4 spooky days out in West Sussex

Tired of standard tourist information boards? Falling asleep during boring guided tours? Think learning about history might actually be the death of you? Then it is time to put the thrill back into your holiday! We’ve listed four days out in West Sussex that are sure to amuse and even spook the entire family.

Chanctonbury Ring and Devil’s Dyke

Chanctonbury Hill is said to have been created by the devil as he dug a trench to the sea to drown Sussex residents for converting from Paganism to Christianity. Thankfully, he was scared off by a rooster and an old maid with a candle and a sieve. And a good thing too otherwise the odd outcrop of beech trees that exists today would never have been planted by Charles Goring in 1790. On top of the hill are several barrows and the Chanctonbury Ring. However, don’t run round the ring backwards 7 times or else the Devil will return offering soup for your soul. Once you have had a starter course with the devil, why not pop into nearby Worthing or Brighton for a main meal? You are sure to be peckish after all that running about!

So what happened to the trench the Devil abandoned? Well once evil vacated the premise, we transformed it into a National Trust Site! Now known as Devil’s Dyke, the area is a wildlife haven great for hikers, mountain bike riders, golfers, and even paragliders. However, a subtly eerie scene can still be experienced by witnessing the fog roll in off the sea engulfing the weald.

Bramber Castle

The ruins of Bramber Castle are now the personal stomping grounds of William de Braose’s children. I should probably mention that William died in 1211. Before he passed away, he fell out with King John and escaped to France disguised as a beggar. As punishment the angry monarch attacked Bramber Castle, imprisoned William’s family, and starved them to death. Since then, the children have been spotted at Bramber begging for scraps of food. On a lighter note, dogs are allowed to join you as you investigate the castle grounds. Nearby Steyning has a few top quality pubs to calm your nerves afterwards.

Racton Monument

Racton Monument was originally designed as a folly, a bit of decoration for the Stansted House Estate. Now it is considered one of the spookiest places in West Sussex. As the tower has turned to ruin, it seems the masonry has gained a mind of its own! There have been plenty of incidents reporting flying bricks, seemingly thrown by ghosts. The Racton Monument is scheduled to be restored so see it now while the tower is at its most eerie.

Clapham Woods

Clapham Woods is a hotspot for odd happenings and all things unexplained. Since the 1960’s, there have been an unusual number of human and dog fatalities, UFO sightings, and bizarre radiation readings. St Mary’s, an ancient thirteenth century chapel, lies on the boundary of the woods and many believe it is Clapham Village’s guardian against the wood’s evil. There are also allegations that the woods were once the site of satanic rituals and sacrifices.

As if this wasn’t enough excitement, Blackpatch Hill is a brilliant example of a Stone Age settlement. So take a lovely stroll through this beautifully scenic wood...and see if you make it out the other side!

Who needs Halloween? These four days out in West Sussex can give you that creepy sensation any day of the year. All four of these attractions are family friendly, dog friendly and, best of all, free! Campers will be glad to know that there are several sites to stay at near these attractions. You can choose from a range of locations both within the South Downs National Park and closer to the sea.