National Trust Sussex

A number of locations across the South Downs National Park are designated <a href="https://www.southdowns.gov.uk/dark-skies-hub/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: inherit;">Dark Sky Discovery sites</a>. These locations are free from the worst effects of urban light pollution, offer good public access and great sightlines to explore the wonders of the night sky. Each Dark Sky Discovery Site has been nominated by a local group or organisation and approved by the Dark Sky Discovery programme. These sites, offering stunning daytime views across the South Downs, are the best possible conditions to just turn up and view the grandeur of the stars on a clear night. In Sussex:<ul><li><a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/devils-dyke" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(36, 62, 83);">Devils Dyke</a>&nbsp;–&nbsp;John Constable described the panorama from Devil’s Dyke as ‘the&nbsp;grandest view in the world’.&nbsp;Watch out for the devil though! Legend has it that one night the devil dug this longest,&nbsp;deepest and widest ‘dry valley’ in the UK to flood the many churches in the Weald.</li><li><a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ditchling-beacon" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(36, 62, 83);">Ditchling Beacon</a>&nbsp;– the highest point in East Sussex with panoramic 360 degree views.&nbsp;Ditchling Beacon was once the site for a warning beacon. Visible for miles around, the Beacon would be one of a chain of fires ready to be lit in times of imminent invasion.</li><li><a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/birling-gap-and-the-seven-sisters" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(36, 62, 83);">Birling Gap</a>&nbsp;– a coastal view of big skies and the glittering heavens from the stunning Seven Sisters chalk cliffs.</li></ul>

Devil's Dyke

Bring your own hand decorated boiled egg and try your luck at this Easter custom. The one who gets the furthest down the Dyke wins. There will also be judging for the best decorated egg. Meet at Devil's Dyke car park £1 per entry

<a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/sussex/nymans/events/9b52943f-23ac-4fc8-bf03-bab78a4c427b" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: inherit;">Further information available here</a> This 3 mile walk is designed to be gentle and enjoyable, giving you the chance to meet new people, explore beautiful places, and build confidence walking in the countryside. You'll be guided along well-loved routes through woodland, streams, and lake views, walking as part of a group where you'll feel safe, supported, and never left behind. The walk ends back at Nymans reception. The walk is free. Admission to the house and garden applies if you go on to visit Nymans and the cafe. (Members go free).

Nymans' Woodland- Sociable walks with the Ranger team

National Trust Sussex

Stargazing in the South Downs

Egg rolling at Devil's Dyke

Nymans' Woodland- Sociable walks with the Ranger team