Become a member
Join today and help protect nature, beauty and history – for everyone, for ever. Enjoy access to more than 500 places with National Trust membership.
Ditchling Beacon
Panoramic views from the top of world
near Ditchling, East Sussex
Important notice
ADVANCED NOTICE: Ditchling road and Ditchling Beacon car park will be closed on Sunday 15th June 2025 for the London to Brighton Bike ride.
Opening times for 8 August 2025
Asset Opening time Countryside Dawn - Dusk MTWTFSS2829303112345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031OpenPartially openClosedToilets/accessible toilets in Ditchling village. Car park is a rural, part-surfaced area with no marked parking bays, with limited spaces.
- By road
From central Brighton: Follow Ditchling Road from St Peter's Church (just off of London Road). Continue straight, crossing A27, for 5 miles to Ditchling Beacon car park. A27 (from Brighton): Turn off A27 at Hollingbury, go straight at roundabout, then sharp left onto Ditchling Road (signposted Ditchling). Continue north along Ditchling Road to Ditchling Beacon car park. PLEASE NOTE - the car park gets very busy at weekends so it will not always be possible to find a space. Why not try travelling by bus instead? Buses run every weekend and bank holiday Monday from Brighton to Ditchling. National Trust members can park for free. There is a parking charge for non-members which goes towards the conservation and management of the site. Charges are as follows: £1.50 for up to an hour; £3.00 for up to 2 hours;£6.00 all day. Payment for parking for non-members at Ditchling Beacon must be made with cash at the car park machine or using the PayByPhone system. It’s quick and easy to use – either use the PayByPhone smartphone app on the site or call ahead from home on 03300604037. All you need to start is your car’s registration and the Ditchling Beacon location number 803351. You will also be asked to key in your credit or debit card number. There’s no need to display a ticket after paying in this way as a record is generated for our car park staff. To pay online and for more information go to www.paybyphone.co.uk. Paying prior to arrival cannot guarantee you a parking space.
Parking: Ditchling Beacon car park on Ditchling Road
- On foot
Accessible via the South Downs Way. Footpaths and bridleways cross the site. Plan your route using Explorer map 122
- By train
Falmer and Hassocks, both 5 miles
- By bus
Brighton and Hove 79, Brighton Old Steine or Brighton Railway Station to Ditchling Beacon, Sundays and Bank Holidays throughout the year, Saturdays during the summer season. Alight Ditchling Beacon car park. Visit Brighton & Hove Breeze Buses for details about the Breeze buses from Brighton to Ditchling Beacon.
- Cycling
South Downs Way bridleway crosses the site
Highlights
Beacon
At 248 metres above sea-level, Ditchling Beacon is the highest point in East Sussex and offers panoramic views from the summit.
History
Ditchling Beacon was once the site for a warning beacon. Visible for miles around, the Beacon would be maintained ready to light in times of imminent invasion. The site also shows remains of an Iron Age hillfort.
Ditchling Down
This lies to the west of Ditchling Beacon, and is a prime example of chalk downland. Walk the path along the scarp slope, passing through the disused chalk pits grazed by sheep and dotted with wild flowers throughout spring and summer.
Things to see and do
Article
Things to see and do at Ditchling Beacon
Close to Brighton, Ditchling Beacon is the highest point in East Sussex. Come for the views, the wildlife, picnics, walks, kite-flying and the remains of an Iron Age hillfort.
Top trails
Trail
Ditchling to Ashcombe Bottom walk
A 6-mile walk across the South Downs in Sussex from Ditchling to Ashcombe Bottom.
Trail
Walk through history at Ditchling Beacon
A steep 2.5-mile walk at Ditchling Beacon that takes in an Iron Age hillfort, evidence of early industry and ancient grazing routes.
Upcoming events
Sorry, there are no upcoming events at this place
About Ditchling Beacon
Ditchling Beacon is located 7 miles to the north of Brighton and just south of the village of Ditchling. At 248 metres above sea-level, Ditchling Beacon is the highest point in East Sussex and offers commanding 360 degree views from its summit. Look south out to sea, north across the Weald or east-west across the Downs.
As the name suggests, Ditchling Beacon was once the site for a warning beacon. Visible for miles around, the Beacon would be maintained ready to light in times of imminent invasion.
The site is also of archaeological interest, with remains of an Iron Age hillfort.
Neighbouring Ditchling Down lies to the west of Ditchling Beacon, and is a prime example of chalk downland. Walk the path along the scarp slope, passing through the disused chalk pits grazed by sheep and dotted with wild flowers throughout spring and summer.
Please note: Ditchling Beacon car park is just off Ditchling Road. OS TQ 333130, Coordinates 50.9008406000, -0.1051855090. NT members can park for free. There is a charge of £3 per day for non-members which goes towards the conservation and management of the site. Payment for parking for non-members at Ditchling Beacon must be made with cash at the car park machine or using the PayByPhone system. It’s quick and easy to use – either use the PayByPhone smartphone app on the site or call ahead from home on 03300604037. All you need to start is your car’s registration and the Ditchling Beacon location number 803351. You will also be asked to key in your credit or debit card number. There’s no need to display a ticket after paying in this way as a record is generated for our car park staff. To pay online and for more information go to www.paybyphone.co.uk. Paying prior to arrival cannot guarantee you a parking space.
Our work
Project
Project
Changing Chalk partnership
The South Downs have been a place to live, work and play for thousands of years. Together we can make sure they will be enjoyed for thousands more. Learn how the projects of the Changing Chalk partnership, led by the National Trust, are restoring lost habitats, bringing histories to life, and providing new outdoor experiences across the eastern South Downs, and discover how you can get involved.