Highdown Gardens

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.