Edward James Foundation in Chichester

I often visit the lovely cafe at West Dean. The coffee and cakes are excellent, and lunch equally so. The cafe is very pleasant, and parts are dog friendly. The staff are very welcoming, the choices are good, and sitting outside even wrapped in a thoughtfully provided blanket, is a real treat. I definitely would recommend for coffee and cake, or a light lunch. No booking, but I have never been unable to find a seat.

We stop here (sitting outside) for coffee and ice cream at least twice a month whilst walking. We have had lovely toasties here too. The staff are very friendly and helpful - they always have treats for the dogs.

A great place to learn new art, wonderful food, very good teachers, relaxing atmosphere set in beautiful grounds.

I visit West Dean on a regular basis with family and friends. It is always a joy to be there especially see the changes in the seasons. It is flatish so I can push a buggy with my grandson in it. They have just recently won a special garden award for their sunken garden which I find absolutely stunning. It feels a very safe place to visit on your own which I frequently do.

The confusing aspect is that Edward James inherited (aged 5 in 1912), lived in and bequeathed (in 1964) the West Dean House Estate to a charitable trust, the Edward James Foundation. In 1971, the house became West Dean College, which provides arts based courses. The gardens (kitchen, formal, wooded promenade and frontal pastures) that surround the House became West Dean Gardens. There are however 2 entrances separated by 100 yards of the A286 - one for the College and the other for the Gardens. If you are seeking an eatery you need to visit the West Dean Gardens, as the restaurant in the College is only open to students.

A historic link to the English and International Surrealist movement. Edward James, a visionary and remarkable individual in his own right, sponsored and supported several important Surrealist artists during their formative years His support for the arts continues to this day in the form of his generous endowment.

Wonderful spot on a typical English summer's day. Had a walk over the fields amongst the sheep and visited the extensive kitchen garden and greenhouses. Nice restaurant where we stopped for tea and cake. I have also visited in the evening when they have outdoor theatre on certain dates in the summer. Fantastic atmosphere sitting out and watching the actors in the Pagoda (after having enjoyed a picnic in the grounds beforehand). Really lovely!

This is such a beautiful spot too much publicity will spoil it - so keep this one quiet. The food is delicious and up to the same standard as served at the House. Much is farmed and grown on the property. Portions are plentiful and prices not exorbitant. The walks start through fields of sheep and each season brings changing views and scenery. As for the gardens - stunning displays of plants, including the Kitchen Garden with both cold frames and hothouses. There is an entrance charge - but very reasonable. Children need to be well behaved, dogs, I think, are allowed on leads. There are also special events that are worth attending - these are well publicised. Parking is often on a grassy field.