Devil's Dyke
Visitor information
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Marvel at the view towards Newtimber Hill, another National Trust gem
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On a clear day, a sunset across the Devil's Dyke can be spectacular
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© National Trust
Britain's first cable car took passengers across the valley at Devil's Dyke
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© National Trust
The steep grade railway was another Victorian folly, lasting only 10 years
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© Ernest Ryman
The Victorian funfair at Devil's Dyke attracted nearly one million visitors
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© UK butterflies
The Adonis blue is possibly the most beautiful of all downland butterflies
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© Graham Wellfare
A sea of pink orchids : the valley in June
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© Graham Wellfare
Devils Dyke is one of the most popular hang gliding spots in the country
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A legendary beauty spot on the South Downs
Devil’s Dyke, just five miles north of Brighton, offers stunning panoramas, a record breaking valley, a curious history and England’s most colourful habitat.
At nearly a mile long, the Dyke valley is the longest, deepest and widest 'dry valley' in the UK. Legend has it that the Devil dug this chasm to drown the parishioners of the Weald. On the other hand, scientists believe it was formed naturally just over 10,000 years ago in the last ice age.
With a little exploring the Dyke's story starts to reveal itself: The ramparts or walls of the Iron Age hill fort can be seen when you walk around the hill and the remains of the curious Victorian funfair can be found just a few minutes from the car park. Venture into the valley and you will discover a living carpet of flowers and a myriad of colourful insects.
When John Constable described the panorama from Devil’s Dyke as 'the grandest view in the world', he wasn’t wrong, but there is so much more to discover here than just a beautiful view.
Are you up for our 50 things challenge?
There are loads of things to tick off your list at Devil's Dyke. For a start you can find a geocache, climb a huge hill or hunt for fossils. But we reckon you can tick off at least 28 things here.
Take a walk with us at Devil's Dyke
Get your walking boots muddy with one of our trails
Located on the South Downs Way, and just five miles from Brighton, Devil's Dyke is a great place to try one of our downloadable walks.
