Autumn colour at West Dean Gardens - image by Trevor Sims

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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    • Garden Tour and Cream Tea at West Dean

    Gardens tour & cream tea

    Enjoy an exclusive tour of the famous West Dean Gardens with two senior and knowledgeable members of the Garden Team, followed by a delicious cream tea in the prestigious Oak Hall.

    Tour and cream tea tickets cost £32pp and will run on various dates between March and October 2026.

    Book tickets
    Grow Your Own with Tom Brown Head Gardener at West Dean

    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

    Events & Articles

    Christmas_Afternoon_Tea_West_Dean

    Christmas Afternoon Tea

    Monday 1 December, Friday 12 December & Sunday 14 December, 1-3pm at West Dean College

    Treat yourself to a Christmas themed afternoon tea in the opulent surroundings of West Dean House. Nestled in the heart of the South Downs, this historic country estate offers a truly enchanting setting, where you can relax by a roaring fire and savour a festive selection of sweet and savoury delights.
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    The Estate 11th November 2025

    Latest News from Our West Dean Ranger: A summer round up 2025

    A Summer round up by West Dean’s Ranger, Maddy Crews. 

    View article
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    Pictured: Anna Gough-Yates (Chief Executive and Principal), Ian Graham (Director of Estate) and Maddy Crews (West Dean Ranger) pictured with South Downs National Park Authority, other partners and trail users at the official opening event.

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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.