The Highdown Hotel Review: Historic Stay in Goring-by-Sea

Set within the grounds of Highdown Gardens on the edge of the South Downs, The Highdown – Brunning and Price is a former manor house turned hotel, pub and restaurant. Originally built in 1820 as a family home, the property now offers 13 rooms, an on‑site restaurant and free parking, earning a 9.2/10 rating from recent guests on Booking.com. This review draws on verified data from major booking platforms and the property’s own listings to help you decide whether it’s the right stay for your visit to West Sussex.

Last checked: 2026-07-27

Property name: The Highdown (Brunning and Price) · Location: Goring-by-Sea, Worthing, West Sussex, England · Type: Historic pub and hotel; former manor house · Notable feature: Situated within Highdown Gardens, with views over the Downs

The Highdown Hotel at a glance

Is The Highdown Dog Friendly?

The available online sources do not publish a clear, unified pet policy for The Highdown – Brunning and Price. Priceline lists free parking and Wi‑Fi but does not mention dogs. Similarly, Booking.com and Trip.com omit pet details from their amenity lists.

That said, the property sits on the edge of the South Downs National Park and is close to coastal walks at Goring‑by‑Sea – an area popular with dog owners. A handful of TripAdvisor reviews (which we did not systematically analyse) mention dogs being present in the pub area, but without a policy from the operator these accounts should be treated as anecdotal.

The bottom line: We recommend contacting the hotel directly or checking the official Brunning and Price website before booking with a dog. No fees or restrictions could be confirmed from the sources we reviewed.

Highdown Hotel Christmas Menu and Festive Events

The Highdown – Brunning and Price operates as a restaurant as well as a hotel, and the Brunning and Price group typically releases a seasonal Christmas menu each year. However, as of August 2025, no specific menu or pricing for the upcoming festive season had been published on the third‑party sources we reviewed (Booking.com, TripAdvisor, Priceline, etc.).

Readers searching for “Highdown Hotel Christmas menu” or “Santa event” may find details on the property’s own website or social media channels. Based on common Brunning and Price menus from previous years, the restaurant is likely to offer a choice of traditional roasts, starters and desserts, but we cannot confirm the 2024/2025 offering.

Highdown Hotel New Year’s Eve Celebration

New Year’s Eve at The Highdown is another seasonal event that appears in related searches. Again, the available booking‑platform sources do not list a specific New Year’s Eve menu or entertainment package. TripAdvisor mentions an on‑site restaurant and lounge, which suggests the property could host a festive dinner or party, but no itinerary was found.

What this means: Guests interested in ringing in the new year at the hotel may wish to book early and request details directly. The hotel’s location on Highdown Hill might also offer views of local fireworks, though this is not stated in any of the sources we used.

Highdown Mother’s Day Offerings

Mother’s Day is another occasion for which The Highdown appears in search queries. As with Christmas and New Year, no specific Mother’s Day menu or event was published in the sources we reviewed. The property’s garden setting (adjacent to Highdown Gardens) would provide a pleasant backdrop for a celebratory lunch, and the restaurant’s regular à la carte menu is described as “modern British” by some platforms.

The implication: If you are planning a Mother’s Day visit, check the hotel’s official website closer to the date or call ahead. The existing high guest ratings (9.2 on Booking.com) suggest the dining experience is well‑regarded, but we cannot guarantee a special menu.

Pros and Cons of Staying at The Highdown

Who Is The Highdown Best For?

• Couples seeking a romantic stay – the garden setting and historic rooms offer a quiet escape.
• Dog owners – if the hotel confirms a pet‑friendly policy, the location near walks on the Downs is ideal.
• Families celebrating a special occasion – children are welcome and the restaurant caters for festive meals.
• History and garden enthusiasts – the property’s 1820 origins and immediate access to Highdown Gardens are major draws.

Price Range and Value

Based on TripAdvisor’s price range and meta‑search quotes from Momondo, standard rooms at The Highdown roughly fall between £117 and £247 per night. Platform‑specific averages, such as those on Momondo, sometimes show rates around $180–$195 USD, which converts to approximately £140–£150 at current rates. Note that seasonal variation and room type can push prices higher, especially for festive dates.

Location and How to Get There

The Highdown is located on Littlehampton Road (BN12 6FB) in Goring‑by‑Sea, about 5 km from Worthing town centre. The nearest railway station is Goring‑by‑Sea Station, roughly a 10‑minute walk away. Worthing Rail Station is about a 15‑minute drive, and Brighton City Airport is approximately 10.3 km from the property. Free parking is available on‑site for those driving.

The property sits at the foot of Highdown Hill, offering direct access to the South Downs National Park and the popular Highdown Gardens. The location appeals to walkers, cyclists and anyone looking to explore the West Sussex countryside.

Alternatives to The Highdown

If the Highdown does not suit your plans, consider these nearby options:

• Angmering Manor Hotel – another manor‑house hotel in West Sussex, offering a spa and fine dining.
• Chiseldon House Hotel – an award‑winning country house hotel in Wiltshire, with similar historic charm.
• The Highdown Inn, Totland Bay – a bed & breakfast on the Isle of Wight with a similar name but very different location and style. Be careful not to confuse the two when booking.

Sample Festive Itinerary at The Highdown

If you are planning a Christmas‑season getaway, here is how a weekend at The Highdown might look:

• Friday evening: Arrive, check in, and enjoy dinner at the on‑site restaurant.
• Saturday: Visit Highdown Gardens (free for hotel guests?), explore Highdown Hill, and return for a festive lunch or afternoon tea (seasonal menu subject to availability).
• Saturday evening: Attend the hotel’s New Year’s Eve party or a special Christmas dinner – confirm menu and timings directly.
• Sunday: A leisurely breakfast before checkout at 11 AM, then a walk along the seafront at Goring‑by‑Sea.

“The Highdown was built in 1820 as the family home of a well-to-do family in a beautiful spot that enjoys views towards the South Downs on one side and the sea on the other.”

– Little Hotels editorial description, Hotel directory publisher

“Now sitting alongside Highdown Gardens, it is a popular hotel, pub and restaurant.”

– Little Hotels editorial description, Hotel directory publisher

Related reading: Angmering Manor Hotel ? Chiseldon House Hotel

Frequently Asked Questions