Rolling chalk hills, ancient villages, dramatic coastline, and one of the most iconic trails in England – the South Downs National Park is one of Sussex’s greatest treasures.
Get the full lowdown on the South Downs with our complete guide to things to see, places to visit, attractions, and places to eat in the South Downs National Park in Sussex.
Where is the South Downs National Park?
On England’s south coast, stretching across much of Sussex, the South Downs National Park is a protected landscape covering over 1600 square kilometres.
The South Downs National Park stretches from Winchester in Hampshire to the white cliffs of the Sussex coast, threaded through its centre by the 100-mile South Downs Way.
The South Downs officially became a national park in 2010 and is renowned for its rolling chalk downland, rich wildlife and biodiversity, historic villages and market towns, river valleys, and stunning coastline.
Despite being close to London and the south coast, the South Downs feels peaceful, rural, and wonderfully open.
Natural wonders to see in the South Downs
Unmissable scenic spots for wow-worthy natural beauty
One of the most recognisable scenes in England, the Seven Sisters are a series of striking white chalk cliffs between Seaford and Eastbourne. Walk the clifftop paths of Beachy Head or Birling Gap for panoramic sea views or explore the Cuckmere Valley below – a peaceful coastal valley where the River Cuckmere meanders toward the sea.
At nearly a mile long, the dramatic Devil’s Dyke is the biggest dry valley in the UK. Named after the legend that it was created by the Devil to drown the parishioners of the Weald, it has sweeping views across the surrounding countryside.
Another outstanding viewpoint, Ditchling Beacon is one of the highest points on the South Downs and offers spectacular views across Sussex – south out to sea, north across the Weald, or east and west across the Downs.
Best walks in the South Downs
Step into some of England’s most scenic surroundings
Weaving straight through the heart of the South Downs along an ancient ridgeway, the South Downs Way National Trail – which can be used by walkers, cyclists, and horse riders – runs for 100 miles from Winchester in Hampshire to Eastbourne in Sussex, covering the full length of the National Park. Take on the full trail over several days or pick a section to enjoy, like Amberley to Devil’s Dyke (16 miles) or Birling Gap to Cuckmere Haven via the Seven Sisters cliffs (8.5 miles).
Aside from the South Downs Way, the dramatic valley of Devil’s Dyke offers several walking trails of varying lengths, including the three-mile histories and mysteries walk, which takes you to the alleged burial site of the Devil.
For little legs and less of a challenge, try the family-friendly 30-minute walk through the valley of the meandering Cuckmere Haven River to the sea, finishing with views of the Seven Sisters.
Prefer to pedal?
The South Downs is excellent terrain for cyclists. As well as the famous South Downs Way to explore, there are 1200 km of car-free bridleways across the South Downs National Park and old railway trails, including the Downs Link running north to south and finishing in Shoreham by Sea.
Villages and towns to visit in the South Downs
Discover towns steeped in history and quintessentially English country villages
Dominated by the magnificent Arundel Castle, Arundel is a picturesque town sitting on the central south border of the South Downs National Park, and to the east, Lewes is a fascinating town with history spanning from its 950-year-old Norman castle to the Tudor Anne of Cleves House.
The South Downs villages in Sussex are some of the most picturesque in southern England, offering a glimpse into traditional rural life set against rolling chalk hills. Alfriston is often described as one of the prettiest villages in England, and Ditchling is a charming village at the foot of the Downs, known for its arts and crafts heritage, antique shops, and access to Ditchling Beacon.
Attractions to visit in the South Downs
Conquer captivating castles, explore elegant estates, and admire astounding art
With its commanding views over the English coast making it a strategic location for defence through the ages, and a landscape rich in downland for agriculture, the South Downs has punctuated throughout time with ancient buildings and estates, each offering its own chapter in South Downs history.
Dating back to 1067, when it was built by a kinsman of William the Conqueror to defend the south coast after the Norman Conquest, Arundel Castle is a must-see historical attraction with beautiful gardens, interiors, and river views.
