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Cissbury Ring
The most historic hill on the South Downs
Near Findon, West Sussex, BN14 0HT
Opening times for 12 July 2025
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There is no National Trust parking for Cissbury Ring. From the nearest (non NT0 car park it is an approximately 20 minute walk uphill to the site.
- Toilet
There are no toilets on site. The nearest toilets (with a disabled facility) are in Findon Valley, near Findon library.
No toilets. Nearest public toilet (with disabled facilities) in Findon Valley, near Findon library. Dogs on leads welcome. From car park, it's a 20-minute uphill walk, with kissing gates and stiles.
- By road
Cissbury Ring: Worthing is 3 miles away. Take A24 north, following signs for Findon, then the 'Cissbury Ring parking' turning, signed off A24. Horsham is 20 miles north on A24. Parking (not NT) at Storrington Rise car park (BN14 0HT); a 20 minute walk from the ring. Sullington Warren: On the east side of the village of Storrington, West Sussex. NT car park can be found in Water Lane, a turning off the A283. Warren Hill: Northwest of the village of Washington in West Sussex. NT car park can be found in Georges Lane which is the second turning on the right off the A283 (to the right of Bradbury Court) when approaching from the A24.
Parking: Cissbury Ring: parking (not NT) at Storrington Rise car park (BN14 0HT), free, open 24 hours, 30 spaces. 20 minute walk from the ring. Sullington Warren: NT car park at Water Lane, opposite the entrance to a quarry (RH20 3LY). Warren Hill: NT car park in Georges Lane (RH20 4AG). Road not surfaced: alternate parking in Washington. Walk towards the A24, turn right along Sandhill Lane, follow subway under A24. Turn right on the other side, a short distance along take footpath left into woods.
Sat Nav: For Cissbury Ring use Storrington Rise car park (not NT): Easting 512900, Northing 107670. For Sullington Warren use postcode RH20 3LY or grid reference TQ098141. For Warren Hill use postcode RH20 4AG or grid reference TQ114140.
- On foot
2 miles from the South Downs Way, which has numerous paths leading to the ring
- By train
Worthing station 3 miles, then take bus service 1 from outside. Cissbury Ring is a 30 minute walk from bus stop
- By bus
Two regular services - MetroBus23 between Horsham and Worthing, alighting at May Tree Avenue; plus Stagecoach South Service 1 between Worthing and Pulborough, alighting at May Tree Avenue or Gunn Inn in Findon village
- Cycling
National Cycle Network Route 2 to Shoreham-by-Sea, then 8 miles towards Findon. South Downs Way route 89 is 1.5 miles north and route 222 (Shoreham-by-Sea to Guildford) is an off-road route
Highlights
Hill
Cissbury Ring is one of the jewels in the crown of the new South Downs National Park. It's the largest hill fort in Sussex and has a history dating back over 5,000 years.
Views
Set high up on a chalk promontory, its ditch and ramparts enclose about sixty-five acres. From the top on a clear day you can see forever, with views across to the chalk cliffs beyond Brighton and as far as the Isle of Wight.
Gorgeous grazing
Centuries of continuous grazing have produced a wonderful habitat for butterflies and flowers. Rare plants such as the round headed rampion, known as the ‘Pride of Sussex’, thrive here.
Wildlife
During spring and autumn you can see a wide variety of migratory birds as Cissbury is one of the first coastal landing points after their long flight across the channel.
Things to see and do
Article
Things to see and do at Cissbury Ring
Discover what to see and do at Cissbury Ring. Take a walk around the largest hillfort in the county and admire the wonderful views.
Top trails
Trail
Cissbury Ring butterfly walk
Take a circular walk around one of the very best butterfly sites in Sussex, exploring the South Downs.
Trail
Cissbury Ring history and nature trail
Follow an ancient road to discover history, wildlife and panoramic views from the second largest Iron Age hillfort in the south of England.
Upcoming events
Event
Highdown Big Dig - Meet the Archaeologists
Bring along your budding archaeologists to meet members of our archaeology team and witness live excavations at Highdown Hill.
Event
Highdown Big Dig - Free Children’s Workshops
Bring along your budding archaeologists to join Worthing Museum’s education officer for a fun hour of free children’s activities. Children’s workshops take place at the Big Dig HQ on top of Highdown Hill.
Event
Highdown Big Dig Festival
Celebrate the Festival of Archaeology on the South Downs during a live excavation with activities for the whole family to get involved in.
About Cissbury Ring
Cissbury Ring, just north of the coastal town of Worthing, is one of the jewels in the crown of the new South Downs National Park. It's the largest hill fort in Sussex and has a history dating back over 5,000 years.
Set high up on a chalk promontory, its ditch and ramparts enclose about sixty-five acres. From the top on a clear day you can see forever, with views across to the chalk cliffs beyond Brighton and as far as the Isle of Wight.
Centuries of continuous grazing have produced a wonderful habitat for butterflies and flowers. Rare plants such as the round headed rampion, known as the ‘Pride of Sussex’, thrive here. If you want to walk, fly a kite or just enjoy some spectacular views Cissbury has it all.
During spring and autumn you can see a wide variety of migratory birds as Cissbury is one of the first coastal landing points after their long flight across the channel.
History
Article
History of Cissbury Ring
Explore the past at Cissbury Ring. From Neolithic flint mining to leading Victorian archaeologists and Second World War machine guns, uncover Cissbury's long history.
Our work
Article
Our work at Cissbury Ring
Discover how we have improved and maintained the land at Cissbury Ring hillfort in Sussex and the historical features that have been revealed in the process.
Support us
Volunteer with us
Search for live volunteering opportunities, or register your interest with Cissbury Ring.