on the A286, six miles north of Chichester and within easy access of Portsmouth, Guildford, Brighton and London.