
Highdown Gardens Worthing
A stunning chalkland garden with rare plants and sea views, born from a unique horticultural experiment by Sir Frederick and Lady Sybil Stern.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Blooms and tadpoles abound

Highdown Gardens Worthing
Best Time
Blooms and tadpoles abound

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning chalkland garden with rare plants and sea views, born from a unique horticultural experiment by Sir Frederick and Lady Sybil Stern.
"A beautiful, free-to-enter oasis with unique plant collections and lovely sea views."

🚗 Parking Height Limit
Be aware of the 2.1m height restriction for the main car park. Overflow parking is available.
🚶♀️ Explore for 1-2 Hours
Allow ample time to wander and appreciate the gardens; it's a perfect spot for a short, refreshing walk.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Rare Plant Collections
Throughout the gardens
Marvel at the diverse and unusual plant species, a testament to the Sterns' passion for horticulture on chalky soil.

Sea Views
Upper sections of the gardens
Enjoy picturesque vistas of the English Channel, offering a serene backdrop to your garden exploration.

The Moth Tree
Specific location within gardens
Seek out this unique and memorable specimen, a talking point for plant enthusiasts and curious visitors alike.

Historic Sterns' Garden
Central garden areas
Wander through the thoughtfully laid-out grounds, reflecting the original vision of its dedicated creators.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Free Entry, Paid Parking
A Garden's Unique History
Best Times
Insider Tips
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Worthing help!
🚗 Parking Height Limit
Be aware of the 2.1m height restriction for the main car park. Overflow parking is available.
🚶♀️ Explore for 1-2 Hours
Allow ample time to wander and appreciate the gardens; it's a perfect spot for a short, refreshing walk.
I'm a Brazilian student and I am going to Worthing in August
🚫 No Dogs Allowed
Unfortunately, dogs are not permitted in the gardens, though Highdown Hill nearby is dog-friendly.
📍 No Right Turn In
If heading east to west, you'll need to use the roundabout to access the gardens.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Height Limit
Be aware of the 2.1m height restriction for the main car park. Overflow parking is available.
🚶♀️ Explore for 1-2 Hours
Allow ample time to wander and appreciate the gardens; it's a perfect spot for a short, refreshing walk.
🚫 No Dogs Allowed
Unfortunately, dogs are not permitted in the gardens, though Highdown Hill nearby is dog-friendly.
📍 No Right Turn In
If heading east to west, you'll need to use the roundabout to access the gardens.
☕ Nearby Amenities
A nursery with coffee and Highdown Hill for walks are accessible from the car park.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Highdown Gardens Worthing is widely praised as a beautiful, free-to-enter oasis with unique plant collections and lovely sea views. Visitors appreciate the historical significance and the peaceful atmosphere, making it ideal for a relaxing stroll. However, some note the car park's height restriction, the absence of dogs, and less-than-ideal toilet facilities.
"Beautiful gardens. Free parking (must be under 2.1m as there's a barrier. We went on a busy bank holiday and whilst we had to park in the overflow car park there was plenty of room still. Lovely walk around the gardens, took us around 1-2 hours with adult children including stopping for a short sit down. There's a pond there, quite shallow but watch young children. It has an enormous fish in it which even my adult kids loved spotting and in May loads of tadpoles which younger kids would enjoy spotting. There are plenty of shaded as well as open spots to walk around and what seems to be a small visitor centre at the start (it wasn't open when we went so can't comment on it). Not somewhere to spend the day but certainly somewhere to stop for a short walk if you have time. The toilets are not pleasant and it could have done with a map of the place at the start so you didn't miss any of it and I understand why they don't want dogs but it's also frustrating when there is a wide open hill next door to walk your dog but you can't then take them into the gardens. All in all however definitely worth stopping off.
There's also no right turn into there so you have to do to the roundabout and back to turn into it if heading from east to west."
Susie D
"This is one of my favourite local places to visit when I feel like just having a short walk by myself in these beautiful gardens. They have an interesting history, having originated as a much-loved "experiment" by plant collectors Sir Frederick and Lady Sybil Stern before being bequeathed for public use.
It's completely free, there's plenty of nearby parking and, whatever time of year, the gardens are always interesting, with something in bloom. Today it is early summer blooms, with scented roses and sweet peas. There are some interesting and unusual specimens - I remember being amazed when a friend showed me the Moth Tree on my first visit.
It's thoughtfully set out, with plenty of seating and more secluded areas - perfect for when you just want some time by yourself."
Debbie McAvilley
"A beautiful place. Recommended to me by a dendrologist I know. This place was set up by a gentleman and his wife who created a garden on chalk!!! Not very large, but there is a nursery nearby for coffee and Highdown Hill which can be walked from Highdown Gardens car park. Has a very gradual incline so is quite easy. Very popular with dog walkers. We sat at the top on a beautiful, hot, sunny late afternoon in June and saw skylarks 😊 hovering above"
