Highdown Gardens
Highdown Gardens things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
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Highdown Gardens are a unique chalk garden set in the South Downs National Park on the western edge of the town of Worthing, close to the village of Ferring and the National Trust archaeological site Highdown Hill, in West Sussex, England.
attractions: Highdown Hill, restaurants: The Highdown, The Swallows Return, Highdown Tea Rooms, Arundel Restaurant
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Description
Highdown Gardens are a unique chalk garden set in the South Downs National Park on the western edge of the town of Worthing, close to the village of Ferring and the National Trust archaeological site Highdown Hill, in West Sussex, England.
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We went to Highdown Gardens after hearing some good things. Being that Highdown Gardens is right on our doorstep we should check it out. Highdown Gardens sits on 8.5 acres and created out of an old chalk pit. The chalk garden was an achievement of Sir Frederick and Lady Stern. Who worked for 50 years to prove that plants would grow on chalk. In the process creating some stunning gardens. When you enter the gardens there is a little information section. Here you can find general information about the gardens. There is also a map for the kids to find specific species of plant. This is great for helping to keep them interested. Everywhere you look there is something interesting to see, smell and enjoy. Each section has its own set of planes that are grown in that area it seems. Trying to take it all in is difficult as there is so much there. We not only saw flowers and trees but Dragonfly's, Butterfly, Birds and Bee's. Which is great to see I wish I had brought a small lunch with us so we can sit and enjoy the gardens more. Should you suffer from mobility issues there is a route that takes you round the gardens. This is chip bark in places and if you have a wheel chair with small wheels you may struggle a little. Also the path is relatively even but it is a garden and people who are unsteady on there feet need to pay attention. All in all Highdown Gardens is a beautiful site and one I will be visiting many more times with my kids and wife.
Lee MurrayLee Murray
10
Beautiful place to spend a couple of hours and it has free admission. It contains rare plants and trees from around the world. There is a lot of history to discover too, via information boards in Visitor Centre. Gardens have been rejuvenated, with better access for wheelchairs and buggies in some areas. The waterfall has also been restored with a solar powered pump to ensure minimal environmental impact. Guided tours are also available last Thursday in month from 2 to 3 (March to September). Book online or turn up 10 minutes before. Cost £5. Also events such as snowdrop and peony days. These are seasonal. Buy the plants you see in the garden at the pop up shop on most Thursdays and Fridays from 12.30-3.30. Discover days for children on some Wednesdays during school holidays. Minimal cost for some activities but most are free. Large free car park which also serves Highdown Hill.
Anita CannonAnita Cannon
30
What is not to love! Beautiful gardens and soace with a great variety of flora. Lots of benches to sit and take it all in. Water features, sensory garden, small band stand for entertainment. Most of the paths are gently sloping. There is a cafe on site whith wheel chair accessible lift, we didn’t use it so I am not able to comment further than that. We picnicked in the gardens however just beyond the car park (outside the gardens) there was a picnic area. Car parking was pretty good. There are toilets just inside the entrance to the gardens. No dogs are allowed in the gardens which is understandable Car park is free, the gardens are free. Whats not to love!
Louise BatesLouise Bates
20
When did they build this place?!?? It's right on my door step!! The car park is a big shared car park with both gravel and tarmac however it is free parking (free is always better) my 1 year old daughter loved exploring there. Best of all it's a gorgeous location with plenty of trails. We spent over an hour there just wondering around and had a spot of lunch (picnic) which there were other families picnicking but everyone had plenty of space. I wouldn't recommend bringing a buggy to this place as you can see some of it is hard standing floor but alot of it is grass and dirt tracks. Definitely worth a visit.... A little gem hidden away.
Greg “Jack” BethuneGreg “Jack” Bethune
40
The guided tour, every Thurs at 2pm, £5, was so informative, I highly recommend it! I've visited Highdown quite a few times but this really focused attention on why it's so special. There's so much more here than "a garden planted on chalk". The personalities of the Sterns came to life in just a few well described stories and photos and the current plans for using a Lottery grant are exciting and forward thinking. Now we just need to solve the bee and butterfly crisis!
Kate StreetKate Street
10
Lovely chalk hill garden with stunning view of surrounding area including the sea and Southdowns. Lots of areas to sit and enjoy the fresh air and birdsong. Lots of potential for longer walks though we enjoyed a family amble and chat. Free parking and a small quality snack wagon serving teas. Next to a busy pub and tea Rooms, which we didn't go in. Would be a great place for a leisurely walk and Intimate meal or a day with the family and a picnic.
fiona jacques-stevensfiona jacques-stevens
40
Nearby Attractions Of Highdown Gardens
Highdown Hill
Highdown Hill
4.7
(202)Click for details
Nearby Restaurants Of Highdown Gardens
The Highdown
The Swallows Return
Highdown Tea Rooms
Arundel Restaurant
The Highdown
4.5
(810)Click for details
The Swallows Return
4.0
(804)$$
Click for details
Highdown Tea Rooms
4.3
(205)$
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Arundel Restaurant
4.6
(20)Click for details
Reviews
Overview
4.7
(640 reviews)
Website
highdowngardens.co.uk
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Deep Dive
A deep dive into Highdown Gardens
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