West Dean College

9.8
Exceptional
(136 reviews)

West Sussex, West Dean, Chichester PO18 0QZ, United Kingdom

+44 1243 818300

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Hotel Description

West Dean College, located in the heart of West Sussex at West Dean, Chichester PO18 0QZ, United Kingdom, is a serene and charming destination surrounded by the natural beauty of the South Downs. This picturesque hotel is an excellent choice for visitors seeking a peaceful getaway, as it is within walking distance to the stunning West Dean Gardens (just a 4-minute stroll), known for their Edwardian pergola, Victorian glasshouses, and walled kitchen garden. Guests rave about the quality of service, with many praising the welcoming staff and the comfort of the rooms, which are regularly highlighted in reviews. The peaceful ambiance of the hotel, paired with its proximity to the Weald & Downland Living Museum, creates the perfect backdrop for those who appreciate nature and history. For a restful stay, the rooms offer a cozy and inviting atmosphere, designed to cater to guests' comfort with modern amenities to ensure a rejuvenating experience. The hotel provides a range of essential amenities, including complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the property, convenient parking, and a smoke-free environment, ensuring a clean and comfortable stay for all guests. Every morning, guests are treated to a delicious breakfast, providing the perfect start to the day before exploring the nearby attractions. While the hotel does not feature a fitness center, spa, pool, or hot tub, it remains a peaceful retreat, ideal for those seeking a relaxing and low-key environment. West Dean College is well-connected by public transportation, offering easy access to major airports such as Heathrow (1 hour 23 minutes by taxi) and Gatwick (1 hour 12 minutes by taxi). Guests can also enjoy convenient walking distances to nearby sights, including the Weald & Downland Living Museum and West Dean Gardens. Visitors can also explore the South Downs National Park, a short 23-minute drive away, or venture to historical landmarks such as Goodwood House (12 minutes away) and Arundel Castle (25 minutes away). Nearby dining options are plentiful, with excellent restaurants within a short taxi ride, including The Selsey Arms (2 minutes), The Partridge Inn (5 minutes), and Farmer Butcher Chef Restaurant and Bar (12 minutes). Guests can indulge in a variety of cuisines, from traditional British gastropub fare to Mediterranean-inspired dishes, ensuring a memorable dining experience throughout their stay. Whether you're visiting for the tranquility of the gardens, exploring the surrounding countryside, or simply enjoying the high-quality service and accommodations, West Dean College welcomes you to experience a unique and relaxing stay.

The Most Outstanding Trait

1. 4-minute walk to West Dean Gardens, a horticultural attraction

2. Guests praised the exceptional service and welcoming atmosphere

3. Rooms highly regarded for comfort and tranquility, mentioned multiple times in reviews

4. Complimentary breakfast served daily, ensuring a great start to the day

5. Smoke-free property with modern amenities such as Wi-Fi and parking

6. Proximity to popular local sights like Weald & Downland Living Museum and South Downs National Park

7. Nearby restaurants offering a wide range of cuisines, from gastropubs to Mediterranean

8. Convenient access to major airports like Heathrow and Gatwick, within 1-1.5 hours by taxi

9. A peaceful retreat in a scenic countryside location, ideal for relaxation and exploration


6.8 Good

Location rating

Top sights

Weald & Downland Living Museum
4 min
South Downs National Park
23 min
West Dean Gardens
4 min
Goodwood House
12 min
Arundel Castle
25 min

Nearest locations

The Selsey Arms
2 min
The Partridge Inn
5 min
The Fox Goes Free
6 min
The Earl Of March
7 min
The Royal Oak
8 min
The White Horse
9 min
Farmer Butcher Chef Restaurant and Bar
12 min
Restaurant @ Spread Eagle Hotel & Spa
13 min
See more Interesting locations

Good to know

Check-in15:00
Check-out11:00
Location rating6.8
Nearest airportSouthampton Airport
Travel time to airport51 min

Nightly price (Only for reference price for sample day)

Check-in: Fri, Dec 06
Check-out: Sat, Dec 07
    Booking.com

    $169

    Agoda

    $169

    LateRooms.com

    $169

    Priceline

    $169

    Bluepillow.com

    $170


Location

West Sussex, West Dean, Chichester PO18 0QZ, United Kingdom

Airports:

