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South Downs for families

Family vacations on the South Downs are a mix of old-fashioned fun – conker tournaments beneath giant oaks; rowing lakes and Victorian viaducts; blackberry picking and camping – and forward thinking. Biodiversity projects and new stargazing sites sit alongside seaside Regency cities that have always been young at heart.

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Traveling in the South Downs with kids

Kids can't fail to be energised by all those springy-topped hills, dappled woodland paths and sparkling sea views.

Perhaps it’s the long hours of sunshine, perhaps it’s the knowledge that the seaside is never too far away – there’s something about the South Downs National Park that puts you in a vacation mood, even if you’re just dipping in for a weekend. It’s a great place for old-fashioned fun, from pond-dipping, blackberry-picking or leaf-collecting to just galumphing along a peaceful river bank with the family dog. There are more than enough museums and attractions to keep everyone smiling on rainy days and the school vacations bring a host of organised activities such as craft workshops and wildlife-watching adventures.

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Our South Downs family Vacations

Activities for families in the South Downs National Park

The Seven Sisters Sheep Centre

The Seven Sisters Sheep Centre in East Dean is a working farm which welcomes young animal lovers. In March and April, kids can have a go at bottle feeding lambs; on late night visit you’re likely to witness one being born. Year-round, there’s fun to be had meeting ponies, ducks and other animals, or watching the sheep shearing. Treat kids to the views from the top deck of the open top City Sightseeing tour bus or the scenic buses between Brighton and Eastbourne which stop outside.

Arundel Wetland Centre

The network of reed-lined waterways at the Arundel Wetland Centre attract dragonflies, water voles and flocks of migrant birds. There are boardwalks to explore, bird hides to hunker down in and boats to take you out on a wildlife watching safari. After all that, energetic kids can let off steam in the woodland play area.

Drusillas Park

Drusillas Park in Alfriston has plenty to keep youngsters entertained, with a climbing wall, paddling pool and rides featuring Hello Kitty and Thomas the Tank Engine. Best of all is the well-kept mini zoo featuring child-pleasing animals such as penguins, lemurs and meerkats. Kids who’d like to help out behind the scenes can sign up to be a Keeper for the Day.

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Call toll free

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Traveling in the South Downs National Park with kids

June Zaft of Country Walks, our supplier, says:
“If you’re visiting with kids, I would suggest staying in the beautiful downland village of Alfriston, which has easy access to the Cuckmere Valley and Seven Sisters, for gentle country walks and the chance to go paddling in the sea. It’s also close to Drusillas Park, which is really popular with families.”

Our partner Sandra Barnes-Keywood of Old Chapel Forge thinks the South Downs National Park is a great destination for families: “There’s everything here, from mountain biking for adrenaline junkies to boat rides for wildlife-watchers. The Kingley Vale National Nature Reserve near Chichester is an enchanting place for all ages, with ancient yew trees, green woodpeckers, nightingales and owls.”

Alex Evans from our partner Wriggly Tin has a personal tip: “Choose a place to stay that allows campfires. Everybody, young and old, enjoys building them, cooking over them, chatting around them, just staring at them! Campfires seem to turn life into an adventure, especially at night time.”

More about South Downs

Best time to visit the South Downs

When is the best time to visit the South Downs? We have temperature charts, festival dates and – almost as important – tips on when not to go.

South Downs travel guide

There’s far more to South Downs vacations than the hills. It also includes the woodlands of the Weald, glossy rivers and castle towns, and a band of white cliffs. Read more in our guide.

Where to go in the South Downs

We reveal where to go in the South Downs. Cities include Winchester and Chichester, plus there are villages and vineyards along the South Downs Way.

Camping & campsites on the South Downs

If you’re thinking about camping on the South Downs, we know a few secret spots to tickle your tent pegs, from Mongolian yurts to shepherds’ huts.

Things to see & do in the South downs

We lay out our favourite things to do in the South Downs, from walking and cycling along the hilltops of the South Downs Way to exploring Norman villages.

Walking in the South Downs

Step off the train and onto the South Downs Way – the centerpiece of South Downs walking vacations. Read about hiking the South Downs here.

Best one day walking itinerary in the South Downs

Try our one-day walking itinerary in the South Downs, exploring Virginia Woolf's village escape.

Cycling in the South Downs

Cycling in the South Downs usually means cycling the South Downs Way – a 160km-long bridleway that tops swooping hills and dramatic valleys.

Best one day cycling itinerary in the South Downs

Our one-day cycling itinerary on the South Downs follows a chalky bridleway from Lewes to panoramic Blackcap.

Horse riding in the South Downs

Find out about horse riding on the South Downs, including which riding schools to visit for guided gallops along some seriously scenic bridleways.

Where to go in the South Downs

Find out about places to visit in the South Downs for wildlife, views and accessible trails, as well as the importance of park rangers.

Places to visit in the South Downs

Discover the best places to visit in the South Downs, including castles, cathedrals and churches that have stood the test of time for 1,000 years or more.

Breweries & vineyards in the South Downs

Read about South Downs breweries and vineyards, from flint farms specialising in sparkling wine to the 18th-century Harveys Brewery.

Farmers markets & shops in the South Downs

Read about farmers’ markets and shops in the South Downs, where farm shops and vineyards come fully stocked with local cheese, wine, coffee and chocolate.

Cafes, restaurants & pubs in the South Downs

Many restaurants and cafés in the South Downs are brilliant at finding inspiration from local produce and county recipes. Find out where to eat and drink here.

Festivals & events in the South Downs

There’s a variety of festivals and events in the South Downs National Park that take place throughout the year. Read on to find out more.

Food festivals & events in the South Downs

Food festivals and events in the South Downs are real knees-ups. Read about fiestas in Brighton, harvest in Chichester, and workshops in Steyning.

Dark Skies Festival in the South Downs

Find out why February is fast becoming one of the best times of year for stargazing in the South Downs National Park’s Dark Sky Reserve.

South Downs travel advice

We’ve spoken with our vacation experts to source the best South Downs travel advice, plus our travelers chip in with their packing tips and favourite finds.

South Downs autumn colours

The South Downs National Park is blessed with woodlands, heathlands and downlands from where to enjoy the autumn colours outdoors.

Christmas in the South Downs

From wild winter walks to spooky Sussex stories, find out things to do and where to stay if you’re dreaming of a South Downs Christmas.

Day trips from Brighton in the South Downs

We share our favourite day trips from Brighton. The South Downs is just a 20-minute bus journey away, bringing famous views like the Devil’s Dyke in easy reach.

Day trips from Chichester in the South Downs

Discover our favourite day trips from Chichester, from the ancient holloway at Halnaker to the kid-friendly Weald and Downland Living Museum.

Day trip from Farnham in the South Downs

Read about our favourite day trip from Farnham. Hop on a bus to explore Alice Holt Forest, wander the Shipwrights Way, and zip line at Go Ape adventure park.

Day trip from Lewes in the South Downs

Our day trip from Lewes follows the cycle lane to Kingston. Visit family-friendly Spring Barn Farm or keep on climbing up to the panoramic South Downs Way.

Responsible tourism in the South Downs

Read about how responsible tourism in the South Downs can preserve one of the newest national parks in Europe: the South Downs National Park.

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Written by Emma Gregg

South Downs for families