The funicular that went where you would least expect: The lost railway of Devil’s Dyke
- Who/What: The Dyke Steep Grade Railway, a Victorian-era funicular once serving an “adventure park.”
- Where/When: Connecting Poynings to the Devil’s Dyke summit; operated 1897–1909.
- Modern Access: Accessible via the “Breeze up to the Downs” Bus Route 77.
Historical records have shed light on a forgotten piece of West Sussex transport history: the Dyke Steep Grade Railway. Between July 1897 and approximately 1909, this unique funicular carried passengers from the village of Poynings to the summit of Devil’s Dyke, serving as a primary attraction for a bustling Victorian-era entertainment hub.
The funicular was the brainchild of entrepreneur James Henry Hubbard, who transformed the area into what historians suggest was Britain’s first true “adventure park.” Long before modern theme parks arrived in the South East, visitors flocked to the South Downs to experience a range of high-altitude thrills. As residents today look at how the latest heatwave impacts the South East, the history of this steep-grade ascent provides a window into how Victorians sought cool breezes and excitement at the summit.
A Victorian Adventure Park
According to Brighton & Hove City Council and National Trust records, James Henry Hubbard’s vision for Devil’s Dyke was extensive. Beyond the Steep Grade Railway, the site featured an array of pioneering attractions, including Britain’s first aerial cable car, which spanned the valley. Hubbard also commissioned a bicycle railway and a switchback railway, turning the natural landmark into a centre for technological curiosity.
The funicular itself was a marvel of Victorian engineering. Designed by Charles O. Blaber, the railway utilised open-air carriages capable of holding up to 12 passengers. Historian Chris Horlock and researcher Sheila Marshall have previously noted the significance of these defunct transport links in documenting the region’s leisure history. For those wishing to see physical remnants of this era, the Brighton Museum & Art Gallery currently houses artifacts and memorabilia from the Hubbard era within its “Images of Brighton” gallery, including vintage photographs and technical drawings of the amusements.
Locating the Ruins: A Guide for Walkers
While the railway closed in 1909, keen-eyed hikers can still locate the physical remains of the track bed and station foundations. The upper station ruins are located near the summit (GPS: 50.8856° N, 0.2116° W). Visitors can follow the marked public footpath that leads steeply down the scarp face toward Poynings; the concrete foundations of the “Steep Grade Railway” are situated just below the ridge line, marked by a National Trust information board detailing the site’s history.
The technical requirements for the ascent were substantial. Because of the sheer incline, the funicular required a specific steep-grade design to ensure safety. The reasons for its closure are often attributed to high maintenance costs and changing tastes in Edwardian entertainment. By 1909, the funicular had ceased operations, leaving behind only the foundations visible today.
Modern Visitor Information and Access
Today, the site remains a popular destination managed by the National Trust. For modern tourists, the “Breeze up to the Downs” bus (Route 77) provides direct access from Brighton City Centre and the Pier to the Devil’s Dyke summit. The service operates daily during the summer months (mid-June to August) and on weekends and bank holidays throughout the remainder of the year.
For refreshments after exploring the ruins, two primary establishments serve the site:
- The Devil’s Dyke Pub: A Vintage Inns establishment located at the summit, typically open 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM Monday through Saturday, and 11:00 AM to 10:30 PM on Sundays.
- The Hiker’s Rest: A National Trust tea room located near the bus stop, generally open from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM daily (seasonal variations may apply).
For those interested in exploring more about local Sussex history or current events, including what’s on in Chichester this week, the story of the funicular serves as a reminder of the area’s long-standing tradition of innovation. Historic England and the National Trust continue to oversee the preservation of the landscape, ensuring that the history of Hubbard’s “adventure park” is not lost to time.