Nyla Sandland
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Highdown Gardens are located in Worthing. If driving, be mindful of the 2.1m height restriction for the main car park. For those heading east to west, you'll need to use the roundabout to turn into the gardens.
Yes, there is parking available. However, it has a height restriction of 2.1m. On busy days, you might need to use the overflow car park, which usually has plenty of space.
Information on public transport routes to Highdown Gardens Worthing is not readily available from user reviews, but it's advisable to check local bus schedules for services that stop near the Littlehampton Road area.
Reviews suggest the gardens are accessible with plenty of seating and more secluded areas, making it suitable for a relaxed visit.
If you are heading from east to west, you will need to go to the roundabout and then come back to turn into the Highdown Gardens entrance.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Highdown Gardens Worthing offers free entry to all visitors, making it an accessible and enjoyable destination.
Opening hours for Highdown Gardens are not explicitly mentioned in the provided reviews, but it's generally understood to be open during daylight hours for visitors to enjoy the grounds.
Unfortunately, dogs are not permitted within Highdown Gardens. However, Highdown Hill, which is adjacent to the gardens, is a popular spot for dog walkers.
One reviewer mentioned that a map of the place would have been helpful to ensure no areas were missed, suggesting they may not be readily available at the entrance.
There appears to be a small visitor centre at the start of the gardens, but its opening status and offerings were not available when one visitor went.
📸 📸 Photography
The gardens offer numerous picturesque spots, from the diverse plant collections and unique specimens like the Moth Tree to the serene sea views from the upper sections.
Absolutely! With its rare plants, seasonal blooms, and even tadpoles in the pond during spring, it's a fantastic location for nature photography.
There are no specific mentions of drone usage in the reviews. It's always best to check local regulations or inquire with the garden management before flying drones.
Golden hour, particularly late afternoons in summer, can provide beautiful lighting for capturing the gardens' beauty, as mentioned by visitors enjoying the sunny late afternoons.
No specific restrictions on photography for personal use are mentioned in the reviews, allowing visitors to capture the beauty of the gardens freely.
🎫 🌳 Onsite Experience
A leisurely walk around Highdown Gardens, including stops, typically takes about 1-2 hours for adults.
You can explore rare and colorful plant collections, enjoy sea views, spot fish and tadpoles in the pond, and discover unique specimens like the Moth Tree.
Yes, the gardens are thoughtfully set out with plenty of seating, including more secluded areas perfect for quiet contemplation or a relaxing break.
While dogs are not allowed, children might enjoy spotting the large fish in the pond and the tadpoles in spring. Adult supervision is advised near the pond.
The gardens originated as an experimental project by Sir Frederick and Lady Sybil Stern, who cultivated a beautiful garden on chalky soil before bequeathing it for public use.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While there isn't a cafe directly within the gardens, a nursery nearby offers coffee, and visitors can enjoy a quiet picnic with plenty of benches available.
Yes, Highdown Gardens is a great spot for a quiet picnic, with numerous benches provided throughout the grounds.
The Highdown pub is mentioned as being near the gardens, offering a dining option. Other restaurants can be found in the wider Worthing area.
A nearby nursery offers coffee, and the Highdown pub provides a dining experience.
One reviewer expressed hope to visit again when plants are for sale, suggesting a nursery or plant sales might be available at certain times.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Peace Seekers
🌿 Garden Enthusiasts & Plant Lovers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Sterns' Horticultural Legacy
Visitors can explore the results of their meticulous work, with collections that thrive on the chalk soil. The layout itself reflects their thoughtful design, with winding paths, secluded seating areas, and stunning vistas. The Sterns' legacy is not just in the plants they cultivated, but in the enduring beauty and tranquility they created for future generations to enjoy. It’s a place that invites quiet contemplation and appreciation for the natural world.
Navigating Your Visit: Practicalities
While the gardens are a wonderful place for a short walk, some visitors suggest that a map would be beneficial to ensure you don't miss any of the garden's features. The toilets are also noted as not being particularly pleasant, so this is something to be aware of. Despite these minor points, the overall experience is highly positive, with many visitors finding it a beautiful and relaxing place to spend an hour or two.
Beyond the Gardens: Local Exploration
For refreshments, a nursery located nearby offers coffee, and the Highdown pub is also mentioned as a local amenity. This makes it possible to combine a visit to the gardens with a coffee break or a meal, extending your outing. The proximity of these amenities enhances the overall visitor experience, allowing for a more complete day out in the Worthing area.





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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit