West Dean College: Sussex

My experience at West Dean College for a four day course was very positive. The course tutor was excellent, the grounds and facilities are beautiful and the food was great too. I learnt a great deal from the amazing tutor and met some really nice people in my group. The woman in the art supplies shop was also very friendly and helpful.

This was my second short course at West Dean and I am counting down the days i can return once more. Both courses were taught by Andrew Smith - a fantastic, dedicated teacher with vast knowledge and great humour. |The course is suitable for beginners, seeking an introduction into metalwork, whilst also relevant to those with some experience, perhaps with a particular project in mind but require support and access to equipment. |There were 6 of us in the group, providing a lovely social experience as well as plenty of personal support from Andrew. Over the course of the weekend we were introduced to/used a coke forge, angle grinder, ARC welder, MIG welder and power hammer. With such an incredibly well equipped forge, there is an abundance of exciting possibility of what to make and take home with you. |The historic location is a huge part of the short course experience. The house and gardens are vast, beautiful, fascinating and a great source of inspiration. For those who are not staying on-site like myself, there is time over the lunch break to explore these areas. The food is good and plentiful which is welcomed on the labour intensive weekend. All staff were charming. |There is something special about this place.

I attended a painting course here and it was an excellent and enjoyable experience. The setting is lovely and the creative atmosphere was great . I didn’t stay , but the food was good and the teaching and facilities were impressive

This was my first short course at West Dean and it was an absolutely wonderful experience. I learned about the college and the short courses online and I am so glad I did. Jon Edgar, my instructor in the Sculpture course was super dedicated, attentive, and cared so much about us learning and enjoying the creative process. The class size was small, only 6 people and that made for a lot of personalized feedback. The setting of the college is picture perfect, the gardens are are so beautiful. The program was full of fun extra activities. The staff was always super helpful (except for a barman :). If I didn't live so far away (in California) I would definitely be coming back on the regular basis.

Beautiful grounds and gardens. Rooms are basic, bed has firm mattress, so for all of you with sciatica it is great, believe me! Super breakfast. Yo can imagine yourself sitting with Dali and Picasso in the sitting room. A great place at a great price.

I spent the night at West Dean College following a wedding nearby. |My room was wonderfully comfortable, freshly decorated with beautiful curtains, spotlessly clean and I had an excellent night’s sleep.|The team who run reception are exceptional in their welcome and friendliness.|A highlight for me was having the opportunity to sit in the tranquil courtyard, under the crab apple trees, enjoying a coffee and reading the newspaper. This was followed by a visit to West Dean Gardens, which you can enter free of charge, having stayed overnight.|Remember this is a working college, not a five star hotel, however the surroundings are beautiful, the building historic and everything about it truly tranquil.|Although I live locally, I will return for sure.

I am writing to express my concern regarding the rate applied to our recent stay at that hotel. A rate of £290 per night was charged to us —and quite different from the one mentioned on the various internet sites|In addition, we were accommodated in the annex, (same rate applied to guests staying in superior rooms located in the main building) where the rooms are clearly of a much higher quality.|The services provided fell short of the standards expected of a 4-star hotel. (as they present themselves on internet)| For example, the bathroom was not cleaned between nights, the bed was only half-made, and the hairdryers were shared among guests — something quite unusual for a hotel of this category.|The bed was extremely small and uncomfortable, particularly as my husband is 1m92 (6’3”) tall.|The room was very small and very basically furnished.|In a word, never, never again

West Dean is a lovely place, beautiful gardens & some of the best art & craft tutors anywhere in the UK. Highly recommended. I have returned many times and always enjoy the courses and the good company.