Ditchling Beacon
Panoramic views from the top of world
Ditchling Beacon
Overview
Panoramic views from the top of world
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.
- Telephone
- 01323423197
- southdownseast@nationaltrust.org.uk
Ditchling Beacon
How to get here
- Address
- near Ditchling, East Sussex
- By cycle
- South Downs Way bridleway crosses the site
- 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 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. Brighton and Hove NT 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; £4.00 for up to 4 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
- 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.
Ditchling Beacon
Prices
Admission free
What is Gift Aid?
Most of our places run the Gift Aid on Entry scheme at their admission points.
Under this scheme, if you're not a member you have the choice of two entry tickets:
- Gift Aid Admission
- Standard Admission
If the place runs Gift Aid on Entry, we'll offer you a clear choice between the Gift Aid Admission prices and the Standard Admission prices at the admission point. It's entirely up to you which ticket you choose.
Gift Aid Admission includes a 10 per cent or more voluntary donation. Gift Aid Admissions let us reclaim tax on the whole amount paid - an extra 25 per cent - potentially a very significant boost to our places' funds.
An extra £1 paid under the scheme can be worth over £3 to the National Trust as shown below:
| Gift Aid | Standard | |
|---|---|---|
| Amount paid by visitor | £11.00 | £10.00 |
| Tax refund from Government* | £2.75 | £0.00 |
| Total received by the National Trust | £13.75 | £10.00 |
*Gift Aid Admissions let us reclaim tax on the whole amount paid - an extra 25 per cent - potentially a very significant boost to our places' funds.
Ditchling Beacon
Opening times
Sunday 3 July
- Countryside Dawn to dusk
Monday 4 July
- Countryside Dawn to dusk
Tuesday 5 July
- Countryside Dawn to dusk
Wednesday 6 July
- Countryside Dawn to dusk
Thursday 7 July
- Countryside Dawn to dusk
Friday 8 July
- Countryside Dawn to dusk
Saturday 9 July
- Countryside Dawn to dusk
Ditchling Beacon
Contact us
- Telephone
- 01323423197
- southdownseast@nationaltrust.org.uk
- Address
- near Ditchling, East Sussex