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Panoramic views from the top of world
near Ditchling, East Sussex
Asset | Opening time |
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Countryside | Dawn - Dusk |
Toilets/accessible toilets in Ditchling village. Car park is a rural, part-surfaced area with no marked parking bays, with limited spaces.
At 248 metres above sea-level, Ditchling Beacon is the highest point in East Sussex and offers panoramic views from the summit.
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.
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.
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.
A 6-mile walk across the South Downs in Sussex from Ditchling to Ashcombe Bottom.
A steep 2.5-mile walk at Ditchling Beacon that takes in an Iron Age hillfort, evidence of early industry and ancient grazing routes.
Travel from any location within the Brighton city network to join the No. 77 bus route to Devil’s Dyke and the No. 79 bus route to 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.
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.
Join today and help protect nature, beauty and history – for everyone, for ever. Enjoy access to more than 500 places with National Trust membership.
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