West_Dean_Gardens_Pergola

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.

Quick links

  • Plan your visit
  • What's new?
  • Gardens restaurant & gift shop
  • Events
  • Gardening Courses
  • Garden Blog
  • Support Us

    • Happy Hauntings at West Dean Gardens

    Spooky Half Term Fun at West Dean Gardens!

    Calling all Witches and Wizards to West Dean, create spine chilling spells using your magic to mix together ghoulish ingredients and eerie textures. Using foraged materials, get mixing in your pumpkin cauldrons to make your fizzing potions.

    FIND OUT MORE

    West Dean Christmas Market

    Experience the magic of the festive season at the West Dean Christmas Market.

    Join us at this year's Christmas Market, where a collection of hand-picked stallholders will be showcasing the best in Arts, crafts and food. 

    Saturday 29 November, 10.30am – 7pm

    book tickets
    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

    West Dean House Tour and Cream Tea

    House Tour & Cream Tea

    Various dates throughout 2025-2026 at West Dean House

    Join us for an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the West Dean Collections and Archive and discover some of the hidden histories of West Dean. Various dates October 2025-2026.
    View event
    View all events

    Be the first to know

    Get unmissable event details, gardens news, inspiring courses and gardening tips delivered straight to your inbox.

    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.