To mark Mental Health Awareness Week, West Dean Gardens will offer free entry from 11-17 May, inviting visitors to step outside, explore and reconnect with nature.
Supporting wellbeing
Time spent outdoors has been widely shown to reduce stress, improve mood, better concentration and support overall wellbeing, making green spaces more important than ever. West Dean Gardens provide an accessible way to reconnect, with nature, with others, and with yourself.
Set within the South Downs, West Dean Gardens offers a rich and varied landscape, from tranquil walled gardens and historic glasshouses to open parkland and beautiful seasonal planting. This special initiative recognises the important role that nature, fresh air and shared spaces can play in supporting wellbeing. Visitors can wander at their own pace, find a quiet corner for reflection, or simply enjoy time with family and friends in calming surroundings.
Preserved & experienced
Ian Graham, Director of Estates, said: “At West Dean we believe that access to nature and green space is vital for wellbeing. Our landscape is not only something to be preserved, but something to be experienced. That’s why we sustainably manage our landscape, both for now and for future generations. We are committed to protecting and enhancing the natural environment. Caring for our woodlands, gardens, and open spaces, in order to create an environment that supports both biodiversity and human wellbeing, ensuring that West Dean remains a place where people can connect with the outdoors in meaningful ways. During Mental Health Awareness Week, we’re pleased to welcome visitors to the gardens free of charge, offering a space to pause, reflect and enjoy the benefits of being outdoors.”
Plan your visit
Visitors can enjoy free entry throughout the week during normal opening hours, with no advance booking required. The Gardens are easily accessible, with parking available on site and pathways suitable for a range of mobility needs. This initiative also supports the wider aims of Mental Health Awareness Week, encouraging people to prioritise their wellbeing and take simple steps, such as spending time in nature, that can make a meaningful difference.
The Gardens Kitchen will also be open throughout the week, serving fresh, seasonal dishes inspired by produce grown on the estate, providing the perfect opportunity for visitors to relax
and extend their visit.
Summer opening times:
- Mon-Fri: 9am-5pm
- Sat-Sun: 9am-5pm
For more information, visit: www.westdean.ac.uk
