South Downs National Park Route: 10 days
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Luggage transfer
24h telephone assistance
Hotel accommodations
Enjoy the varied scenery on the 10-day South Downs National Park Route. This incredible natural space is characterized by its lush undulating valleys with steep chalk cliffs, and extends through several English counties. Delve into the picturesque nature of southern England and discover its traditional villages with its pubs and local cuisine.
This route starts in Winchester, famous for its beautiful cathedral, and ends in Eastbourne, one of the sunniest places in England.
- Visit a classic tea room in Cocking.
- Enjoy varied landscapes with valleys and cliffs.
- Visit Chanctonbury Ring, where bronze Age remains are hidden.
- Visit Devils Dyke, a valley of great geological interest.
- Queen Elizabeth Country Park's 2,000 acres of forests will be part of your route.
- Enjoy Victorian architecture at Meads Village.
- Marvel at Winchester Cathedral, an architectural gem.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrival in Winchester
Winchester can be reached from Southampton or Gatwick airports. If you start your journey from London, you can take the train at London Waterloo station, or a bus from London Victoria Coach Station.
Winchester is one of England's historic capital cities, located on the edge of South Downs National Park, so you can enjoy both the city and the surrounding countryside.
Its best-known tourist attraction is Winchester Cathedral, visited by about 300,000 people a year.
Winchester is one of England's historic capital cities, located on the edge of South Downs National Park, so you can enjoy both the city and the surrounding countryside.
Its best-known tourist attraction is Winchester Cathedral, visited by about 300,000 people a year.
Overnight in Winchester
The Old Vine
Located 150 metres from Winchester Cathedral, this cosy and elegant guest house features a bar and a restaurant renowned for its cuisine.
Each room here will provide you with a flat-screen TV, a private bathroom, toiletries and a coffee making kit.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Each room here will provide you with a flat-screen TV, a private bathroom, toiletries and a coffee making kit.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 2 - Winchester to Exton 12,5 miles I 20 km
Your tour of English fields will take you east of Winchester, to the village of Chilcomb, known for its thatched houses. The route will continue until you reach Exton, where you can get to know Exton Park and the Anglican Church of St. Peter and Paul.
If Exton is not available, you will stay in Warndford.
If Exton is not available, you will stay in Warndford.
Overnight in Exton
The Bucks Head
Enjoy a delightful stay at this fantastic riverside accommodation, with the option to explore the surrounding fields or visit the nearby city.
This beautiful country house features a spacious restaurant where you can indulge in local cuisine and highly recommended homemade breakfast.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
This beautiful country house features a spacious restaurant where you can indulge in local cuisine and highly recommended homemade breakfast.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 3 - Enjoy your day in Butser Hill 13 miles I 21,5 km
Start with an ascent to the Old Winchester Hill Nature Reserve, continue through the geological conservation area of Butser Hill, located on the top of South Downs Limestone Hill, and Queen Elizabeth Country Park with an area of 2,000 acres of forest.
If Buriton is not available, you will stay in Petersfield.
If Buriton is not available, you will stay in Petersfield.
Overnight in Buriton
The Nest Hotel & Restaurant
This beautiful accommodation features a lovely terrace, a bar, and a restaurant where you can enjoy local food and an English/Irish breakfast.
The rooms come with a private bathroom and free Wi-Fi.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 4 - Buriton to Cocking 12,5 millas I 20 km
During this day you will walk through forests full of tall, thin trees, to Harting Down, an ancient area of limestone moors and England's largest nature reserves.
You'll traverse Beacon Hill and Warren Bottom to the village of Cocking.
You'll traverse Beacon Hill and Warren Bottom to the village of Cocking.
Overnight in Cocking
Moonlight Cottage
Spend the night in a cosy cabin built in 1815, renowned for its tea rooms.
Its rooms offer you all the comforts to have a quiet stay and rest after a day of walking.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Its rooms offer you all the comforts to have a quiet stay and rest after a day of walking.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 5 - Cocking to Amberley 13 miles I 21 km
Today's tour will take you through the Heyshott Down Nature Reserve, a very important habitat for the conservation of mosses and plants belonging to the liverwort group.
You will also walk along Graffham Down, with its 31 hectares of green pastures and forests that are home to large populations of dormice and butterflies.
You will continue through the Arun Valley with beautiful views of the coast until you reach Amberley.
You will also walk along Graffham Down, with its 31 hectares of green pastures and forests that are home to large populations of dormice and butterflies.
You will continue through the Arun Valley with beautiful views of the coast until you reach Amberley.
Overnight in Amberley
The Sportsman Inn
This guest house is ideally located for exploring the Arun Valley. It offers rooms with free Wi-Fi, a private bathroom and views of Amberley Wild Brooks and South Downs.
It has a pub where you can find a wide variety of artisan beers.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
It has a pub where you can find a wide variety of artisan beers.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 6 - Amberley to Steyning 11 miles I 17,5 km
Begin an ascent towards Chanctonbury Ring, which has an ancestral significance and is recognized by the beech crown that was planted on its top by Charles Goring.
You'll continue on a descent on the beautiful slope of the Steyning Bowl to finish the road in the rural and historic village of Steyning.
You'll continue on a descent on the beautiful slope of the Steyning Bowl to finish the road in the rural and historic village of Steyning.
Overnight in Steyning
Hill View Bed & Breakfast
Charming accommodation with an impeccable location for enjoying nature.
Highlighting the beautiful garden filled with greenery where you can savor their excellent homemade breakfast.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Highlighting the beautiful garden filled with greenery where you can savor their excellent homemade breakfast.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 7 - Steyning to Lewes 18 miles I 29 km
The route will continue through Fulking Hills, Devil's Dyke and the village of West Hill, passing through Pyecombe, a village that continues the history of grazing on the lowlands and with a historic pub, The Plough Inn, a well-known place of passage for horse-drawn carriages in the Victorian era.
