West Dean Gardens in Sussex - View from the Pergola in June 2021

West Dean Gardens

Nestled at the foot of the South Downs, West Dean Gardens in West Sussex is one of the greatest restored gardens open to the public today.

Visitors can explore a wide range of historic features on a gentle walk around the grounds. From surreal trees to the restored walled garden, West Dean Gardens proudly presents its rich creative and social heritage.

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    • Happy Hauntings at West Dean Gardens

    Bring the children to West Dean Gardens for some spooky half term family fun. Children can take part in craft activities in the gardens classroom which will be dressed for Halloween. All visitors (no age restrictions!) are invited to come along in fancy dress.

    FIND OUT MORE

    Christmas Grotto at West Dean

    Father Christmas will be visiting West Dean Gardens!

    On Saturday 30th November - Sunday 1st December, and Sunday 8th December, children can visit Santa's grotto in the historic Apple Store to share their Christmas wishes with Father Christmas and receive a small gift. Included in the entry price for the children, is a variety of Christmas craft activities.

    find out more

    Gardens Gallery

    • The West Dean Gardens Team
    The West Dean Gardens Team
    A view down the Edwardian pergola at West Dean gardens with the sunshine highlighting the colourful flowers
    The glorious summer sunshine highlighting the beauty of the Edwardian pergola at West Dean Gardens
    The October sun shining through the trees in the Arboretum
    The October sun shining through the trees in the Arboretum at West Dean Gardens
    Apples grow in abundance in the Walled Kitchen Garden
    Apples grow in abundance in the Walled Kitchen Garden at West Dean
    Copyright Trevor Sims
    © Trevor Sims
    The Gardens team has propagated around 25 different varieties of winter stems, ready to plant in Autumn 2021.
    The Gardens team has propagated around 35 different varieties of winter stems, ready to plant in the Spring Garden in Autumn 2021. Image credit: Tom Brown
    © Judi Lion
    © Judi Lion
    A tranquil spot where the River Lavant flows through the Spring Gardens
    A tranquil spot where the River Lavant flows through the Spring Gardens
    Japanese Anemones at West Dean Gardens
    Japanese Anemones, growing next to the Pergola
    Roses in bloom along the pergola
    Roses in bloom along the pergola
    Conetwirl by Eilis O Connell
    Conetwirl - One of the four sculptures by Eilís O'Connell in West Dean Gardens
    Apple Store at West Dean Gardens
    Apple Store at West Dean Gardens
    The results of the 2020 Foxgloves trial
    The results of the 2020 Foxgloves trial

    Gardening short courses

    Develop your gardening skills
    Book your place on one of our gardening short courses ranging from talks, lectures, one day or long weekend courses.
    See all gardening courses

    Gardens Blog
    9th October 2024

    Meet The Ranger

    Maddy Crews, the Estate Ranger, begins a new occasional series of articles with this update.

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    Support West Dean Gardens

    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.