West Dean Gardens, set within the heart of the South Downs near Chichester, re-opens its gates again on the 1 February.

The big news this year is that from 1 March children (under the age of 15) get into the Gardens for just £1. This pound entrance fee even applies to the three Garden Events taking place at West Dean this year MedFest (23 – 24 June), Chilli Fiesta (27 – 19 July) and Apple Affair (29 – 30 September). So it really is all about the children and having a family day out. Under 5s go free!

During January, the Gardens shop has undergone a facelift with new and exciting treasures to be discovered. While the Gardens Restaurant will be serving its ever popular range of hot meals and snacks with a special children’s menu.

Over the winter months day-to-day maintenance of the gardens has been taking place to ensure it is looking pristine for the spring opening. Some of the work includes: the sunken garden construction, cutting back the borders in the walled garden and elsewhere, pruning and shaping of evergreen shrubs, sorting out the plants in the glasshouses as they move from summer displays into their practical winter phase (where they are sorted, cleaned and repotted), completion of cuttings of glasshouse stock and outside tender perennials, pergola pruning and the never ending pot washing.

So if you are looking for a lovely family day out, come to West Dean Gardens. You will be able to explore a 2.5 mile Parkland Walk which leads to the Arboretum, a beautiful 50 acre collection of trees and shrubs. See where the fruit and vegetables are grown in the immaculate walled gardens. Enter the Victorian Glasshouses which hold year round displays.

As you move to the west of the Gardens is where the 300ft Pergola is situated, surrounded by a woodland walk. Further along, you can enjoy the spring garden, with the ‘Bognor Rock’ and flint work bridges over the River Lavant, a winterbourne that rises at East Dean and eventually to Chichester.

If you enjoy your visit why not make West Dean Gardens your own special retreat and return again choosing your favorite elements, whether that is experiencing the views, enjoying the variety of spaces, discovering a treat for yourself or for the children and then enjoy a hearty lunch.
 
Summer garden opening times. (March – October 2012)
10.30am – 5.00pm Daily Last entry 4.30pm

Admission prices (March – October 2012)
Adults £9.00
Children £1
Over 60s £8.50
Group £6.50
Friends membership rates 2012
Individual (one named adult) at £29
Individual and Guest (one named adult, one transferable guest) at £55
Joint (two named adults) at £55
Family (named family to include 2 adults and 4 children) at £60