West Dean Gardens
A beautifully rejuvenated historic garden rich in creative and social heritage.
Chichester, West Sussex, PO18 0QZ
Facilities
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Accessible loos
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Accessible parking
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Cafe / restaurant
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Easily accessible without car
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Free parking
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Garden only
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Mostly wheelchair accessible
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Parkland / open spaces
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Pet friendly
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Picnic area
- Guide dogs welcome
- Accessible toilets
- Accessible parking
- Access statement available
Visit West Dean Gardens (part of West Dean College of Arts and Conservation) in West Sussex and escape to a beautifully rejuvenated historic garden rich in creative and social heritage. Explore the extensive grounds on a gentle walk or venture further to the unique arboretum.
Features include the 13 restored Victorian Glasshouses housing orchids, fuchsias, figs, vines, melons and chillies. See the Walled Kitchen Garden of classic Victorian design, 100m-long Edwardian Pergola designed by Harold Peto, the naturalistic Spring Garden, the award-winning Sunken Garden and the orchards. The circular 2½ mile arboretum walk set in 50 acres of beautiful parkland offers stunning views of the South Downs and a route passing Edward James’ grave.
Important information: opening info is generated by artificial intelligence; check specific attraction details before travelling.
The indicator above will show ‘open’ when the public have any kind of access to any part of this property. That could be the park, a shop, or a special event, and may not reflect regular admission times to the main attraction. Always consult the website of the house or garden you intend to visit before travelling to check that the attraction you are interested in is open.
Opening Times
Summer Opening (March–October)
West Dean Gardens is open Monday to Sunday, including Bank Holidays, from 9am to 5pm. Last entry is one hour before closing time.
Winter Opening (January–February and November–December)
The gardens are open Monday to Sunday, including Bank Holidays, from 9am to 4pm. Last entry is one hour before closing time.
Special Events and Activities
Garden Tour & Cream Tea
Guided garden tours with cream tea are available on various dates between March and October 2026, running from 1pm to 3:45pm. These tours are scheduled throughout July, August, September, and October.
House Tour & Cream Tea
House tours accompanied by cream tea are offered on various dates throughout 2025–2026, with regular scheduling in July, August, September, and October 2026.
Landscape Walk Led by Haroun Hayward and Mark Roberts
A guided landscape walk takes place on Saturday 12 September 2026 from 3:30pm to 5pm.
Pollinator Quest – May Half-Term Activities
Family activities focused on pollinators run during the May half-term period from 23–31 May 2026, 9am–5pm.
Historic Houses members visit for free.
Ticket prices vary depending on the season. For more information, please see our website.
We welcome group bookings of 15+ people.
Please contact Celia Dickinson for more information.
01243 818 210
- Guide dogs welcome
- Accessible toilets
- Accessible parking
- Access statement available
Getting here
Chichester, West Sussex, PO18 0QZ
West Dean Gardens is nestled at the foot of the South Downs just 6 miles north of Chichester towards Midhurst. The entrance to the
Gardens is clearly signposted off the A286.
For those travelling by public transport, Chichester is the nearest rail station.
Why our members love visiting West Dean Gardens
Become a Historic Houses member
Explore the nation’s heritage from just £71 per year.
Hundreds of the most beautiful historic houses, castles, and gardens across Britain offer our members free entry.
Also: receive a quarterly magazine, enjoy monthly online lectures, get exclusive invitations to buy tickets for behind-the-scenes tours, and take up a range of special offers on holidays, books, and other products you might like.
