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Burgess Hill

Attractions and Places To See around Burgess Hill - Top 20

Best attractions and places to see around Burgess Hill include natural reserves, historic sites, and scenic viewpoints. This West Sussex town offers a blend of natural beauty, featuring ancient woodlands and tranquil reservoirs, alongside local points of interest. It serves as a gateway to the South Downs National Park, providing diverse landscapes for outdoor activities. The area offers a variety of experiences, from exploring nature reserves to visiting historical landmarks.

Best attractions and places to see around Burgess Hill

  • The most popular attractions is Ditchling Beacon, a natural monument that is the highest point along the Sussex Downs. From its summit, visitors can enjoy panoramic views across the Weald, the South Downs, and towards the sea.
  • Another must-see spot is Devil's Dyke, a historical site and v-shaped chalkland dry valley. This unique and picturesque location is known for its wildflowers, butterflies, and offers great views, making it a popular destination for hiking.
  • Visitors also love Ardingly Reservoir, a lake and Local Nature Reserve. It is a wildlife haven with bird hides and offers a pleasant walk around its perimeter.
  • Burgess Hill is known for its natural features, historical sites, and recreational facilities. The area offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from ancient woodlands and reservoirs to historic windmills and community activity centers.
  • The attractions around Burgess Hill are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 560 upvotes and 70 photos shared by visitors.

Last updated: May 9, 2026

Ditchling Beacon

Highlight • Natural Monument

From the summit of Ditchling Beacon, you're afforded a wonderful panoramic view. Standing at 814 feet (248 m) above sea level, it is the highest point along the Sussex Downs. You can look south to sea, north across the Weald, or east-west across the Downs. The site, which is managed by the National Trust, is also of archaeological interest due to there being an Iron Age hillfort there.

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Ardingly Reservoir

Highlight • Lake

Also a Local Nature Reserve, Ardingly Reservoir was built in the 1970s. It is a wildlife haven with Ospreys even seen here. There are two bird hides on this eastern shore while the south eastern end is a hive of watersports activity.

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Jack and Jill Windmills

Highlight • Monument

The Clayton Windmills, known locally as Jack and Jill, are fine examples of old windmills that the public can explore on Sundays and holidays during the summer. They comprise a post mill, a tower mill, and the roundhouse of a former post mill. All three are Grade II-listed. For opening times and more information, visit: jillwindmill.org.uk.

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Devil's Dyke

Highlight • Historical Site

Devil's Dyke is a v-shaped chalkland dry valley that’s home to wildflowers and many species of butterflies. Unique and picturesque, it's a popular destination for hiking or relaxing in nature.

The name comes from a legend: the devil, furious for the conversion of the Kingdom of Sussex to Christianity, dug a dyke through the South Downs to allow the water from the sea to flow through and drown the villages of the Sussex Weald.

The site was a hillfort in the Iron Age. You can still see some earthworks and burrows in the surrounding area. Apparently it was a very popular destination in Victorian times, with a funfair and even a railway line from Brighton!

It gets busy on the weekend but it's a paradise if you manage to hike here on a weekday.

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Ditchling Village

Highlight • Settlement

Ditchling Museum of Art & Craft has an excellent cafe serving delicious cakes

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Cycle Lewes
April 19, 2025, Ditchling Village

Ditchling Museum of Art & Craft has an excellent cafe serving delicious cakes

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The perimeter path around the reservoir is very muddy in places currently due to the amount of rain. Welly boots needed in some places.

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At over 650 feet (200 m), Ditchling Beacon gives you a good climb and a great vantage point to see out over the surrounding countryside. To the north you look back at the lush countryside of the Weald, to the south are views of Brighton, and to the east and west, the rolling undulating views out over the South Downs.

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Delicious coffee from a small converted horse trailer. It won't always be there. But if it is, it's a recommendation.

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Beautiful route over unpaved paths

Translated by Google

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These old windmills are the best proof that people were clever enough a number of centuries ago - long before the discovery of electricity and the inventions that resulted from it - to harness the power of the elements for their own purposes: no human or animal muscle power is needed for the grinding process, but the wind captured by the wings is enough to drive the heavy millstones and thus, for example, to grind flour from grain (grain mills) or to press oil from olives (oil mills). Often they are only technical and historical evidence of a long tradition of craftsmanship, because most of the old mills have been abandoned over time.

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This is a beautiful spot, there is a trig point that is placed on one of the ramparts of the actual Iron Age hillfort here. It is very popular with walkers, and families. The valley bowl is also particularly beautiful.

