Places to visit in the South Downs National Park

Start your adventure with one of the South Down’s top walks, through the famous Seven Sisters Country Park. Stretching between Eastbourne and Seaford, this coastline runs along the famous white cliffs. It’s flat but often windy, and you can choose between a short ramble, a round-trip or walk to Seaford – before catching the train back to Eastbourne.

Next, head to Rathfinny Wine Estate to sample some of England’s finest sparkling wine. Take a tour of this B-Corp winery and if you time it right, enjoy food and panoramic views in its Michelin-recommended Tasting Room Restaurant. It’s one of the best places to eat in the South Downs and hosts seasonal events on selected dates throughout the year.

As you drive northwards, keep an eye out for The Long Man of Wilmington chalked on the hillside. Then enjoy more art at Charleston, the modernist home of painters Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant, who were once the centre of the Bloomsbury Group. The house hosts an eclectic range of events, from markets to celebrity talks and is one of the top things to do in the South Downs for art and design lovers.      

From Charleston, it’s just a short drive to Lewes. Wander the town’s historic streets and explore Anne of Cleves House and Lewes Castle, or mooch around its quaint shops, cafes and galleries. Don’t miss Monk’s House, the country retreat once owned by Virginia and Leonard Woolf. It’s home to an instagrammble cottage garden, but we suggest putting your phone down for five and letting your senses enjoy this peaceful slice of paradise instead.

For dinner, book into Dill, in Lewes, a Michelin Bib Gourmand-rated restaurant that champions local suppliers and seasonal food grown in the South Downs National Park. Tonight, we recommend staying at The Grain Store, a three-bedroom eco-friendly holiday cottage near Lewes, with panoramic views of the National Park.     

Start the day with a hearty hike around Devil’s Dyke. This long, deep valley was - according to legend – dug by the devil and was once home to the Knights Templar. Whichever story you believe, it looks spectacular in all seasons, and walking this National Trust beauty spot is one of the top things to do in the South Downs.

Just north of Devil’s Dyke, you’ll find another of the South Down National Park’s top wineries – Albourne Estate. Pop into the shop, or try its award-winning vintages on a wine-tasting experience. You can also take a self-guided ramble around the vineyard.

Passing the Iron Age hillfort of Cissbury Ring, you’ll come to Arundel, where you can visit its magnificent castle and wander the picture-perfect town – the setting for Olivia Colman’s Wicked Little Letters. If you have time, go paddleboarding on the River Arun from Littlehampton; for adventure seekers, it’s one of the top things to do in the South Downs.

From Arundel, head towards Chichester, stopping for a bite at Tinwood Estate’s Vineyard Kitchen in the renowned winery. After lunch, head to Fishbourne Roman Palace and Gardens to discover the largest Roman home in Britain. Here, you can relax in Roman gardens and admire some of the best-preserved mosaics in Britain.

Finally, drive to Midhurst, a pretty town in the heart of the South Downs. Here you can take your pick from great places to eat and drink: from gastro pubs to the fine-dining flair of Park House Hotel and Spa, where you can also stay. For a more rustic experience, check out Treehouse Retreats’ cosy treehouses that are hidden in ancient woodland.

Stroll the streets of Midhurst, which are full of boutiques, country stores, cafés and pubs – and follow its town trail, a feast of medieval, Georgian and Victorian architecture. There are more than 100 listed buildings to spot, how many will you tick off? 

Not far from Midhurst, you’ll come to another market town: Petworth, whose cobbled streets are packed with antiques shops, boutiques and artisan delis. Don’t miss Newlands House art gallery, in an 18th Century townhouse, which also has a café in its walled garden.

Next, head to the grand 17th Century Petworth House and Park. This National Trust property – one of the best things to do in the South Downs – is surrounded by 700 acres of deer park, and features an extensive art collection and historic cricket ground.

Black Down, the highest point in the South Downs National Park is just north of Petworth. It’s a great place to visit to enjoy panoramic vistas, fly a kite from the hilltop, or go on a woodland walk. It’s also ideal for stargazing, as it is one of the top Dark Skies destinations in the country.

Finally, finish your journey in Winchester – the official end of the South Downs Way. Did you know that the city was once the capital of England, and is also the final resting place of Jane Austen? See her plaque and visit her grave at the magnificent 900-year-old Winchester Cathedral.