The South Downs National Park: a landscape brimming with romance
February 11, 2025
From Jane Austen to Tennyson, the beauty of the South Downs has never failed to inspire tales of romance and passion.
The golden chalk hills, immense views and twinkly star-studded skies are the perfect place to enjoy a romantic outing for Valentine’s Day.
Couples really are spoilt for choice in the South Downs. Apart from the fact that the landscape is stunningly serene and provides a romantic backdrop to any trip, there are so many things to do that cater for all interests and budgets. It could be as simple as romantic hilltop stroll along the South Downs Way or a cosy dinner by the fire at a pub, right up to an immersive wine-tasting experience, a relaxing spa break and how about a spot of wildlife watching?
Here are five ideas for a romantic trip to the South Downs National Park.
Watch the sunset
It may still be “wrap up” weather, but February is a gorgeous time of the year to enjoy the South Downs as nature slowly wakes from its winter slumber and the days get longer.
There are some glorious sunsets in the National Park as all kinds of reds, oranges and purples cascade across the sky. Paired with the sublime landscape and you have a recipe for romance!
Why not take a flask of hot chocolate and treat your partner to a sunset stroll at Seven Sisters (stay well away from the cliff edge!), Old Winchester Hill (gazing down to the Solent) or enjoy the breathtaking views of the south coast from Cissbury Ring? Find a nice spot and surprise your partner with a homemade cake (we promise it doesn’t have to be heart-shaped!)
Make a wish upon a star!
Naming a star after your sweetheart is a beautiful notion that has become a Valentine’s favourite in recent years.
Luckily, in the South Downs National Park, there are plenty of stars to see in all their glory! An International Dark Sky Reserve since 2016 and one of only 22 in the world, the area offers majestic views of the constellations.
There are 10 Dark Sky Discovery Sites to choose from in the National Park, all offering free parking and open access to a great evening of stargazing.
Why not pop along to one of our free events during the Dark Skies Festival?
Enjoy a winetasting experience
Did you know the South Downs is England’s premier winemaking region, boasting well over 50 vineyards?
Why not treat your partner this February to a winetasting experience at one of the National Park’s many wine estates?
Our chalky soil is perfect for producing sparkling white wine and is similar geologically to a well-known winemaking region in France. Cheers!
Pedal power
There’s something very connecting about going on a bike ride as a couple and it can be a real adventure (provided you stay at similar speeds)!
For a taster of South Downs cycling try one of our circular ride leaflets – there are plenty of options to suit all fitness levels. Among the most popular cycle routes are the Meon Valley trail, Centurion Way, and routes around Lewes.
If you don’t have a bike, there are some cycle hire options, including at Seven Sisters Country Park.
Cuckmere Cycle Company, an independent bike shop located at the country park, offer bike hire, starting at £15 for 2 hours, including a helmet, water, maps and advice on where to go!
As well as their existing fleet of bikes, they also offer bike hire for those with additional mobility needs. They have a range of options, some electrically assisted, with a variety of seating positions.
Soak up the magic of history
With medieval castles, majestic stately homes and magnificent monuments, the South Downs is oozing with history that cannot fail to evoke emotion.
And an amorous trip to the South Downs wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the home of one of the world’s most celebrated novelists, Jane Austen.
Jane Austen’s House Museum, in Chawton, Hampshire, is a delightful day-out, offering a glimpse into the genius who penned Pride and Prejudice and imagined the world’s most famous romantic hero, Mr Darcy.
Art galleries are always a romantic affair and the South Downs is blessed with some of the finest artwork in the world. Perhaps the most acclaimed is the collection at Petworth House, a gem inspired by the Baroque palaces of Europe. Spend an hour, or several, admiring the masterpieces of Titian, Blake, Gainsborough and Turner.
The beautiful park, with its serpentine lake, is the work of ‘Capability’ Brown and is arguably his finest remaining landscape.
Not forgetting of course castles like Arundel and Amberley that look straight from a fairytale.
So many places to capture that mushy selfie!
