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. 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 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 Flat Award for 2008/9. 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.

Lancing College Chapel dominates the landscape to the north of the A27 and across the Adur Valley. It was founded in 1868 and dedicated in 1911. It is a stunning example of Gothic revival and has a nave reaching over 90ft to the apex of the vault.

The Rose Window has over 30,000 pieces of stained glass, it has a 32 ft diameter and is one of the largest in England. It is was dedicated by Archbishop Coggan in the presence of HRH The Prince of Wales in 1978.

In May 2007 Archbishop Desmond Tutu dedicated a stained glass window in memory of Bishop Trevor Huddleston, a pupil at Lancing in the late 1920's.

Internal features include the stall canopies, the brass lectern, bronze candlesticks and fine tapestries. There are 2 organs - the 4-manual Walker organ and the 2-manual Frobenius organ.

The acoustics are said to be superb.

Lancing College was founded in 1848 by Nathaniel Woodard. It was the first of several schools he established as part of the Woodard Corporation and is today an independent secondary school.

The chapel is open to visitors. For details of opening times and for party bookings please see their website or telephone the Verger on (01273) 452213.

Groups of visitors who would like a guided tour should contact the Verger, Mr Andrew Howat, in advance, on 01273 465949, or email ahowat@lancing.org.uk.

The Pavilion Theatre is one of the premier theatres on the South Coast with its unique position on the promenade at the entrance to Worthing's Pier. Built in 1926, it has a high decorated proscenium archway over the stage, giving a unique and regal elegance. With the sea as a back drop and the town close by, this is a lovely venue for any event.

This versatile multi use venue hosts a wide range of events including Art and Craft markets, fairs; dinner dances, and conferences. Its main function is to provide vibrant shows, theatrical performances, music of all types but cinema films can also be shown. Full programme details are on the website www.worthingtheatres.co.uk

Also home to Cafe Denton - refreshments are available throughout the day - with superb views of the Pier.