Walking through time – South Downs archaeology walks for 2023
The South Downs is a rich and diverse archaeological landscape that covers a significant portion of the South East and reflects a continuous narrative of settlement, from the chalk cliffs of Sussex to the sacred prehistoric landscapes of Wessex.
We’re keen to encourage people to get out and about in the South Downs National Park, to connect with cultural heritage and find out more about the deep time of this landscape. Following the success and popularity of the archaeology walks we held last year, we are delighted to announce plans to hold three more in the Autumn.
The walks, at Cissbury Ring and Highdown Hill, will be led by archaeologist and historian James Sainsbury, and will take place during September and October 2023. James will share his passion for the archaeology of the South Downs, and his knowledge of the legacies left by people who have lived and died here over thousands of years.
Discovering everything from prehistoric hillforts to Roman baths, Saxon cemeteries to wartime defence, James will also bring archaeological objects that help to illustrate life in the South Downs over thousands of years.
Walks will be moderately challenging with some steep summits, and each walk will last between 2 and 3 hours (with plenty of stops to enjoy the views).
Bring your sturdy shoes and wet weather gear and come with us to explore the Downs through its archaeology!
Sunday 24 September – A loop walk around Cissbury Ring
Explore the 6000 year history of Worthing’s highest hill, and the country’s second largest hill fort. From Neolithic flint mining to Iron Age ramparts and WWII defences, Cissbury is one of the real jewels in Worthing’s crown.
Sunday 24 September – Cissbury Ring – FULLY BOOKED!
Sunday 1 and 8 October – Highdown Hill
Highdown Hill dominates the coastal plain, with views from the Isle of Wight to the Seven Sisters. People have been drawn to this eminence for thousands of years, with archaeological finds from all eras discovered at the site. Perhaps the most famous are the remains of over 200 individuals, buried between the 5th and 7th centuries, with rich grave goods.
Sunday 1 October – Highdown Hill – FULLY BOOKED!
Sunday 8 October – Highdown Hill – FULLY BOOKED!
You can read additional information, and associated terms and conditions here in advance of booking.
The sites featured as part of this walking programme are all Scheduled Monuments, meaning they are protected by law.
You can find out more about Scheduled Monuments and heritage protection on the Historic England website.