Denmans Garden
Denmans Garden
4
12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
About
Under new management since 2018, award-winning Denmans Garden is the former home and garden of internationally reknowned landscape designer, John Brookes and features unusual plants, ponds, a walled garden, and conservatory. It also features many forms of gravel gardens which were started by Joyce Robinson, the garden's founder, in 1970 and developed further by John. A peaceful and stunning 4 acre garden, nestled at the foot of the Sussex South Downs, that has been greatly restored with restoration efforts underway. The garden won Gold in the 2021 South and Southeast East in Bloom Competition, and was named a Finalist in the RHS Partner Garden of the Year 2021 competition. Denmans is open Thursdays for free to card-carrying RHS members.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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4.0
197 reviews
Excellent
79
Very good
47
Average
28
Poor
31
Terrible
12
Dave
Whitley Bay, UK2 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
Apart from the weather, being warm and dry and sunny, gardens are a joy to wander round, a lot to keep you interested. Extremely helpful staff on reception, even to the point of finding a plant (which was going to be dug up anyway...wee bit invasive) in the garden that was not available for sale...but we needed up with one. Brilliant service and great couple of hours.
Written 8 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ted Harnser
Norwich, UK30 contributions
Jun 2023
Such a delight to wander in a 'proper' garden.
Denmans Gardens isn't one of these over tidy, highly manicured and immaculate 'gardens' that are so pristine you wonder that people are even allowed to walk its hallowed footpaths lest they spoil the view.
No. It's a garden as it should be. Full of nooks and crannies, secret places, light and shadow-and as many plants that you'll end up exclaiming' '...what is this?' as you'll find anywhere.
And a garden for wildlife. Which is crucial-because without the wildlife, or, to be more exact, bees, we won't have any more gardens like this-unless you prefer the concrete and rubble urban 'themed' monstrosities that are championed at RHS shows these days, cold and characterless with no form, no function and no point.
Dig some soil over. Plant things. Let them grow. And let people enjoy what you are trying to do.
That's what they do here. Which is as it should be.
Nice café too....
Denmans Gardens isn't one of these over tidy, highly manicured and immaculate 'gardens' that are so pristine you wonder that people are even allowed to walk its hallowed footpaths lest they spoil the view.
No. It's a garden as it should be. Full of nooks and crannies, secret places, light and shadow-and as many plants that you'll end up exclaiming' '...what is this?' as you'll find anywhere.
And a garden for wildlife. Which is crucial-because without the wildlife, or, to be more exact, bees, we won't have any more gardens like this-unless you prefer the concrete and rubble urban 'themed' monstrosities that are championed at RHS shows these days, cold and characterless with no form, no function and no point.
Dig some soil over. Plant things. Let them grow. And let people enjoy what you are trying to do.
That's what they do here. Which is as it should be.
Nice café too....
Written 12 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Martin S
Southampton, UK141 contributions
Jun 2023 • Couples
Gardens are small compared to some National Trust properties but still a lovely place to spend an hour or two. Even if you don't fancy the gardens the cafe is a great place to stop off for lunch. Nice food and friendly, helpful staff.
Written 19 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jayne O
Petersfield, UK503 contributions
May 2023 • Friends
Fabulous place so atmospheric and gardens are superb.
Love the peace and tranquility here.
Small but so many places to stop and sit and enjoy.
Great shop and café superb
Love the peace and tranquility here.
Small but so many places to stop and sit and enjoy.
Great shop and café superb
Written 15 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kevin K
Oxford, UK6 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
Lovely garden full of well established plants and interest.Karen the garden just loved our dog and gave cuddles and treats aplenty.The cafe has a fine selection of cakes made from the best ingredients
Written 19 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anthony
London227 contributions
Apr 2023 • Solo
I have not been back to this place since 2018 primarily due to the former obnoxious staff and manageress and was pleasantly surprised.
Everyone was friendly and welcoming and there was a great selection of unusual crafts, pots etc and some lovely plants to purchase. I stumbled across the cafe bar which was ultra-clean and manned by a couple of very friendly guys. I ordered the mega-fry up which was excellent and fully satisfying plus a specialty coffee. It was sunny today and I was able to sit in the heat amongst the walled garden environment.
I will definitely return and try some of the other interesting dishes. Harissa fried egg on toast with hummus sounds enticing!
Everyone was friendly and welcoming and there was a great selection of unusual crafts, pots etc and some lovely plants to purchase. I stumbled across the cafe bar which was ultra-clean and manned by a couple of very friendly guys. I ordered the mega-fry up which was excellent and fully satisfying plus a specialty coffee. It was sunny today and I was able to sit in the heat amongst the walled garden environment.
I will definitely return and try some of the other interesting dishes. Harissa fried egg on toast with hummus sounds enticing!
Written 7 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lin117
Brighton, UK174 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
A stunningly beautiful garden. Only 4 acres but packed with a fantastic array of plants.
It was lovely to hear the history of the gardens from staff who were very welcoming and obviously passionate about the gardens and the restoration work that has been done.
We really enjoyed our time there and hope to return again to view it in the summer months too.
The garden had a real serenity about it.
The gift shop, plant sake and lovely cafe/ restaurant all added to a very enjoyable morning.
It was great that dogs are also welcome.
We felt the price to get in was reasonable - but thought maybe a yearly membership offer might be nice and a slightly more affordable way to encourage visitors to return more regularly through the months?
Thanks you to staff for being so welcoming.
It was lovely to hear the history of the gardens from staff who were very welcoming and obviously passionate about the gardens and the restoration work that has been done.
We really enjoyed our time there and hope to return again to view it in the summer months too.
The garden had a real serenity about it.
