Hollingbury Castle
Good walks are even better shared.
TQ3208 : Northern approach to Hill Fort
Peter Holmes Photo source
Explore routes near Hollingbury Castle
Walks starting near this hill. Open a route to check its map, distance and full itinerary.
Devil's Dyke, Newtimber Hill and Fulking Hill walk
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Seven Sisters Birling Gap and Friston Forest Circular
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Box Hill - Stepping Stones Circuit
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Richmond Park - The Tasmin Trail
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Route planning notes
These notes describe possible approaches. Check a route's map and access information when planning your walk.
Hollingbury Hill Circuit
A delightful circular route starting from the Hollingbury Castle car park, allowing hikers to explore the hill's natural beauty and historic features.
Make a day of it, together
Find someone to share the walk with, or organise a day out along a route you like.
Photo Gallery
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TQ3208 : Northern approach to Hill Fort
Peter Holmes
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TQ3207 : Hollingbury hillfort (2)
Nigel Cox
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TQ3207 : Hollingbury Castle
Simon Carey
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TQ3207 : Wasp Spider, Hollingbury hillfort
Peter Whitcomb
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TQ3207 : Common blue butterfly, Hollingbury Castle
Patrick Roper
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TQ3207 : Golfers at Hollingbury Castle
Patrick Roper
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TQ3207 : Tumulus, Hollingbury Castle
Simon Carey
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TQ3207 : Hollingbury hillfort (1)
Nigel Cox
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TQ3207 : Early Purple Orchids
Peter Whitcomb
TQ3207 : Trig Point, Hollingbury Castle
Simon Carey
Hill facts and local notes
Classifications
Elevation
178m
584 ft
Prominence
45m
Coordinates
50.8560, -0.1238
TQ321079
OS Map
198
Explorer: OL11 122
At the Summit
The summit is adorned with remnants of the Iron Age hill fort, featuring banks and ditches that provide a peek into the distant past. There's no trig point here, but the views more than make up for it.
Terrain & Geology
Hollingbury Castle is primarily composed of the distinctive chalk of the South Downs, providing fascinating insights into the geological history of southern England. The surrounding area features typical downland flora and ancient earthworks.
Views & Scenery
Spectacular views of Brighton, the English Channel, and the sprawling South Downs National Park are all visible from the summit. On a clear day, you can even spot the Isle of Wight!
History & Heritage
Name Origin
The name ‘Hollingbury’ is derived from the Old English 'Hullingburh', meaning 'fortress of the people', indicating its historical significance as a defensive site.
Historical Significance
Hollingbury Castle itself was a fortified settlement, with archaeological findings from the Iron Age providing vital links to Britain's ancient history.
Getting There & Facilities
Parking
The nearest parking is available at the Hollingbury Castle car park, which provides ample space but can be busy on weekends.
Public Transport
Regular bus services run from Brighton to the nearby areas, with the closest stop being a short walk away.
Nearby Facilities
There are no facilities directly on the hill, but the nearby town of Brighton offers a plethora of cafes, shops, and public toilets.
Safety Information
Known Hazards
- As with any hill-walking, be mindful of sudden changes in weather, particularly strong winds at the summit. The terrain can also be uneven in places.
General Safety Tips
- Check weather conditions before setting out
- Carry appropriate clothing and equipment
- Let someone know your planned route
- Take a map, compass, and GPS device
- Carry emergency supplies: food, water, first aid kit, torch
Hills
Some common questions about the hills answered
Are there group walks up Hollingbury Castle?
Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Hollingbury Castle through the maps
Are there other walkers around Hollingbury Castle?
Activity varies by location and time, but Walkmates lets you see whether others have shared walks or shown interest in this area. Find other people through the walking friends search walking friends for Hollingbury Castle search or of course create your own walk for Hollingbury Castle
Can I organise a walk to Hollingbury Castle?
Yes. If there aren’t any walks listed already, you can create a walk and make it available for others to join.
If you're signed up to Walkmates, you can create a walk to Hollingbury Castle.
How do I find a walk up this hill?
There are often multiple ways to walk this hill, depending on experience and route preference. Walkmates helps you explore walks and routes that others have shared.
Can I suggest a new route up Hollingbury Castle?
Yes. You can suggest or create routes to share with others. Walkmates focuses on the social side of walking, so routes are used to help people organise walks and explore areas together, rather than as detailed navigation tools or route libraries.
Other uses really appreciate knowledgeable walkers sharing their routes. Share your favourite route to Hollingbury Castle here
The is an error or something incorrect about this hill. How do I let you know?
We always strive to keep the information on Walkmates as accurate as possible. If you find an error, please let us know through the contact form and we'll aim to correct it as quickly as possible
Community Discussion
Comments
Location
View the hill's mapped position and surrounding paths.
Grid reference: TQ321079
View on OpenStreetMapOpens a map in a new tab, centred on the hill.
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