Gardens Explorer Trail at West Dean
West Dean Gardens, West Dean, near Chichester · 24 October to 1 November 2026
Image: West Dean GardensAn autumn nature trail around the West Dean estate for half term. Children tick off what they find on a trail sheet as they follow the paths into quieter corners of the gardens.
Highlights
- Autumn trail sheet to complete
- Paths through the estate's gardens and grounds
Good to know
- No booking needed
- Buy trail sheets at the Gardens Gatehouse
Getting there
West Dean Gardens, West Dean, Chichester, West Sussex, PO18 0QZ
Get directionsChecked on 16 October 2026 against westdean.ac.uk. Details change, so please confirm with the organiser before you travel. How we check
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Nearby
Image: West Dean GardensWest Dean Christmas Market
A makers' market spread through the estate rooms of West Dean House and its front lawn, with art, crafts, food and drink from more than 45 stalls. Carol singing, live music and demonstrations from West Dean tutors add to the atmosphere.
Image: West Dean GardensWest Dean Gardens
West Dean Gardens sits at the foot of the South Downs north of Chichester and is one of the finest restored gardens open to the public. Highlights include the Victorian glasshouses, a productive Walled Kitchen Garden, a 100-metre Edwardian pergola and the 49-acre St Roche's Arboretum. It is open year round, with a restaurant, tea cottage and shops on site.
Image: Weald & Downland Living MuseumOctober half-term: Plagues and Potions
The open-air museum near Chichester sets its half-term in 1665, with a village healer's potions trail and spooky games at Hambrook. Ghost stories and a Victorian schoolroom session round out the week.