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Ice cream van also serving Tea today (Easter Monday). view from the top on a nice clear day

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Frequently Asked Questions

What natural attractions can I explore around Burgess Hill?

The area boasts several natural highlights. You can visit Ditchling Beacon, the highest point on the Sussex Downs, offering panoramic views. Another unique natural feature is Devil's Dyke, a picturesque V-shaped chalkland dry valley known for wildflowers and butterflies. For a tranquil experience, explore Ardingly Reservoir, a Local Nature Reserve and wildlife haven.

Are there historical sites to visit near Burgess Hill?

Yes, the region has a rich history. The iconic Jack and Jill Windmills (Clayton Windmills) are fine examples of old windmills that can be explored on specific days during the summer. Devil's Dyke also has archaeological interest as an Iron Age hillfort. Additionally, the Burgess Hill Heritage & History Association aims to preserve the town's history, with a museum housing artifacts related to the area.

What are some good places for walking and hiking around Burgess Hill?

The area offers numerous walking opportunities. Ditchling Beacon and Devil's Dyke are popular for hiking with impressive views. Bedelands Farm Local Nature Reserve provides peaceful trails through ancient meadows and woodlands. For a local option, the Burgess Hill Green Circle Network is a 6-mile circular route connecting various green spaces around the town. You can find more detailed routes in the hiking guide for Burgess Hill.

Are there family-friendly attractions in the Burgess Hill area?

Absolutely. Ardingly Reservoir is considered family-friendly, offering pleasant walks and watersports. The Jack and Jill Windmills are also a great family outing when open. For indoor fun, The Triangle Leisure Centre features Aztec Fun Pools. Ditchling Common Country Park is ideal for picnics and walks, especially when bluebells bloom in spring.

Where can I find panoramic views near Burgess Hill?

For breathtaking vistas, head to Ditchling Beacon, the highest point on the Sussex Downs, offering views across the Weald, South Downs, and towards the sea. Blackcap Summit and Trig Point also provides wonderful views over the Weald. Devil's Dyke is another excellent spot for impressive views.

What outdoor activities are available besides hiking?

Beyond hiking, you can enjoy watersports like sailing and paddleboarding at Ardingly Reservoir Activity Centre. Cycling is also popular, with various routes available. You can explore mountain biking trails in the area, such as those detailed in the MTB Trails around Burgess Hill guide, or gravel biking routes in the Gravel biking around Burgess Hill guide.

Are there any local nature reserves or green spaces in Burgess Hill?

Yes, Burgess Hill is home to Bedelands Farm Local Nature Reserve, a 33-hectare site with ancient meadows, woodlands, and ponds. Ditchling Common Country Park, just outside town, is another expansive nature area. Within Burgess Hill itself, St. John's Park is the largest park, and the Burgess Hill Green Circle Network connects various local green spaces.

What is the best time of year to visit outdoor attractions in Burgess Hill?

Spring and summer are particularly vibrant for outdoor attractions. Bedelands Farm Local Nature Reserve is known for abundant wildflowers during these seasons. Ditchling Common Country Park is beautiful in spring when bluebells bloom. However, many trails and viewpoints, like Ditchling Beacon and Devil's Dyke, offer stunning views year-round, though clear days are recommended.

Can I find dog-friendly walks in the area?

Many of the outdoor areas around Burgess Hill are popular with dog walkers. Ardingly Reservoir is noted as having many dog walkers. Ditchling Common Country Park is also a popular spot for dogs. Always check local signage for specific restrictions, especially in nature reserves or areas with livestock.

What cultural points of interest does Burgess Hill offer?

Burgess Hill has a local history museum run by the Burgess Hill Heritage & History Association, showcasing artifacts and the town's past. The Martlets Shopping Centre hosts seasonal fairs and local markets, fostering community connection. For sports enthusiasts, the More Than Tyres Stadium is the home ground of Burgess Hill Town FC.

Are there any unique or hidden gems to discover near Burgess Hill?

The Mill Pond Waterfall at Valebridge is described as a serene and often quiet area, offering peace and scenic views, accessible via a walk through fields north from Wivelsfield station. While not exactly hidden, the historic farmhouses like Grove Farm House and Hammonds Place offer a glimpse into the area's Tudor past, though many are private residences.

Where can I go cycling around Burgess Hill?

Burgess Hill offers various cycling opportunities, from leisurely rides to more challenging routes. The Burgess Hill Green Circle Network is suitable for both walking and cycling. For dedicated cycling routes, you can explore options in the Cycling around Burgess Hill guide, which includes routes like 'The Shepherd & Dog Pub – Edburton Road loop'.

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