West Dean Gardens
If you’re a gardening enthusiast, or simply love all that nature offers, your holiday to the Chichester area won’t be complete without a visit to West Dean Gardens.
One of the greatest restored gardens open to the public today, West Dean is just six miles north of Chichester, near to the Goodwood Estate. The grounds offer stunning features, historic focal points and calm surroundings. Discover interesting shrubs, restored walled gardens and beautiful walkways, all thoughtfully created and intricately maintained.
A brief history
West Dean Gardens in West Sussex is rich in heritage and history, dating back to 1622 when the original manor house was built. In the early 1800s, the current house was built and the gardens were laid out. Many of the existing mature trees date back to this period and have helped shape the layout of the gardens today.
Edwardian pergola
One of the main features at West Dean Gardens is its impressive 100-metre long Edwardian pergola. Take your time to stroll through and enjoy its array of rose, honeysuckle, magnolia and clematis varieties.
Explore the pergola’s surrounding features – the Gazebo at the west end featuring a mosaic floor, and an amphitheatre to the north for open-air performances during the summer months.
Garden areas to explore
Visit the Walled Kitchen Garden – bursting with fruit, vegetables and flowers. Experience the intimacy and character of the Sunken Garden, and its stark contrast to the vast surrounding lawns. Discover secret walkways and flint bridges in the Spring Garden, and find a spot to sit and absorb your surroundings.
Complete your visit with lunch or afternoon tea in the restaurant. Here you’ll find freshly-prepared home-cooked meals using locally-sourced ingredients. During the summer, you can book to eat Friday or Saturday evening, helping you to make the most of your time on holiday.
Fresh air suggests…
- If you’re on holiday in late spring, St Roche’s Arboretum is a must-see, blooming with rhododendrons and azaleas. Enjoy breathtaking views of the South Downs while you take in the surrounding shrubs and trees. The circuit is 2.5 miles and clearly marked.
- If you’re keen to do some walking while on holiday in West Sussex, why not combine it with a trip to West Dean Gardens? There is a good network of footpaths in the area. Visit West Dean Gardens’ website to download a booklet with six local routes.
- If you’re on holiday with small children, many paths around the gardens are pushchair and scooter friendly. Also, check out what seasonal activities they have on at the time you’re on holiday. West Dean Gardens has a jammed-packed agenda throughout the year, offering something for all ages.