Highdown Gardens

Worthing

Type:Parkland / Woodland Garden

Highdown Rise, Goring By Sea, Worthing, West Sussex, BN12 6FB

Tel: +44 (0)1903 501054

Highdown Gardens Worthing - spring flowers

About

The gardens were created out of a chalk pit over-looking the Downs, where there was little soil and very unfavourable conditions for plant growth. The garden was created during a period when many expeditions were going out to China and the Himalayan regions collecting rare and beautiful plants. Many of the original plants from their early collections can still be seen in the garden today, particularly plants collected by Reginald Farrer and Ernest Henry Wilson.

Highdown Gardens is one of the least known about gardens in the area, but it is one that offers a unique collection of rare plants and trees and is free to visit. In fact the whole garden has been deemed a National collection. The views from the gardens are beautiful and include the sea and the South Downs. The garden looks great all year round, but is at its best in spring and early summer when there is a colourful succession of spring bulbs such as Snowdrops, Crocus, Anemones and Daffordils followed by Paeonies and Bearded Iris. 

The Millennium Garden was created in April 2000 from part of the Bungalow Garden. The garden has been designed as a small area of peace and tranquility with a water feature and soft plantings of grasses. The Gardens have been awarded the Green Flag Award again this year. The award by the civic Trust and backed by the Government is a Nationwide Award scheme for Park and Gardens. Strict criteria have to be achieved for the award, such as providing an environmental friendly garden with green waste recycling and no use of peat. Also the garden must provide a friendly, safe and welcoming place for visitors with information and participation from local groups.

Free admission, parking, and toilets. Due to the natural nature of the gardens, visitors use some chip bark pathways and are free to wander across the greens. People with mobility queries should contact the gardens before arriving to check on ground conditions and get advice on suitability. No dogs, except service dogs. Coaches by appointment only.

Book Tickets

Guide Prices

Ticket TypeTicket Tariff
AdultFree
ChildFree

Facilities

Accessibility

  • Guide Dogs Permitted
  • Parking Areas for Disabled Visitors
  • Toilets for Disabled Visitors

Catering

  • Picnic area
  • Picnic Site

Establishment Features

  • Groups by arrangement
  • Guided tours by arrangement
  • Toilets

Parking & Transport

  • Off-road parking
  • Parking (free)
  • Railway station within 5 miles

Payment Methods

  • Groups Accepted - None.
  • Max group size - 30
  • Min group size - 10

Provider Preferences

  • Countryside Setting
  • In countryside
  • Outdoor Attraction

Specialist Features

  • Marketed Towards Families

Tours and Demonstrations

  • Educational Visits Accepted

TripAdvisor

Map & Directions

Road Directions

Situated between Ferring and Goring by Sea vehicle access is from A259, west of Northbrook College and the A2032. Access is only from east bound (north side) of dual carriageway. Approaching from Worthing or the east means going past Highdown to first roundabout to do U-turn. There are car parks at bottom of hill or at the top of the hill near garden entrance.

Public Transport Directions

Bus 9 to Littlehampton – stop at Northbrook College. Route 700 (Worthing to Littlehampton) has stop on Goring Way near to Goring by Sea railway station. All bus services can be accessed from South Street or Marine Parade near the Pier and Dome Cinema. The National Express coach service linking London and Worthing also stops at the Dome. Goring-by-Sea railway stations 15-25 minutes walk (taxis are available). PLEASE NOTE Travel by public transport involves crossing busy A259 dual carriageway and walking along it for approx half a mile. Safest way to cross is the pedestrian bridge at Northbrook College. Walking is not all on footpaths but roadside verge. Gardens are signposted up a steep hill. Approx 20 - 30 minutes walk. For up to date timetables and public transport information contact : Traveline 0871 200 2233 web: www.traveline.org.uk

For Satnav users, please note that the best postcode to use is BN12 6PF.

Opening Times

Opening (1 Feb 2024 - 31 Mar 2024)
DayTimes
Monday - Friday10:00 - 16:30*
Saturday - SundayClosed*
opening (1 Apr 2024 - 30 Sept 2024)
DayTimes
Monday - Sunday10:00 - 18:00*
opening (1 Oct 2024 - 30 Nov 2024)
DayTimes
Monday - Friday10:00 - 16:30*
Saturday - SundayClosed*
opening (1 Dec 2024 - 31 Dec 2024)
DayTimes
Monday - Friday10:00 - 16:00*
Saturday - SundayClosed*

* Open Mother's Day only in March from 10am until 4:30pm. Opens from 1st April daily

Dates and times marked with a '*' are provisional and may be subject to change

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