The South Downs National Park is a gigantic swathe of marvellous landscape that has been shaped by thousands of years of human habitation. It sits within three counties in the South East - East and West Sussex, and Hampshire - and stretches for 140km from Winchester to Eastbourne. With rolling chalk downland, enchanting woodland heaths, and striking white cliffs that fall into the sea, it's a truly magical location.
The South Downs Way
First up, avid walkers and cyclists will want to set out and see as much of the landscape as possible. And the best way to do this is by venturing out onto the South Downs Way that spans the entire length of the park. This was the first bridleway National Trail in England and is a 160km route that is beautiful, diverse, and almost entirely off-road!
With so much on offer you can choose a section and walk it as quickly or as leisurely as you want - we like to wander at a snail’s pace from quaint country pub to quaint country pub.
Devils Dyke
Devil’s Dyke serves up one of the most striking views in the National Park and one that painter John Constable considered “the grandest in the world”. The Dyke is a deep and long grassy valley that’s carved right into the hills. At 100 metres deep, 1km long, and 400 metres wide from rim to rim, the Devil’s Dyke is a real spectacle.
There are a number of fantastic walking routes from the Dyke, as well as plenty of activities to partake in from hang-gliding and model airplane flying to simply picnicking on a hillside in the sunshine.
Seven Sisters
A quintessentially British view, the chalky, rippling cliffs of the Seven Sisters really are a sight to behold. They rise up from the beach between Seaford and Eastbourne, and include the famous beauty spot of Beachy Head.
These cliffs are designated and protected as a 'Heritage Coast' and offer up the most perfect example of chalk cliffs in Britain. Visitors to the Seven Sisters will also be able to wander along a meandering river valley that twists and turns through large open grassland that is a popular spot for activities such as walking, bird watching, canoeing and paddle boarding.
The Kingley Vale Trail
We’ve ticked off giant vistas and huge, sheer white cliffs, and now it’s time to take you to one of the most underrated forests in the UK. This reserve, which is located near Chichester, has one of the finest yew forests in western Europe, which includes a grove of trees that are known to be among the oldest living things in Britain!
Enjoy wandering around these gnarled old trees with twisting trunks and arching branches, whilst keeping your eyes peeled for green woodpeckers, buzzards and bee orchids!
Make sure you sample the local produce!
This region is a treasure-trove for lovers of food and drink. There are over 20 vineyards, and more than 50 breweries in the South Downs, many of which offer you the chance to enjoy a tour and sample their goods - just make sure you’re not the designated driver!
The South Downs also has exquisite dairies that produce over 80 regional cheeses, as well as many award-winning artisanal food-makers. So you can enjoy delicious ice cream, beautiful charcuterie, and decadent pies, along with a whole host of other tasty treats.
Where should you stay?
Coolstays have a huge variety of fabulous accommodation options across the entire length of the South Downs including glamping options, cute cottages, plenty of vineyard stays, and one iconic lighthouse!
Here's just a few of the highlights below and check out the full South Downs collection here.
