South Downs autumn ‘staycation’
September 27, 2016
As the evenings draw in and the temperature drops, don’t hibernate- book a South Downs ‘staycation’. Some of the best kept secrets of this landscape emerge at this time of year, from morning walks on misty heathland to bountiful local produce and Dark Night Skies for stargazing. Our National Park has something to offer everyone.
The South Downs is full of quirky pubs, B&B’s and hotels to make your base during your stay. Check out our accommodation partners Responsible Travel for unique ideas for your stay, including yurts, shepherds huts and cottages.
Extreme cyclists will enjoy the steep climbs of the South Downs Way, while the 
Downs Link has miles of leafy country lanes. The Centurion Way and Meon Valley Trail are both flat trails following old railway lines, making it ideal for families. Our ‘Miles Without Stiles’ walks are suitable for people with limited mobility, including wheelchair users, families with pushchairs and the visually impaired.
After all that exercise you’ll want to relax and sample the food and drink of the National Park. Use the South Downs Food Finder to find farm shops, restaurants and pubs showcasing the best of South Downs produce.
Fill your staycation with special autumn events in the National Park. Celebrate the
weird and wonderful world of fungi at Pulborough Brooks’ Fungi Festival running throughout October. Harvest time puts South Downs on the map – the small village of Slindon’s pumpkin display is a must-see. Historic houses Petworth House and Gilbert White’s House have a fantastic array of events, from nature drawing workshops to wizard academies.
Make the most of this special time of year and the quirky gems hidden in the rolling landscape of the South Downs.