Ditchling Beacon

About Ditchling Beacon

Ditchling Beacon is the second highest point on the South Downs National Park with spectacular views across the Weald.

As the name suggests, Ditchling Beacon was one of the chain of fires lit to warn of impending invasions.

It was once an Iron Age hillfort, with its steep northern slope used as a natural defence.

Ditchling Beacon is now managed by The National Trust and Sussex Wildlife Trust.

It is always open.

Things to see and do

Memorial

Two hectares on the northeast slope of the beacon were given to the National Trust in 1953 as a memorial to Flying Officer Demetriadi who was killed in action in 1940.

Demetriadi was one of "The Few", a term used to describe the Allied airmen of the Royal Air Force who fought the Battle of Britain in the Second World War. It comes from Winston Churchill's phrase "never was so much owed by so many to so few".

Walking guides

With its walking trails and long views over the downs, Ditchling Beacon is as good for the experienced rambler as it is for a family picnic.

There are no facilities available on site except for an ice cream van in the summer months, and due to its open nature it can get quite windy, so wrap up if necessary.

There are several good walking guides available:

• National Trust walk to Devil's Dyke
• Stanmer & Ditchling Beacon leaflet (PDF 2,357KB)