Highdown Gardens is owned by the Highdown Tower Garden and Pleasure Ground Trust (or Highdown Gardens Trust) and is managed by Worthing Borough Council (WBC). The Trust was formed in 1968 when the gardens were given to the people of Worthing by Lady Sybil Stern following the death of her husband Sir Frederick Stern.

The charity’s aim are:

“The Gardens are for the benefit of the public as an amenity open space park or pleasure ground to the intent that the same shall forever form a natural approach to the South Downs from the built-up area of the borough of Worthing.”

Highdown Gardens is a charity registered in England and Wales (registered charity number 305445). It is governed by a Deed of Gift dated 19 February 1968 and a Charity Commission Scheme of 11 July 1983.