Chanctonbury Ring in West Sussex is a historic hill fort on the South Downs, famous for its circle of beech trees, panoramic views and well-known local legends. It’s great for walking or just sitting and reflecting as you soak up its history.
Quick Facts About Chanctonbury Ring
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Location: South Downs, near Washington, West Sussex
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Type: Iron Age hill fort
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Height: Approx. 242 metres (794 ft) above sea level
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Famous for: Its circular ring of beech trees and panoramic views
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Built: Originally during the Bronze or Iron Age
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Trees: Planted in the 18th century by Charles Goring
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Best for: Walking, views, history and folklore
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Local legend: Said to be haunted: walking around the ring backwards is believed to summon the devil
- Parking: At Great Barn Farm just off the A283 and just south of Washington next to the Wiston entrance
The Chanctonbury Ring trees
Just above the Wiston Estate in between Washington and Steyning is a distinctive clump of trees that can be seen for many miles. The trees were planted in about 1760 by Charles Goring from Wiston. He was 16 at the time and had to carry water up the Downs to nurture them (well either he did this or perhaps his butler). Many of the trees were lost in the Great Storm of 1987, but have since been replanted. Nearby, there is also the Chanctonbury Dew Pond, a Site of Special Scientific Interest constructed in about 1870 and a popular spot for Instagrammers and photographers.
Chanctonbury Ring history and hill fort
Chanctonbury Ring has got quite a history. There was a Bronze Age presence here and a significant Iron Age hill fort (one of, if not the, largest hill forts in Sussex). The outer ring of the fort has two entrances, and Neolithic flintwork, Iron Age pottery, Roman coins and animal and human bones were been found within.
Later, the Romans came and would appeatrto have built a temple in the middle of the ring. It’s got such great and commanding views, and such a spiritual feel, it’s an obvious spot after all.
Wildlife
Well known for its wildlife, if you are lucky you may hear or see up to 60 species of breeding birds including meadow pipits, corn buntings and green woodpeckers. There have also been sightings of great crested newts near the dew pond and you might even spot some highland cattle or the flower of Sussex, the rampion.
Chanctonbury legends
Legends about Chanctonbury Ring abound. One story goes that if you run around the clump of trees seven times anti-clockwise you can summon up the Devil, whilst other legends have it that the ring can increase fertility in women who sleep underneath the trees for one night. Whatever legends may or may not be true, it is a truly charismatic spot, with spellbinding views and an air of mystic and spiritualism about it, well worth a visit at sunrise, sunset, and any time in between. And don’t forget to look out for the rather gorgeous Highland cattle.
Chanctonbury walks
There is great walking at Chanctonbury, although bear in mind that from both car parks, there is a long steady climb to the top. You can also walk from nearby Cissbury Ring or from Steyning. For three walks, visit:
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