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Saddlescombe Farm and Newtimber Hill
SussexA hidden hamlet nestled in the downs
Saddlescombe Road, near Brighton, West Sussex, BN45 7DE
Opening times for 21 August 2025
Asset Opening time Newtimber Hill Dawn - Dusk MTWTFSS2829303112345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031OpenPartially openClosedSaddlescombe Farm has rough, uneven tracks but is suitable for most wheelchairs, buggies, and pushchairs. Newtimber Hill has steep paths and stiles. One accessible toilet for café. Dogs on leads welcome.
- By road
- Signposted 2 miles north of A27 Brighton ring road and 1 mile south of A281Parking: No car parking on the farm. Car parks at Summerdown (BN45 7FH) and Devil's Dyke (BN1 8YJ) 1/4 of a mile and 1 1/2 miles away via the South Downs Way.Sat Nav: Easting 527109,Northing 111417 Postcode BN45 7DE
- On foot
- Saddlescombe Farm and Newtimber Hill lie on the South Downs Way, a 100-mile long National Trail that crosses the chalk escarpment and ridges of the South Downs from Winchester to Eastbourne
- By train
- Brighton train station and Hassocks train station, both 5 miles. A train ticket gets you a '2-for-1' offer on adult single and return tickets, or a 1/3 off the standard single adult price, on the service 77 bus to Devil's Dyke. Just show the bus driver your valid train ticket
- By bus
- Seven days a week in summer, the 77 bus service travels up to Devil's Dyke from the centre of Brighton, passing the pier and train station. From the bus stop it is a gentle walk (about twenty minutes) to Saddlescombe along the South Downs Way. Each paying adult can take two children free on the 77 bus. A bus leaflet called 'Breeze up to the Dyke' is available. For more info, check Brighton Council
- Cycling
- The South Downs Way is used by walkers, cyclists and horse riders. The trail passes through Saddlescombe and Newtimber, with some steep, but rewarding climbs along the way. A section of National Cycle Network Route 20 runs along the border of Saddlescombe Farm and Newtimber Hill to Brighton
Saddlescombe Road, near Brighton, West Sussex, BN45 7DE
Planning your visit
Article
Visiting the South Downs with your dog
Find out about bringing your dog to the South Downs. Explore the beautiful landscape together, from cliff-tops and beaches to ancient downland.
Highlights
Hamlet life
Near Devil's Dyke in West Sussex, the hamlet is only five miles from the seaside city of Brighton. It is a hidden gem on the South Downs Way and is a great place to visit on the way to Devil's Dyke.
Newtimber Hill
This is Sussex countryside at its finest with ancient woodland, chalk grassland and long reaching views of the sea and across the Weald. It is also a real hot spot for rare flora and fauna like the silver spotted skipper butterfly, burnt orchid and juniper. A 1,000 year old lime tree and bluebells galore hide in the woodland.
Hidden history
It has seen hundreds of years of occupation since it was first recorded in the Domesday Book and once home to the Knights Templar. The oldest part of the present day farmhouse dates from around 1630. Tucked amongst the outbuildings you will find an incredibly well preserved example of a donkey wheel. These were used to raise water from a well 50m below the farm.
A working farm
Today Saddlescombe is a working farm hamlet so some areas are closed to the public. You are still welcome to visit the donkey wheel and spacious information barn at any time of the year. Both are signposted from the South Downs national trail which runs through the farm.
Things to see and do
Article
Things to see and do at Saddlescombe Farm and Newtimber Hill
With the South Downs Way footpath, ancient woodland and a working farm, there’s plenty to see and do at Saddlescombe Farm and Newtimber Hill. Visit the donkey wheel or information barn for a flavour of life here.
Article
Wildlife and habitats at Saddlescombe Farm and Newtimber Hill
The surrounding landscape of Saddlescombe Farm is rich in variety and diversity. From chalk grassland and rare chalk heath to ancient woodland and dew ponds, it supports a varied mix of wildlife.
Article
Things to see and do at Wolstonbury Hill
Wolstonbury Hill stands proud as a gateway to Brighton. A hill with layers of human memories and an important chalk grassland area supporting a wide variety of wild orchids.
Top trails
Trail
Saddlescombe Farm and Newtimber walk
Fresh air, spectacular views and an ancient landscape will accompany you along this scenic downland walk near Devil's Dyke.
Trail
Newtimber Hill butterfly walk
A 3-mile walk on the South Downs, where you can see wild flowers and butterflies, including the Adonis and chalkhill blues, dark green fritillary and silver-spotted skipper, in summer.
Upcoming events
Event
Saddlescombe Farm Open Day
Discover the Nature, Beauty and History of the South Downs at Saddlescombe Farm. Enjoy farm tours, traditional crafts, live performances, archaeology, children’s games, craft market and much more.
About Saddlescombe Farm and Newtimber Hill
Newtimber Hill is Sussex countryside at its finest with ancient woodland, chalk grassland and long reaching views of the sea and across the Weald. In early autumn, the hill is covered in a purple blanket of devil's bit scabious. It is also a real hot spot for rare flora and fauna like the silver spotted skipper butterfly, burnt orchid and juniper. A 1,000 year old lime tree and bluebells galore hide in the woodland.
Saddlescombe is a hidden gem on the South Downs Way.
Near Devil's Dyke in West Sussex, the hamlet is only five miles from the seaside city of Brighton.
It has seen hundreds of years of occupation since it was first recorded in the Domesday Book and once home to the Kinghts Templar. The oldest part of the present day farmhouse dates from around 1630. Tucked amongst the outbuildings you will find an incrediblly well preserved example of a donkey wheel. These were used to raise water from a well 50m below the farm.
Today Saddlescombe is a working farm hamlet so some areas are closed to the public. You are still welcome to visit the donkey wheel and spacious information barn at any time of the year. Both are signposted from the South Downs national trail which runs through the farm.
History
Article
The history of Saddlescombe Farm
Evidence of human settlement, dating back to the Mesolithic and Bronze Ages, has been found here. Its many owners include the Knights Templar and generations of farming families.
Our work
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.
Project