Highdown Gardens

About

Highdown Gardens is an 8.5‑acre chalk garden perched on the edge of the South Downs, overlooking the sea from Worthing. Its distinctive landscape, carved out of chalk quarry stone, is home to a National Plant Collection of rare and hardy species that thrive in the thin soils of this unique environment. Visitors walk through a succession of seasonally‑changing gardens, from the fragrant Lower Garden to the tranquil Sensory Garden, and can explore the historic visitor centre and a beautifully restored visitor car park. The garden was founded by horticulturalist Sir Frederick Stern in 1909 and has been cultivated for over a century. Its original collections were sourced from far‑flung botanical expeditions, and many of the original specimens remain in the grounds today. The gardens also host a range of interpretive displays and an onsite visitor centre that explains the history of the site and the science behind growing plants on chalk. Entry to the gardens is free, but the Trust relies on donations to maintain the landscape. The site is fully accessible to visitors with mobility aids, offering a dedicated footpath that takes you from the entrance to the visitor centre and sensory garden. Outdoor toilets are located beside the car park, and a small café housed in the glasshouse sells drinks and snacks. The gardens are open year‑round, with opening hours ranging from 10 am to 4 pm in winter months and up to dusk during summer. During peak seasons the gardens host a number of free events – weekly guided tours on Thursdays from 2:00 – 3:00 pm, seasonal talks, and the occasional performance in the open spaces. Additional tickets can be booked for special events through the “What’s On” page on the official website.

Highlights

• Sensory Garden
• Visitor Centre
• Chalk Garden
• Rock Garden and Ponds
• Upper Garden

Must-See Areas

Good to Know

At a glance

• Typical visit: about 1 hour 30 minutes