The most beautiful views in West Sussex: 7 viewpoints that will take your breath away
July 17, 2025
West Sussex is a land that impresses with its beautiful landscapes, from green hills to majestic cliffs. In this article, we'll take you on a journey through seven of the region's most beautiful viewpoints that are breathtaking and ideal for family outings. Each of these places offers unique experiences and unforgettable views that will stay in your memory for a long time. Whether you're a nature lover, passionate about photography, or just looking for a quiet place to relax, these viewpoints in West Sussex are sure to delight you. Prepare to discover the picturesque landscapes, fascinating history and extraordinary nature of this beautiful corner of England.
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Historic hills overlooking the countryside
Let's begin our journey with two historic sites that offer not only stunning views, but also a fascinating journey back in time.
National Trust - Cissbury Ring is a place that delights both history and nature lovers. Dating back to the Iron Age, this ancient stronghold is the largest hill fort in Sussex. From 184 meters above sea level, it offers a panoramic view of the surrounding valleys, forests and coastline. On sunny days you can even see the Isle of Wight. Cissbury Ring offers not only great views, but also the opportunity to walk along the preserved ramparts, which gives an idea of the life of our ancestors thousands of years ago. It's the perfect place for a family picnic and learning about history in the great outdoors. It is worth remembering to wear appropriate footwear, as the terrain can be hilly. The parking lot is located at the foot of the hill, which means a short but brisk walk to the top.
Another historic viewpoint is the National Trust site of Devil's Dyke. This site is famous for the longest, deepest and widest 'dry valley' in Britain. Legend has it that it was dug by the Devil, who wanted to sink the surrounding villages. Regardless of the legends, the views from here are indeed devilishly beautiful. From 217 meters above sea level, there is a panoramic view of the Weald and the English Channel. Devil's Dyke is a paradise for walkers, aviation (a popular spot for paragliders) and photography. For families with children, there are special nature trails that combine learning with outdoor fun in an enjoyable way.
Both of these sites offer free admission, although you have to pay for parking (as of 2023). It's worth remembering that the weather in the hills can be changeable, so it's always a good idea to bring a warm jacket and comfortable shoes. Both Cissbury Ring and Devil's Dyke are accessible all year round, but the most beautiful views await you in spring and summer, when the surrounding meadows are covered with a colorful carpet of flowers.
Picturesque landscapes and wild coastline
As we continue our tour of West Sussex's most beautiful sights, we move to areas where nature presents itself in all its glory.
National Trust - Harting Down is an area of outstanding natural beauty, offering some of the most magnificent views in southern England. This place combines the charm of a wooded valley with open chalk hills. The highest point offers a panoramic view of the village of South Harting, and on sunny days you can even see Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight. Harting Down is a nature lover's paradise - you can spot rare species of butterflies and admire the abundance of flora characteristic of the chalk hills. There are well-marked trails for families with children, although some hills can be quite steep. It's a good idea to bring binoculars for distant views and bird watching.
Moving closer to the coast, you'll discover Highdown Hill, another vantage point with a rich history and breathtaking scenery. This spot offers a panoramic view of the Sussex coast and surrounding towns. At the top of the hill are the remains of an Iron Age fort, which adds to the historic charm of the place. Highdown Hill is also home to rare plant species that can be enjoyed at the nearby Highdown Gardens. It's the perfect place for a family picnic overlooking the sea.
For those who want to feel the true power of nature, East Head Beach View Point is an absolute must-see. This sandy peninsula offers unforgettable views of Chichester Bay and Hayling Island. It's a place where you can take in the wild beauty of the coastline, watch water birds and enjoy walks on the sandy beach. East Head is especially beautiful at sunset, when the sky sparkles with a thousand colors over the calm surface of the water. It's also a great place to fly kites or learn about dune ecosystems.
Each of these places has its own unique character. Harting Down delights with sweeping panoramas and wildlife, Highdown Hill combines history with beautiful coastal views, and East Head offers an unforgettable experience at the interface of land and sea. All of these places are accessible year-round, but are best visited in the warmer months, from spring to early autumn. Remember to prepare properly - comfortable shoes, warm clothes and snacks are the basis for a successful trip. It's also a good idea to bring a camera to capture these remarkable sights.
Majestic cliffs and maritime perspectives
To conclude our tour of West Sussex's most beautiful sights, we will visit two places that are true icons of the English coast.
National Trust - Birling Gap and the Seven Sisters is a place that will take your breath away with its rugged beauty. Seven white chalk cliffs rise majestically above the turquoise waters of the English Channel, creating one of Britain's most recognizable landscapes. A walk along the edge of the cliffs offers incredible views of the endless horizon and picturesque coastline. For the adventurous, the steps leading to the beach allow you to see the cliffs from a completely different perspective. Birling Gap is not only a viewpoint, but also an educational center where you can learn more about the geology and history of this unique place. It's the perfect place for a family outing, combining education with admiring the beauty of nature.
The last, but no less spectacular, point of our trip is the National Trust - East Head. This is a sandy peninsula that offers 360-degree views of Chichester Bay and the surrounding coastline. East Head is not only a beautiful view, but also a unique natural environment - dunes covered with rare vegetation are home to many species of birds. Walking along East Head is like traveling to another world - on one side a calm bay, on the other an open sea. This place is especially beautiful at sunrise and sunset, when the soft light adds a magical touch to the landscape.
Comparing the two sites, Birling Gap offers dramatic views of high cliffs and open sea, perfect for photography and geology enthusiasts. East Head, on the other hand, is a quieter spot, perfect for relaxing walks and bird watching. Both points are accessible year-round, but are best visited in the warmer months. It's worth remembering the changeable weather - even on a summer day the wind off the sea can be chilly.
To sum up our tour of seven of West Sussex's most beautiful viewpoints, each site offers unique experiences and unforgettable views. From the historic hills of Cissbury Ring and Devil's Dyke, to the picturesque landscapes of Harting Down and Highdown Hill, to the spectacular coastline at Birling Gap and East Head, West Sussex has much to offer nature lovers and beautiful views. Whether you're looking for a quiet spot for a picnic, want to teach your children about history and nature, or simply want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, these viewpoints are sure to meet your needs. Remember to prepare properly for each excursion and enjoy the beauty that this unique corner of England has to offer.
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