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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Christmas at West Dean Gardens

Discover the magic of West Dean Gardens this Christmas with our festive events and experiences.

Christmas Afternoon Tea and House tour - Various dates in November and December
Gather family and friends join us for a Christmas Afternoon Tea and exclusive tour of West Dean House. Enjoy a selection of seasonal sandwiches, sweet delights, scones, teas, coffees or English sparkling wine in the enchanting setting of the Oak Hall.

Christmas Lunch - 18 November - 23 December
Enjoy a delicious three course Christmas Lunch with family and friends at our Gardens' Restaurant.

Grow your own with Tom Brown

Thinking of growing your own and wondering where to start? If the answer is 'yes', West Dean's Head Gardener, Tom Brown, is here to inspire and help you with his series of short videos to 'grow your own'. We now have four videos in the series:

See the latest grow your own videos

Try a garden-themed short course

Let the Gardens be your inspiration on a short course at West Dean College. Learn practical gardening skills or garden design from the experts. Get behind the camera lens and discover how to get the best images of the garden on a photography course, or join an art course and interpret the landscape on canvas.

Find out more about gardening courses and lectures or the wide range of creative courses available.

For shorter garden talks please visit our gardens events page.

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

A tranquil spot where the River Lavant flows through the Spring Gardens

The October sun shining through the trees in the Arboretum at West Dean Gardens

Apples grow in abundance in the Walled Kitchen Garden at West Dean

Japanese Anemones at West Dean Gardens — Japanese Anemones, growing next to the Pergola

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

Conetwirl by Eilis O Connell — Conetwirl - One of the four sculptures by Eilís O'Connell in West Dean Gardens

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

Looking good 10th October 2023

Looking good in autumn 2023

Read article

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.