Gardens to Visit near Chichester
West Dean, Goodwood and gardens of the coastal plain
The countryside around Chichester is home to some outstanding gardens, ranging from grand estate gardens open to the public to smaller private gardens that open for charity on selected days. The mild climate of the coastal plain, the chalky soil of the Downs and the long horticultural tradition of West Sussex all contribute to a rich garden-visiting area within easy reach of the city.
West Dean Gardens, about six miles north of Chichester in the village of West Dean, is the most significant garden in the immediate area. The gardens are part of the West Dean Estate, which also includes the Edward James Foundation and West Dean College of Arts and Conservation. The gardens extend to over 90 acres and include a restored Victorian walled garden, a 300-foot Harold Peto pergola, an arboretum, a sunken garden and extensive parkland designed by Harold Peto and later modified. The walled garden is particularly impressive, with fruit trees, vegetables, cutting flowers and ornamental borders maintained to a high standard. The gardens are open throughout the year, and the seasonal changes, from the spring bulbs to the autumn colour, reward repeat visits.
The gardens at Goodwood House, open on selected days, provide a glimpse of the private grounds of the ducal seat. The setting, on the slopes of the Downs with views across the estate, is handsome, and the planting reflects centuries of cultivation.
Stansted Park, on the Hampshire border west of Chichester, has a garden and arboretum set within a large estate. The walled garden, the Chapel Garden and the woodland walks provide a pleasant day out, and the house itself is open for tours.
The Bishop's Palace Gardens in the city centre, though small, are a beautifully maintained formal garden worth visiting in their own right. The National Garden Scheme and other charity open garden events provide access to private gardens across the area on selected weekends, and these are popular with keen gardeners who enjoy seeing what their neighbours are growing.
The mild south-coast climate allows a wider range of plants to thrive than in many parts of England. Tender shrubs, Mediterranean plants and exotic species grow well on the coastal plain, and the gardens near Chichester reflect this climatic advantage. Nurseries and garden centres in the area cater to a keen gardening population, and the horticultural knowledge in the local community is considerable.
For garden enthusiasts, a week based in Chichester could easily be filled with garden visits, combining the major attractions with smaller gardens, nurseries and the area's own countryside and coast.
The Bishop Palace Gardens in the city centre, though small in comparison to the great estate gardens, are a beautifully maintained formal garden worth visiting in their own right. The walled enclosure, herbaceous borders and mature planting create a haven of calm in the heart of the city, and the gardens are free to enter, making them accessible to all.
The National Garden Scheme and other charity open garden events provide access to private gardens across the Chichester area on selected weekends throughout the growing season. These are popular with keen gardeners who enjoy seeing what their neighbours are growing and picking up ideas and inspiration for their own plots. The range of private gardens opened under the scheme is diverse, from cottage gardens to larger designed landscapes, and the proceeds support nursing and health charities.
The mild south-coast climate allows a wider range of plants to thrive in the Chichester area than in many parts of England. Tender shrubs, Mediterranean plants and exotic species grow well on the coastal plain, and the gardens near Chichester reflect this climatic advantage with planting that would struggle further north. Nurseries and garden centres in the area cater to a keen gardening population, and the horticultural knowledge in the local community is considerable and generously shared.