Ditchling, East Sussex: Eric Gill, Arts & Crafts & Things to Do

Ditchling is a village at the foot of the South Downs, about eight miles north of Brighton, beneath the great hill of Ditchling Beacon. Its crossroads are lined with timber-framed and brick houses, a flint church stands on a rise above the pond, and galleries and tea rooms fill the old shops.

Why Ditchling Is Special

Ditchling has a creative history out of all proportion to its size. In the early 20th century it became home to a community of artists and craftsmen whose work in lettering, printing, weaving and stone carving is still admired today.

It is also the perfect base for the Downs: from the village a lane climbs to Ditchling Beacon, one of the highest points on the South Downs.

The History of Ditchling

Ditchling is an old Sussex village, with a church of St Margaret of Antioch on its rise and a number of fine medieval and Tudor houses along its streets.

In 1907 the sculptor and letter cutter Eric Gill came to Ditchling with his apprentice Joseph Cribb, and other craftsmen soon followed. Gill and his circle founded the Guild of St Joseph and St Dominic on Ditchling Common, a community of Catholic craftsmen working by hand, which continued long after Gill himself left.

Other artists made their homes here too, among them the calligrapher Edward Johnston, designer of the London Underground typeface, and the weaver Ethel Mairet. Their work is shown at the Ditchling Museum of Art + Craft, which tells the story of the village's artistic life.

Things to Do in Ditchling

Visit the Ditchling Museum of Art + Craft (check opening times), then walk round the village, past the pond, the church and the old houses of the High Street and South Street.

Climb up to Ditchling Beacon for the view over the Weald, or drive to the National Trust car park on the top and walk along the South Downs Way.

Gardens, Countryside & Antiques near Ditchling

The whole of the South Downs National Park is on your doorstep, with The South Downs Way running along the ridge; see our guide to Downland Landmarks for Ditchling Beacon and Devil's Dyke.

For gardens, Borde Hill Garden, Nymans and Wakehurst are within half an hour, and Brighton and Hove have Abode, Farrow & Ball Hove and Harvey Jones.

Ditchling Through the Seasons

Spring brings cowslips to the Downs above the village. Summer is the time for walks along the ridge. Autumn colours the woods of the Weald below the Beacon, and winter brings crisp views for miles.

Getting to Ditchling

The nearest railway station is Hassocks, about a mile and a half away, on the line between London and Brighton. There is a car park in the village.

Ditchling: Questions & Answers

Why is Ditchling famous for art?

The sculptor Eric Gill came here in 1907, and he and other craftsmen formed the Guild of St Joseph and St Dominic. Their story is told at the Ditchling Museum of Art + Craft.

How high is Ditchling Beacon?

It is one of the highest points on the South Downs, with views across the Weald.

Our Advice

Our advice: See the museum in the morning, have lunch in the village, and walk up to Ditchling Beacon in the afternoon for the view.