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Day trip from Lewes-south downs

The grassy-topped wave of hills which give the park its name are magnificent, but there’s far more to the South Downs National Park vacations than the Downs. The park also includes the woodlands, hedgerows and lowland pastures of the western Weald, several glossy rivers and a short but glorious band of white cliffs, the Sussex Heritage Coast. Around a quarter of the park is covered in trees, making this the most thickly wooded national park in Britain.

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Day trip from Lewes

SOUTH DOWNS NATIONAL PARK ITINERARIES

Spring Barn Farm, Lewes Castle & Pells Pool

Take the train to Lewes. You can take the 123 bus, or cycle or walk the new path that links Lewes with Kingston and visit Spring Barn Farm, a working farm with plenty of family activities. You can help feed the pigs and lambs and take tractor rides. With a farm shop and restaurant, you can stop for lunch or stock up on supplies for the rest of the day or to take home. Head back to Lewes and visit Lewes Castle the 1,000 year old Norman Castle, where you can climb to the top and discover stunning views of Lewes, the Downs and the River Ouse. Cool down at Pells Pool, the oldest fresh water public swimming pool in the country. Relax in the tree-lined green lawn whilst the children splash in the paddling pool.

Before heading back to the train station in Lewes, the adjoining Barbican House Museum is home to the Museum of Sussex Archaeology and definitely worth fitting into your day.

You can view this route on the South Downs National Park Discovery Map.

Photo credit: [Spring Barn Farm: Cathy, Sam, Max and Mai]

Written by Catherine Mack