Continue to Lewes, a beautiful town with medieval streets and surrounded by a castle.
Continue to Lewes, a beautiful town with medieval streets and surrounded by a castle.
Overnight in Lewes
Garden Cottages
This property is just a few minutes' walk from the centre of Lewes, restaurants and antique shops.
Experience the warm and rustic ambiance of its rooms, as well as indulge in a delicious homemade breakfast.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Experience the warm and rustic ambiance of its rooms, as well as indulge in a delicious homemade breakfast.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 8 - Lews to Alfriston 11 miles I 18 km
We recommend starting this day's walk early, starting on a quiet path overlooking the Jack and Jill windmills, passing through the village of Southease, located west of the River Ouse and with a church built in honour of St. Peter.
Overnight in Alfriston
Riverdale House
Riverdale House is located south of Alfriston, in a rural area with beautiful views of the Cuckmere Valley and very close to the town's main street, with tea shops, pubs and restaurants.
This accommodation offers you many home comforts, homemade cookies, hot chocolate and ground coffee can be found in your room.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
This accommodation offers you many home comforts, homemade cookies, hot chocolate and ground coffee can be found in your room.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 9 - Alfriston to Eastbourne 12,5 miles I 20 km
Today you will walk through Cuckmere Valley, where the villages of Litlington and Westdean are located; and you can see how the river meets the sea.
The path continues overlooking the cliffs of the towering Seven Sisters, within a heritage-listed coastal area, and the chalk headlands at Beachy Head.
The last stretch of your walk will be through Meads Village, where you can enjoy the Victorian architecture of its streets and the colourful houses built in the centre of the village.
Thirty more minutes of walking will take you to Eastbourne, a town with a variety of activities to do and places to get to know, such as theme parks, art galleries and zoos.
The path continues overlooking the cliffs of the towering Seven Sisters, within a heritage-listed coastal area, and the chalk headlands at Beachy Head.
The last stretch of your walk will be through Meads Village, where you can enjoy the Victorian architecture of its streets and the colourful houses built in the centre of the village.
Thirty more minutes of walking will take you to Eastbourne, a town with a variety of activities to do and places to get to know, such as theme parks, art galleries and zoos.
Overnight in Eastbourne
The Pier Hotel
This accommodation offers wonderful views of the Eastbourne waterfront and is just a few minutes' walk from the town center.
Enjoy its elegant rooms with sea views and a delightful lunch at its pub.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Enjoy its elegant rooms with sea views and a delightful lunch at its pub.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 10 - Eastbourne
The nearest airport for your return is London Gatwick, where you will find connections to both inside and outside the UK. You can travel to central London by train or bus.
End of our services.
End of our services.
Itinerary map
Services
Included
- Accommodation in en suite rooms in charming hotels
- Daily Breakfasts
- Luggage transfers between accommodations
- Information dossier with maps and routes
- 24-hour telephone support
- Sustainable travel, we compensate the CO2 emissions of your trip
- Taxes
Extras
- Travel insurance
- Cancellation insurance
- Additional nights
Accomodation
General information
The accommodations with which we collaborate have a private bathroom and all the necessary services to ensure the best comfort available.
Our team checks in situ the quality of all the accommodations offered, so that you have an unforgettable experience during your trip.
The accommodation that we will book for your trip will be selected taking into account our commitment to you: guaranteeing comfort, calm and enjoyment throughout your trip.
We work with quality hotels and country cottages with limited capacity, so we invite you to confirm your reservation as soon as possible.
The name of each accommodation will be provided to you a few weeks before your trip begins.
Room types
It is possible to book this journey in single, double or triple rooms.
All rooms have private bathrooms.
Travel & transfers
To start your walking holiday, we recommend that you get to Southampton or Gatwick airports.
If you start your journey from London, you can take a train at London Waterloo Station, or a bus from London Victoria Coach Station, to get to Winchester.
The route ends in Eastbourne, so the closest airport to this town is London Gatwick, where you will find connections for inside and outside the UK. You can travel to central London by train or bus.
If you start your journey from London, you can take a train at London Waterloo Station, or a bus from London Victoria Coach Station, to get to Winchester.
The route ends in Eastbourne, so the closest airport to this town is London Gatwick, where you will find connections for inside and outside the UK. You can travel to central London by train or bus.
FAQs
Is luggage transfer included? What are the luggage requirements?
Absolutely! Each traveller has included 1 piece of luggage that we will transfer between your accommodations. It's important that this piece of luggage meets the following criterias:
- Maximum weight of 45 lbs (20 kg).
- Must be only 1 piece of luggage without any attachments or accessories.
- Should not contain valuables, fragile items, food or medications.
- Must be correctly identified (booking reference of your trip and the full name of the trip holder).
What is the best time of year to do this trip?
The best time to take this walking holiday is between March and October.
There can be high temperatures on the south coast in the summer, and be very busy during school holidays. If you travel in the spring season, you can enjoy beautiful flower-filled fields.
How far in advance should I book my trip?
We recommend that you book as soon as you are sure about your dates, as accommodation can fill up very quickly in this area.
What should my physical preparation be?
Make the most of this walking holiday by doing cardio and walking on a regular basis before your trip.
The paths on this route are quiet, with ascents and descents in some sections.
What equipment do I need to bring?
Once you make your reservation we will send you all the detailed information about the specific equipment you need for this route, considering recommendations for shoes, boots, clothes and a day-to day backpack.
What if I'm not able to finish one of the stages?
You can call us to arrange a private transfer for you.
If you prefer, you can also use public transport or local taxis to get to your next accommodation.
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