Family fun at Devil's Dyke and Saddlescombe Farm

There is so much to do this Summer at Devils Dyke and Saddlescombe Farm. Over the summmer holiday at Devil's Dyke we have our "Get set, go!" program of activities. We’ve also picked out our favourite 50 things activities for you. Every family will find something to suit, from hopping around a hillfort to making friends with a bug. So go out, fill your lungs with fresh air, and enjoy this legendary countryside spot.

Get set, go! Get active this summer at Devil's Dyke

Come to the Welcome Van at Devil’s Dyke and collect your free "Get set, go!"activity cards and activity map.

Go off on an adventure whilst you explore and search for the challenges in the deepest, longest dry valley in the UK and across the Iron Age hill fort. Or just stay with us and play at the van.

There are lots of different levels of challenges available, something for the whole family.

10th July to 5th September, Saturday and Sunday – 11am-3pm

We like to be out in all weathers, but if it is really terrible, the van may not be there.

Even if the Welcome Van is not there, the trail is. Collect your free trail adventure map from one of the National Trust notice boards in the car park, or download it here: Get set, go! Devil's Dyke (PDF / 2MB) download

The Welcome Van at Devils Dyke — The Welcome Van at Devil's Dyke

Go on a nature walk at night (no. 40)

Grab a tourch and go and explore Newtimber Hill and the Devil's Dyke valley. At night you may see glow worms, badgers, owls or bats.

Build a Den (no. 4)

Building a den using natural woodland materials is one of the coolest activities on the 50 things to do before you're 11 ¾ challenge list. When the days are lighter building a den is a great idea as you'll have longer to make it and more time to spend in it. Find some nice long branches and prop them wig wam like against a tree. You can use sticks and twigs and leaves to cover the den and surprise anyone that walks past.

Make friends with a bug (no. 31)

In summer the flower filled hillsides of Devil's Dyke and Newtimber Hill are filled with bugs and butterflies. On a lovely warm sunny day try sitting still in some long grass and just listen and watch. Count how many different coloured butterflies you see, and can you spot any grasshopers, crickets or amazing bugs? See if you can find the amazing bottle green flower beetle with big fat thighs.

Climb a huge hill (no. 28)

Hills are something we defiantly are not short of on around Devil’s Dyke and Saddlescombe Farm. Devil’s Dyke hill fort is 217 metres above sea level and West Hill behind Saddlescombe farm is 211 metres tall. Devils Dyke valley is the deepest dry valley in the country. For ideas of where to go and explore, why not choose one of our walks.

How to get here

Bus: Number 77 bus from Brighton stops at Devil’s Dyke. For times see www.buses.co.uk or call 01273 886200.

Car Parks: There are two nearby carparks, both free for National Trust members:

Devil’s Dyke, SatNav; Easting 525844, Northing 110977. Nearest postcode BN1 8YJ

Summerdown Road: SatNav; Easting 526968, Northing 111104. Nearest postcode BN1 8YJ

Facilities:

Toilets at Devil’s Dyke pub (booking may be required) and Saddlescombe Farm (when the café is open)

Food at the Devil’s Dyke pub (not NT) and the Wildflour Café at Saddlescombe farm (Not NT and seasonal, check https://wildflourcafe.business.site/)