Devils Dyke

Absolutely stunning views of Sussex. On a clear day you can see for miles. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, it is well worth a trip on the 77 bus (4.5 pounds return) to spend the afternoon gazing at nature. Follow it up with a pint and lunch at the pub and you’ve got a pretty perfect day.

The curiously named Devil’s Dyke is one of the most scenic spots on the South Downs Way. Just five miles north of Brighton it’s easily accessible even when you’re not walking the path. It now belongs to the National Trust so car parking fees apply but you can also get the bus up to the Dyke from Brighton in the summer months.
The views are fantastic, and on a clear day you can even see as far away as the Isle of White. Its a great location for walking, mountain biking, zorbing of paragliding; or just a picnic if you are feeling a little more sedate.
There is a pub if you fancy a pint and an ice cream van most of the year round.
Legend has it that the dyke was formed by the Devil to drown the parishioners of the Weald, but scientists tell us that is was formed naturally during the last ice age. However it was formed, the end result is the longest, widest and dryest dry valley in the UK and it’s absolutely stunning.

What a beautiful spot. I’d not been previously familiar, but the views across The Downs are incomparable.
A word of warning, however. If you’re not an avid hikers and let your friends convince you that taking the path down the hill next to the dyke proper and then hiking back up through the dyke ravine is a good idea, you may be in pain for a few days! Still, it was unforgettable.

Supposedly created by the devil to drown the members of a nearby village, this cavernous site just outside of Brighton is extremely popular with tourists and locals alike.
Some have compared it to the Grand Canyon, which is actually just about the biggest exaggeration ever made, but it is an interesting site out in the rolling Sussex countryside.
The Brighton and Hove bus company offer a regularly open top bus that can take you there via the sites of Brighton, so if you are in Brighton for a short while, this isn’t a bad way to take in the surrounding area and get a bit of fresh air.

I can’t take it anymore, this is the second time this week I have found myself naked howling at the moon in Queens Park, better head up to Devils Dyke. This is the place to go if you are feeling the city bearing down on your psyche. The views are beautiful, public footpaths meander across the top of the downs and there is plenty of grazing land for you to spread out your picnic in peace. The footpaths are also suitable for bike rides if you ride out of town, otherwise catch one of the many buses to get there. Failing that just walk, we are so lucky to have this so nearby. Go and frolic!

This is my favourite place to take the dog for a nice walk as it has stunning views right the way over Sussex and you can see for miles on a clear day.
Its really popular with para-​gliders at weekends but they don’t crash into you (well I’ve been ok so far). There’s miles of different walks to go on but one of the best is to jjust walk all the round the top of the Dyke’s valley itself as it really tires you out.
The pub here isn’t bad but its not great. Take a packed lunch if the weathers good.