Heathrow Airport

Taxi: 1 hr 23 min

Transit: 3 hr 2 min

London City Airport

Taxi: 2 hr 9 min

Transit: 3 hr 9 min

London Luton Airport

Taxi: 1 hr 54 min

Transit: 3 hr 34 min

London Stansted Airport

Taxi: 2 hr 25 min

Transit: 3 hr 58 min

London Gatwick Airport

Taxi: 1 hr 12 min

Transit: 2 hr 7 min

Southampton Airport

Taxi: 51 min

Transit: 2 hr 9 min

London Southend Airport

Taxi: 2 hr 23 min

Transit: 4 hr 1 min

Transit:

West Dean Gardens

Walking: 8 min

Gonville Cottage

Walking: 16 min

The Selsey Arms

Walking: 13 min


Nearby locations

6.8

Good Location

Top Attractions

Top Restaurants


Amenities and Facilities

Parking & transportation

Parking

Policies & payments

Smoke-free property

Food & drink

Breakfast

Wellness

No fitness center

No spa

Internet

Wi-Fi

Pools

No pools

No hot tub


Reviews

100% reviews from partners and customers booking on Dinogo

9.0

10 reviews

Wonderful
8
Excellent
0
Good
1
Below Average
1
Not Good
0
Cover Image for Caroline Maxwell-Gale

Caroline Maxwell-Gale

5/5
I've just been on a 3 day mixed media course at West Dene. The setting is stunning and the main building is a beautiful historic building. Everything has been tastefully decorated and the atmosphere is comfortable, stylish, modern but sensitive to the history of the building.The facilities are very good and there is a friendly atmosphere amongst the participants.I was non-residential so I can't comment on the overnight facilities.

Cover Image for M Dann

M Dann

5/5
I enjoyed the course very much and Caroline was an excellent tutor, very knowledgeable on her subject.I stayed at the college - the rooms were very comfortable and the food excellent. Everything was supplied for the course but the shop is also available if needed.The house stands in beautiful grounds and parking is available.One tip would be to take a hairdryer as there wasn't one in my room.I can thoroughly recommend the college and accommodation.

RH

Rebecca H

2/5
Warning to Goodwood attendees. This is designed for students as you are treated as such. The first room was worse than my child’s room at university and smelt of damp - Ivy cottage. …

Cover Image for Mary Eastman

Mary Eastman

5/5
This was my first visit and I cannot fault the experience. The tutor was excellent, really knew her subject and had an easy and approachable teaching style. I learnt lots and fell confident now to have a go on my own. I met some lovely people. The accommodation was perfect, the grounds amazing and the meals - WOW - lots of choice with an innovative menu. There wasn’t anything I didn’t enjoy. The staff were friendly and approachable, I will definitely be booking again Thank you

Cover Image for Jenny C

Jenny C

5/5
I love going to this place. It's so beautiful and calm. The courses are always brilliant and there are lots of lovely places to sit, relax and read. The food is always reliable and the gardens are amazing. In fact, I wish I were there now!

Room 5

Service 5

Location5

JB

JUERG B

5/5
Great old renewed building and rooms. Little pitty is the breakfast startet late after 8 am,so we need go to goodwood 7.30 before. But the coffee bar was open and on evening was a room avaible with alkohol bar, let us sit down and enjoyed our swiss team

Cover Image for Emma Corello

Emma Corello

5/5
I love going to West Dean College. There is a wonderful atmosphere and the staff are very friendly. The building is full of interesting learning spaces; art studios, big airy rooms and lovely spaces to sit and relax. The food is delicious and the whole place feels a relaxed learning place.

Room 5

Service 5

Location5

Cover Image for Richard Playle

Richard Playle

3/5
I am disappointed to have to to give an average review having been going to West Dean at various times for 30 years. The courses and tuition are excellent, but the accomodation, in particular the food, is declining. Some of the dishes on offer were frankly inedible due to poor preparation, and the fare monotonous - sometimes recycled from the day before.

Cover Image for Loekie wigmore

Loekie wigmore

5/5
My first time at West Dean was a wonderful experience! The beautiful house and gardens, the excellent tuition, the welcoming and inspiring feel of the place made me a very happy person and i shall return!!!!

Room 5

Service 5

Location5

Cover Image for Lisa Elena Paz

Lisa Elena Paz

5/5
I can only recommend the History of Pattern, with Hands-on Pattern Making course at West Dean College. Great teacher, excellent course content, and beautiful surroundings. Not to mention the lovely snacks and meals!

Room 5

Service 5

Location5