Highdown Gardens

Worthing, England, United Kingdom

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Highdown Gardens is an 8½‑acre public garden on the western edge of Worthing, West Sussex, sitting on chalk downland overlooking the sea near Ferring and Highdown Hill.

It was created by Sir Frederick Stern and his wife on a former chalk quarry in the early 20th century, transforming the thin, poor soil into a celebrated collection of rare plants and trees, many grown from seed collected in places such as China and the Himalayas.

The whole garden is now recognised as a National Collection and is especially known for its tree peonies, bulbs such as snowdrops and daffodils, and its unusual chalk‑garden setting. It is owned and maintained by Worthing Borough Council, remains free to enter most of the year, and is popular with locals and visitors for quiet walks, picnics, and seasonal displays from spring through to autumn.