Highdown Gardens - (Near , london)

5 /5 King-Turner A. “GlobalGal49”: ...and its by donation! We didnt expect much colour as its been wet& cold, but the Cotoneasters were still covered in berries.. perhaps birds are not fans? Also good swathes of Snowdrops and the first Crocuses. Spoke to a lady observing one of the peaceful vistas from a bench; she tries to visit every month, which, thanks to the generosity of the founding gardeners, the Sterns, she can. This place is Worthings jewel. Nice cuppa& cake in cafe next door to warm us for the journey home

4 /5 Susie D: Beautiful gardens. Free parking (must be under 2.1m as theres 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. Theres 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 wasnt open when we went so cant 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 didnt miss any of it and I understand why they dont want dogs but its also frustrating when there is a wide open hill next door to walk your dog but you cant then take them into the gardens. All in all however definitely worth stopping off. Theres 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.

5 /5 Debbie McAvilley: 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. Its completely free, theres 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. Its thoughtfully set out, with plenty of seating and more secluded areas - perfect for when you just want some time by yourself.

5 /5 Andy David: What a find , free parking , free entry to this stunning little oasis of a garden. Really worth a visit , hope to go another day when plants are for sale . Great for a quiet picnic lots of benches and accessible too . No dogs .