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South Downs travel advice

We’ve spoken with our vacation experts to source the best South Downs travel advice. Read our tips for advice on where to see heritage houses, which villages make the best days out, and why double-decker buses are your friends. Our travelers also chip in with their South Downs tips, including what to pack in your rucksack.

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South Downs travel advice

Tips for discovering local heritage and art

June Zaft of Country Walks says:
“Charleston Farmhouse with its vibrant garden is a place of wonder and inspiration, transformed by Duncan Grant and Vanessa Bell as a refuge for the artists and writers of the Bloomsbury Group who helped shape 20th century taste. At Berwick Church, nearby, they used friends and local people as models for their colourful murals and frescoes which controversially depict the life of Christ against the background of war-torn Britain.”

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Trip planning tips

June Zaft of Country Walks, our supplier, says:
“We find the Visitor Centre at Exceat a useful resource when planning our walking trips, and the various scenic and tourist bus routes run by Brighton & Hove, Stagecoach, Compass Travel and the other local operators are useful for walkers, families and elderly or disabled people who want to explore.”

Tips for days out

Alex Evans of Wriggly Tin, our supplier, says:
“The village of Selborne makes a good day out, with a visit to Gilbert White’s house, which has a good tea room, and a walk along the Lythes, rounded off with a drink or meal at The Selborne Arms or The Queens. The garden at West Dean College is one of my favourites – they also run a great chilli fiesta weekend in summer. When it snows, take a sledge to Butser Hill for a hair-raising ride!”

Tips for exploring off the beaten track

June Zaft of Country Walks recommends visiting Seaford, a gateway to the park:
“It’s a quiet, traditional seaside resort that’s still unspoilt.”

Gilly Webber of Hut Therapy, our supplier, says:
“Ditch the car and pull on your walking boots. But instead of just going to the really well known places like Beachy Head, try quieter places like Saddlescombe Farm north of Brighton. You’ll find homemade cakes, fresh produce and a warm welcome at the Hiker’s Rest tea-room.”

Alex Evans of Wriggly Tin says:
“The Weald and Downland Open Air Museum at Singleton is excellent for all ages, but so is Butser Ancient Farm, which isn’t as well known.”

Health & safety in the South Downs

HEALTH

Emergency care is provided at the following hospitals: Royal Hampshire County Hospital, Winchester; Southampton General Hospital; St Richard’s Hospital, Chichester; Royal Sussex County Hospital, Brighton; and Eastbourne District General Hospital. There are minor injuries units in Alton, Haslemere and Lewes.

SAFETY

The South Downs National Park is generally a trouble-free place to spend a vacation. Cleanliness and water quality along the Sussex Heritage Coast is good, although the only nearby beaches to be awarded a Blue Flag or Seaside Award in 2014 are at West Wittering, Bognor Regis and Littlehampton. It’s wise to take extra care after prolonged, severe rain, when flooding can occur, and after heavy snow – the topography of the dunes allows deep drifts to form.

Travel Team

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South Downs tips from our travelers

At Responsible Travel, we think the best people to advise our travelers are often... other travelers. They always return from our tours with packing tips, weather reports, ideas about what to do - and opinions about what not to.

We have selected some of the most useful South Downs National Park travel tips that our guests have provided over the years to help you make the very most of your vacation - and the space inside your suitcase.

Really enjoyed exploring this area of Britain, which I have never really explored before. Particularly liked Arundel Castle.

– Wendy Morris

“Our hosts were very kind and went well beyond the call of duty for running a B&B. They are passionate about sustainable tourism, but even if you don’t give a hoot about this kind of thing you can still have a lovely time here.” – Arjen Bouwmeester

“Go and visit Arundel, although if you want to go into the castle check the opening times. Take a trip to Bosham and Amering. The food at the Lamb Inn, Pagham was very nice – a limited menu but freshly cooked.” – Carol Hunt

“Bring an Ordnance Survey map, walking shoes, a camera, clothes for the British weather and a healthy appetite – you are going to need it for the lovely pub lunches. Other than that, leave your watch and your worries behind.” – David Green

“One of the best weekend escapes I have had. I felt so relaxed. I just wished we could have stayed longer!” – Nadia Saadi

The most memorable part of our vacation was when we reached the seafront after a beautiful walk across the harbour. We could smell the seaside and were looking forward to seeing it. Then it was there, a beautiful, immaculate landscape.

– Marion Renoux

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.

South Downs for families

Family vacations in the South Downs mix old-fashioned fun in the countryside (think camping, conkers and picnics) with new stargazing sites and lively seaside cities.

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 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.

More relevant guides

Written by Emma Gregg

South Downs travel advice

South Downs travel advice