The gift shop, plant sake and lovely cafe/ restaurant all added to a very enjoyable morning.
It was great that dogs are also welcome.
We felt the price to get in was reasonable - but thought maybe a yearly membership offer might be nice and a slightly more affordable way to encourage visitors to return more regularly through the months?
Thanks you to staff for being so welcoming.
Written 26 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gillian R
Storrington, UK35 contributions
Nov 2022
I love going to Denman's - it's such a friendly place and the staff are clearly devoted to its wonderful family heritage and justly very proud of it. Recently it's made improvements, following the sad death of the original founder, extended its plants for sale area, and added a beautiful natural area with bug and bee hotels. Forget the big brash garden centres and nurseries, the staff have made the plant display area so appealing with lovely old urns and containers, beautiful plants and associated paraphernalia. However, the lovely main Denman's gardens look so gorgeous any time of the year, and if you want to while away a blissful afternoon, they are so compact that in 45 minutes you can see all there is to see. Although if you wish to linger for, which is highly recommended then a couple of hours is perfect. You won't be disappointed.
Last week when I visited, we called in for coffee and lunch, followed by tea in the beautifully designed café/restaurant, where I've often previously called into.
Unfortunately, this was disappointing. Not the food or the venue itself, but purely because of the rudeness of (I presume) the Manager. We had already eaten and had coffee there and returned for tea. Yes, it was 3.30pm and yes, we were aware it closed at 4pm. However, the pot of tea I was given was barely lukewarm so I politely mentioned it, and it was kindly replaced by a lovely hot pot. This meant that I needed more milk but when I apologetically asked for a smidgen more, the Manager sighed theatrically and brusquely informed me that they were closing in 3 minutes. Moreover, he chastised me like a small child and said: 'You already knew that because you asked earlier, and then decided to go to the gardens after eating lunch'. With that he walked off. I didn't get my milk, even though technically they were still open, and therefore had to abandon my fresh tea. If the tea had been hot to start with, it wouldn't have delayed us leaving before closing. In my experience, if someone has ordered food and drink within opening hours, you don't deny them the right to consume it.
Bad form. I will not be returning to the restaurant.
Last week when I visited, we called in for coffee and lunch, followed by tea in the beautifully designed café/restaurant, where I've often previously called into.
Unfortunately, this was disappointing. Not the food or the venue itself, but purely because of the rudeness of (I presume) the Manager. We had already eaten and had coffee there and returned for tea. Yes, it was 3.30pm and yes, we were aware it closed at 4pm. However, the pot of tea I was given was barely lukewarm so I politely mentioned it, and it was kindly replaced by a lovely hot pot. This meant that I needed more milk but when I apologetically asked for a smidgen more, the Manager sighed theatrically and brusquely informed me that they were closing in 3 minutes. Moreover, he chastised me like a small child and said: 'You already knew that because you asked earlier, and then decided to go to the gardens after eating lunch'. With that he walked off. I didn't get my milk, even though technically they were still open, and therefore had to abandon my fresh tea. If the tea had been hot to start with, it wouldn't have delayed us leaving before closing. In my experience, if someone has ordered food and drink within opening hours, you don't deny them the right to consume it.
Bad form. I will not be returning to the restaurant.
Written 13 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
carole52
8 contributions
Sep 2022
Have not visited here for quite a while and what a transformation- beautiful planting , you can see and feel the love and attention that has one into creating such a special atmosphere. Lovely cafe too providing delicious lunches. Will definately visit again- perhaps in the winter as an all year garden
Written 3 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John R
Arundel, UK102 contributions
Aug 2022 • Couples
I have to say the gardens are beautiful with a very large selection of plants, but it’s only 4 acres in size, so basically we got round it within the hour. There are some lovely little cameos in the gardens. But I think the price of entry at £9 per adult and £7 for children and seniors, is expensive.
The restaurant which is a separate entity, I will find that on Tripadvisor, Search very good food but again is expensive for what you get. As a horticulturalist you will probably get enough of this out of this to make the visit worthwhile. But for me as a member the general public, it was lovely, I won’t be coming again.
The restaurant which is a separate entity, I will find that on Tripadvisor, Search very good food but again is expensive for what you get. As a horticulturalist you will probably get enough of this out of this to make the visit worthwhile. But for me as a member the general public, it was lovely, I won’t be coming again.
Written 6 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Callie225
Hove, UK15 contributions
I do not have a car. I can get the 500 bus to the Fontwell Roundabout, but are the roads pedestrian friendly from there ( in other words are there safe pavements from there) ? I have no mobility problems so 15-30 min walk is fine.
Tony H
Bognor Regis5 contributions
Is the gardens shut down now
MarkHarrisonUK
Lancing, UK4 contributions
It did, but it's re-opened. The person now running it had worked with John Brookes in the USA for years, and clearly loves the gardens rather than seeing them as a money-maker.
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Claim your listingDENMANS GARDEN: Tickets, Tours & Tips (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Denmans Garden
- Denmans Garden is open:
- Sun - Sun 12:00 - 17:00
- Tue - Sat 09:30 - 16:00
- Hotels near Denmans Garden:
- (0.26 mi) Travelodge Arundel Fontwell Park
- (0.28 mi) The Boat House Retreat
- (0.44 mi) Travelodge Arundel Fontwell
- (0.46 mi) Blackmill Spinney Boutique Bed & Breakfast
- (0.34 mi) Travel Lodge Arundel Fontwell
- Restaurants near Denmans Garden:
- (0.05 mi) Midpines Cafe
- (0.33 mi) The Old Stables
- (1.56 mi) The George
- (2.58 mi) Cassons Restaurant
- (2.24 mi) The Black Horse