Shows and Markets

Both West Dean House and Gardens will be open during the Apple Affair on 2 & 3 October. Visitors can take a peek inside the glorious flint-faced mansion then see a display of over 100 varieties of apple grown in the Victorian walled kitchen garden.

Come and discover apples of every shape and size. Taste the different varieties and bring along apples from your own garden to be identified by one of the apple experts at the show. Apples have been associated with good health throughout the centuries; they are great for our hearts, are a good diet food and fight colds and viruses.

This is a family event for all ages, with stallholders offering an array of apple-based foods and drinks to taste and buy, as well as activities for the children including apple bobbing, and the ever-popular Big Draw drawing competition.

The Big Draw is a nationwide event to get everyone drawing. Visitors of all ages can take part in the campaign which was initiated in 2000 by The Guild of St George, a small charity founded by John Ruskin, the great Victorian artist, writer and visionary and takes place throughout October at over 1000 venues nationwide.

Inside West Dean House, which was once home to Edward James and is now a College specialising in all aspects of arts, crafts, conservation and making, visitors will be able to see the three state rooms: the Old Dining Room; the Music Room; and the Old Library. Visitors will also get a chance to view the the vast oak reception hall, as well as learn more about the history of the house and the people who have lived there.

In addition to event entry, show visitors can make full use of the Parkland walk, a circular walk encompassing stunning landscapes and specimen trees in and around the St Roche’s arboretum

Opening times: 10.30am - 5pm

Please note: no dogs are allowed in the event or grounds during the Apple Affair, except assistance dogs.