South Downs National Park
A short journey from London, the South Downs, Britain’s newest National Park covers an area of over 1,600 square kilometres in southern England and stretches for 140 kilometres from Winchester in the west to Eastbourne in the east. It is an area of incredible natural beauty, its living, working and ever-changing landscapes have long-inspired and filled the hearts of people from all walks of life.
Aside from the iconic chalk hills of the South Downs, the park also comprises forests, spectacular heathland, low land pastures, beautiful rivers and a number of picturesque villages and market towns. It’s also home to a myriad of hidden gems; historical churches, estates, windmills, memorials, castles, haunted hill forts, vineyards, nature reserves and mysterious chalk figures including the Long Man of Wilmington to the chalk horse at Littlington. The South Downs are steeped in history, folklore and wonder.
Planning your South Downs Adventure
Research
There’s so much to do and see at the South Downs National Park! Trying to figure out where to begin, can feel overwhelming! The best way to approach planning a trip, I find, is to carry out research aligned to your interests!
Do you fancy exploring the history and heritage of a place? Want to go for a long coastal walk or an easy bike ride by the river? Or maybe you’d like to experience stargazing?
There are lots of resources to help you plan your perfect journey. For inspiration, have a look at National Parks UK website and the brilliant South Downs National Park website which is brimming with information!
Travel
The South Downs National Park is easy to get to by public transport! There are many trains and buses that will take you to popular beauty spots like Devil’s Dyke and the Seven Sister Country Park. There are also lots of local bus services that will lead to less frequented villages, and hidden gems!
Brighton, Lewes, Hassocks, Petersfield, Arundel, Seaford, Eastbourne and Winchester are all in or/ close to the South Downs. You can also get very good deals on train fares if you book in advance via Trainline. For more information on getting around, click here.
Accommodation
If you’d like to spend a few days exploring the South Downs, or follow the National Trail from Winchester to Eastbourne, there are many places you can stay along the way.
I’d recommend staying at a YHA youth hostel - they’re easy to reach, affordable and often located in beautiful locations. If you’re a solo walker, staying in a youth hostel also gives you the chance to meet and share stories with fellow walkers. They often have great offers going too!
Alternatively you can camp at a campsite, or stay in various hotels, guesthouses or airbnbs. For more information on where to stay, click here.
Map
This map of the South Downs shows the scale of the National Park. The South Downs is the most populated National Park with over 117,000 people and 2.2m living within 10km. So it’s incredibly accessible and you’re never far from a train station or somewhere to eat or enjoy a cup of tea.
Did you know there are over 5,000 listed buildings and 166 Conservation Areas within the South Downs National Park?
