A Guide to Exploring Vineyards from Ditchling

Best times to visit

Spring: Blossom season in the Downs, and the start of vineyard tours.

Summer: The Ditchling Fair (June, info) is a village-wide celebration dating back centuries, and the Downs are in full bloom.

Autumn: Harvest season - and arguably the best time to walk up Ditchling Beacon for views over Sussex.

Winter: Quieter, but nearby vineyards like Ridgeview and Court Garden run tastings year-round.

The vineyards near Ditchling

Within 10-15 minutes you’ll find Ridgeview (ridgeview-wine-estate), Court Garden (court-garden-vineyard), and Artelium (artelium-wine-estate). Add Bluebell Vineyard (bluebell-vineyard-estates) to the list if you’re happy to drive 20-25 minutes. This cluster is almost entirely sparkling-focused, with Ridgeview among the pioneers of English fizz.

What else is there to do in Ditchling?

Ditchling Museum of Art + Craft - dedicated to the village’s artist-craftsman heritage.

Ditchling Beacon - one of the highest points on the South Downs, with sweeping views (and a leg-burning climb if you’re cycling).

Independent shops and cafés dotted around the pretty village centre.

Where to eat and drink in Ditchling

• Budget: Ditchling Tea Rooms - sandwiches, soups, and cakes.
• Create a splash: The Bull - smart pub dining with an excellent Sussex wine list, often including Ridgeview by the glass.
• Push the boat out: Jeremy’s at Borde Hill - just outside Ditchling, fine dining with a focus on seasonal produce.

For stocking up: The Bull’s Bottle Shop sells English wines, and nearby farm shops carry bottles from local vineyards.

Where to stay

The Bull - boutique rooms above the pub, from £150.

South Lodge Hotel - country house hotel a short drive away, from £230.

Smaller Airbnbs and B&Bs in and around the village start from £90.