Father Christmas will be visiting West Dean Gardens during the weekends 10 - 11 and 17 - 18 December 2016 (10am to 4pm). Children will be able to enjoy the magic of sharing their secret Christmas wishes in Santa's grotto in the historic Apple Store. Standard prices £5 Child (includes a gift and activities) £5.50 Adult (Standard entry to the gardens) includes mulled wine and a mince pie. Booking is essential and tickets are available online at www.westdeangardens.org.uk.

West Dean offers a relaxing way to do some Christmas shopping. Visitors can park for free and drop in to the Gardens Shop to browse the festive lights, decorations, cards and gift wrapping paper.

After shopping for beautiful gifts visitors can relax in the Gardens Restaurant, which overlooks the parkland and beautiful Lavant Valley and offers the chance to unwind over a slice of Jane's Christmas cake served with a hot drink (£4.75) or homemade mince pie and a hot drink (£3.50). A traditional homemade Christmas Lunch menu will be available from 1 to 18 December 12.00pm to 2.30pm daily (except weekends) by reservation only, telephone 01243 818215.

Traditional Home Cooked Christmas Lunch

Starters

Ham hock and mustard terrine with Melba toast

Soup of the day with warm baguette

Main courses

Roast turkey with roast potatoes, parsnips, honey glazed carrots and Brussels sprouts

Poached salmon with hollandaise sauce, French beans, glazed carrots and new potatoes

Selection of fresh vegetables

Fig and blue cheese tart

Desserts

Traditional Christmas pudding with brandy sauce

Fresh lemon tart served with clotted cream

Tea or coffee with mints

£25 per person

For a very special seasonal gift, vouchers can be purchased to be put towards the cost of a creative short course at West Dean College to the value of £10, £25, £50 or £100. The College runs over 700 short courses a year in arts and crafts from art to gardening and music to woodworking. Vouchers are available by calling 01243 818300. www.westdean.org.uk

-ends-

Notes to editors

• West Dean Gardens is part of The Edward James Foundation, a charitable trust No. 1126084, also comprising West Dean College, West Dean Estate and the West Dean Tapestry Studio.
• The gardens are open from 1 February - 23 December 2016 with special event days throughout the year. www.westdeangardens.org.uk.
• All photography is free to use for editorial purposes.