Most famous today for its summer events, including the Festival of Speed, the Goodwood Estate has been the family home of the Dukes of Richmond for over 300 years. Visitors today can see Goodwood House with its elegant stately rooms, racing heritage, and art collection. And Petworth House and Park is a vast late-17th century mansion set in a beautiful deer park and landscaped by Capability Brown.
An inspiring landscape for art through the ages, the South Downs also has much to offer in art form. Charleston in Firle is the former home of the artistic circle, the Bloomsbury Group, offering a fascinating insight into modernist art, and the Goodwood Art Foundation is a beautiful modern locale where art is thoughtfully curated to harmonise with its natural setting.
Where to stay in the South Downs
From country hotels to glorious glamping, the South Downs offers a wide range of places to stay
Hotels
The Pig in the South Downs is the Sussex sibling of The Pig’s drift of boutique hotels and offers a great bolt hole from which to explore the countryside; or for a village stay with style, try The Star, a historic hotel in the centre of Alfriston, designed by Olga and Alex Polizzi.
Pubs with rooms
The South Downs has pubs aplenty, and many are Inns offering comfortable accommodation for travellers today just as they have for centuries. Some great options are The Swan Inn Fittleworth, The Fox Goes Free near Goodwood, Halfway Bridge Inn between Petworth and Midhurst, and The Jolly Sportsman Pub near Lewes.
Self-Catering
Prefer to stay in your own home from home? The Goodwood Estate has its own hotel as well as a range of self-catering accommodation, including lodges and cottages.
Over near Petworth, the Cowdray Estate has luxury holiday cottages, and the magnificent Cowdray House sleeps 44 for very big groups!
Or find your own sparkling sanctuary on a vineyard like The Pump House on the Wiston Estate or the luxury lodges at Ashling Park Estate.
Camping and Glamping
For a real back-to-nature experience, try a South Downs campsite like Wild Heart Hill Camp near Worthing, or the gastro campsites run by Woodfire Camping in Petworth and Firle.
Or include a few home comforts at the Alfriston Cabins situated high on a hill next to the gorgeous village of Alfriston, the glamping pods at Foot of the Downs just outside Fulking, or stay in a treehouse at Blackberry Wood in the small hamlet of Streat.
Places to eat and drink in the South Downs
Tuck into traditional fayre at a pub, take afternoon tea, or sip wonderful wine with vineyard views
Pubs
The Sussex South Downs are dotted with outstanding country pubs that make perfect pitstops after exploring the chalk hills. The Shepherd & Dog in Fulking is the ideal spot to stop after taking on a Devil’s Dyke walk, and The Ginger Fox in Hassocks has a beautiful beer garden, with stunning views of the South Downs. The Fox Goes Free near Charlton sits right beneath the Downs, and The Jolly Sportsman in East Chiltington is named from the convivial village sports competitions.
Cafés and Tearooms
Prefer hot drinks and homemade cake? Try a traditional tearoom like Badgers Tea House in Alfriston or the Amberley Village Tea Room, or a modern café like Cowdray Farm Shop and Café in Midhurst or The Hungry Guest in Petworth.
Vineyards
The chalky terrain and sun-soaked slopes of the South Downs also happen to lend themselves beautifully to grape-growing, and as such, Sussex is England’s finest region for winemaking.
Neat rows of vineyards are now a distinguishing element of the South Downs landscape, and the area is a haven for wine lovers worldwide.
Rathfinny Wine Estate, Ridgeview Wine Estate, and Ashling Park Estate are just some of the outstanding vineyards to visit in the South Downs National Park, each offering tours and tasting experiences.
How to get to the Sussex South Downs
By train
Many Sussex towns within the South Downs are easily accessible by rail, including Lewes, Arundel, and Eastbourne, all with train connections to and from London and other mainline UK stations.
By car
The South Downs is well connected by road with the A3, M23, and A23 providing connections to London, and the A27 running along the coast and the southern edge of the National Park.
By bus
A South Downs Discovery ticket for individuals or for families gives unlimited bus travel across the South Downs National Park and is a great car-free way to get around. simply hop on and hop off
