One-week summer schools in July and August allow students to learn a new skill; relax in stunning surroundings; share ideas and even have yoga sessions in the historic house. The height of summer in the rolling Sussex Downs attracts those looking for a break with a creative edge and the chance to learn a new skill and relax in stunning surrounds at West Dean College of Art and Conservation

At this year's Arts and Craft Festival, West Sussex-based Abdollah, and his partner Kate, will be demonstrating three of the key elements of making a Sussex chair in Victorian times.

Tickets are now on sale for the West Dean Arts and Craft Festival, which will take place within the beautiful grounds of West Dean College of Arts and Conservation in West Sussex from Friday, May 31 - Sunday, June 2, 2019. The Festival, which is open each day from 10am - 5pm, offers visitors the opportunity to try their hand at something new in a fun environment and go home, after a bit of escapism, saying "I made that!"

Celebrate Easter by bringing family and friends to explore the award-winning West Dean Gardens. During the Easter holidays from 19 April - 22 April, 2019 between 9am - 5pm (Last entry 4pm), children can take part in a traditional Easter Trail around thegardens, which will have a sweet treat chocolate prize at the end. For the first time, Mary Dalton (a tutor in printmaking from West Dean College) will be running an Easter-themed arts and craft activity in the Gardens' classroom.

Dates have been announced for Line and Form 2019 - an exciting exhibition showcasing the diverse range of work from the full-time Visual Arts students at West Dean College of Arts and Conservation. It's an exciting opportunity to acquire drawings, textiles, prints and ceramics from emerging and early career artists at affordable prices.

With Mother's Day coming up soon on Sunday March 31 2019, West Dean Gardens near Chichester are offering an extra special Mother's Day gift that will last a season! All mums will receive a bunch of daffodils and a free Spring Pass* worth £19, for unlimited Gardens entry until 31 May 2019 (excluding Arts and Craft Festival).

West Dean Gardens are delighted to announce the appointment of Tom Brown as Head Gardener - he will start on May 7, 2019. Tom is joining West Dean Gardens from nearby Parham House, where he became Head Gardener in 2010. Prior to that, he worked at RHS Wisley Gardens for 10 years, latterly running the plant and vegetable trials. He is a regular contributor on BBC Radio Sussex and Surrey, a member of the RHS Herbaceous Committee and an RHS Show Judge.

Students from West Dean College of Arts and Conservation have travelled far and wide this term to highly respected institutions and museums, to work with the top conservators and experts in the field of conservation.

From the colour of the Chilli Fiesta to the creativity of the Arts and Crafts Festival to the relaxing Gardens and the diversity of the musical performances, throughout 2019, West Dean will be offering a wide variety of events.