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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    • Midsummer Garden Tour with Tom Brown Head Gardener at West Dean

    Midsummer Evening Garden Tour with Tom Brown

    Experience an exclusive tour of the renowned West Dean Gardens after closing hours, led by Head Gardener Tom Brown and expert members of the Garden Team. 

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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.
    Tours cost £30pp and will run on various dates between March and October 2025. 

    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

    Creative Writing Course Open Day at West Dean

    Campus Open Day - Creative Writing

    Thursday 1 May 2025, 11am-1pm at West Dean

    Curious about courses in Creative Writing? Book your place at our next Open Day on Thursday 1 May 2025 and discover more about our courses and studying with us.
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    Spring 14th April 2025

    Peat-free Compost Trial with Tom Brown

    Peat-Free Trial Conclusion: Tom Brown takes us through what we tested and discovered.

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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.