West Dean Gardens

About

West Dean Gardens offers a sensational setting for you to while away an hour or a day.

Begin your journey at the new Gardens Gatehouse, a welcoming gateway designed to introduce you to the history and beauty of the estate. Step outside to explore extensive grounds with rare trees and shrubs, ornamental borders, and a naturalistically planted pond. Discover the beautifully restored walled kitchen garden, home to over 200 varieties of carefully trained fruit trees, alongside a cornucopia of exotic produce and plants under glass, featuring some of the finest Victorian glasshouses in the country.

For the more energetic, a 2 ½ mile circuit walk through the St Roche’s arboretum encompasses a fine collection of specimen trees and shrubs. The walk offers breathtaking views of the surrounding Sussex Downs and of the flint mansion of West Dean College in its parkland setting.

After your walk, complete your visit at the Gardens Kitchen, where you can relax and enjoy delicious, seasonal dishes featuring fresh produce harvested right from the walled garden you just explored.

New: Creative Taster Sessions at West Dean Gardens, West Sussex

Ever wanted to try your hand at a new craft but didn't know where to start? We are excited to introduce our new Creative Taster Sessions. Hosted inside our beautiful new Gardens Gatehouse, these two-hour hands-on workshops offer the perfect opportunity to sample West Dean’s renowned short courses.

What's On & Special Events at West Dean Gardens

There is always a reason to return to West Dean Gardens. We host a vibrant, year-round calendar of seasonal events and family activities. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of pre-bookable experiences throughout the year, from expert-led guided tours of the house to traditional cream tea experiences. Check our website to see what's happening during your visit! 

 

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