Plan Your Visit to the South Downs
The great thing about having a National Park on your doorstep is that it’s always there, for everyone.
There are no opening hours, you don’t have to buy a ticket. You might have to jump on a bus or cross a busy road but that’s the hardest part. ⠀
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Once you’re here, the rest can come easy.
Staying in the South Downs
From renovated shepherd’s caravans to high end B&Bs, Yurts or historic pubs, the Responsible Travel website can help you find accommodation to suit everyone.
You will find farmers markets with scrumptious food straight from the land, as well as restaurants and cafes celebrating the best of local produce including locally brewed beer and some of the best sparkling wine in the world!
Keep it green – travel sustainably in the National Park
Why not relax, enjoy the journey and leave the car at home. The South Downs has great rail and bus links and you can be here in only 60–90 minutes from London.
The South Downs’ proximity to London and the South Coast make it extremely easy to get reach.
Regular trains from Waterloo and Victoria take between 60–90 minutes to get to stations such as Winchester and Lewes which are gateways to the National Park. Catch a train in to the heart of the South Downs and start a walk directly from Amberley in the Arun Valley, Southease in the Ouse Valley or Liss in Hampshire.
There’s also a good network of bus routes which links stations, villages and local visitor attractions. You can buy a Discovery ticket for individuals or for families, and have unlimited travel for the day across the South Downs National Park.
Days Out
With a landscape as rich and diverse as the South Downs, there’s no shortage of different experiences to try when exploring the National Park.
Whether that’s visiting our rare heathland sites by running the Serpent Trail, biking the Centurion Way or Downs Link, or taking a stroll on one of the literary trails there’s something for everyone.
Check out our suggested itineraries for days out in the National Park.