Devil's Dyke

An historic beauty spot on the South Downs Way, named after the huge dry valley that carves its way through ridges of rolling chalk grassland. Legend has it that the Devil dug the valley to drown the parishioners of the Weald. Scientists, on the other hand, believe the largest "dry" valley in Britain was formed in the last ice age.

Don't miss

• Stunning views north to the Weald and south to the English Channel
• Great for bike rides, walking and flying a kite
• From hill forts to funfairs, mysterious lumps and bumps reveal an unexpected past
• Rare and colourful wildlife like butterflies and orchids
• An easy car-free day out from Brighton

Aerial cable car

Britain's first cable car was built here in 1894. It was a great attraction for Victorian day-trippers from London. The concrete foundations are all that survives of the ride that took passengers across the 300m wide valley.

Funicular railway

Nearly one million people visited Devil's Dyke in 1897. Many rode on this novel attraction down to the village of Poynings below. Today the brick plinth of the boarding platform and the track lines are all that remain.

Ramparts of the Iron Age hill fort

Look west from Devil's Dyke and you will see classic South Downs landscape, where the gentle rolling hills descend dramatically on to plain below.

Ted's review- A must visit if a resident of Brighton. Its literally on your doorstep! Fantastic scenery if you look north or south. Interesting history with some brilliant wildlife that lives here in the summer too.

Contact- devilsdyke@nationaltrust.org.uk

Getting there- http://bit.ly/lRTQtA

Open all year
01273 857712 (Estate Office)