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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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

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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.

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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

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 at West Dean Gardens

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

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

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

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

Events & Articles

Christmas Wreath Making and Festive Lunch at West Dean

Wreath Making & Festive Dinner

Thursday 27 November, 4-8pm at West Dean College

Join us for a celebration of creativity and seasonal indulgence on this two-hour Christmas wreath-making workshop, followed by a festive two-course dinner.

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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.

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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.

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.