Choose from a wide selection of holiday cottages, hotels, self-catering properties, inns, lodges, Travelodges, Premier Inns etc in and around the South Downs National Park.
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South Downs National Park, Visitor & Tourism Guide
The 'South Downs'
The South Downs is an area of chalk downland close to the south coast of
England running from the east of
Hampshire through
West Sussex to
East Sussex.
The
National Park stretches from
Winchester in the west across to
Beachy Head and
Eastbourne in the east.
It covers two existing
Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty:
East Hampshire AONB and the
Sussex Downs AONB.
The Park boundary ends short of most of the southern coast but major towns and cities such as
Portsmouth,
Brighton,
Winchester,
Eastbourne and
Chichester are within a short drive. Clearly, these are great places in which to book accommodation and from which to explore the Park.
The
South Downs Way National Trail starts or ends at
Winchester Cathedral.
The UK's most visited National Park
In the region of 40 million visitor days a year are made to the area enclosed by the National Park. That's some 25 million more than the
Lake District National Park, the UK's second most visited Park. Hardly surprising given the population density of
South East England and its close proximity to
London, but still a staggering number.
Beachy Head and Seven Sisters
The Park's most famous natural attractions are
Beachy Head and the
Seven Sisters, a famous section of white chalk cliffs that runs along the coast to the east of the South Downs National Park.
Birling Gap Beach is great.
Moving west, near Fulking, is the wonderfully named
Devil's Dyke and an impressive downland scarp face. It's fine walking country.
Arundel
Arundel is simply magnificent and is dominated by its
cathedral and
castle and we'd very much recommend it as a base from which to explore the Park. Other towns and villages to consider when in the Park include Lewes and Alfriston, Midhurst and Petersfield.
Other attractions
For history and culture, try
Uppark House and
Bignor Roman Villa,
Boxgrove Priory and
Fishbourne Roman Palace (on the fringe of the Park). Visit the National Trust's Petworth House, too.
New Forest National Park
Last, if you're in the area, drive or bus a short distance west to
New Forest National Park. It offers great walking and
Beaulieu is a fine day out.
External Linkswww.southdowns.gov.uk
Top 10 Recommendations
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Selected from the best Hotels in South Downs National Park we've listed our top 10.
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Selected from the best Things To Do in South Downs National Park we've listed our top 10.
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Local Map
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Located in Midhurst, West Sussex, South East England, England
Less than a mile away.
A Tudor ruin located on the outskirts of Midhurst. Once home to the Browne family, (later Viscounts Montague). Gutted by fire at the end of the eighteenth century. Restored and re-opened in 2007. Located in beautiful Vic...
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Located in South Harting, West Sussex, South East England, England
Approximately 6.9 miles away.
A seventeenth century country house. Located in the East Hampshire AONB and the proposed South Downs National Park. H.G.Wells's mother was a housekeeper at Uppark, the great writer spending time in his youth here. Manage...
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© Owner
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Less than a mile away.
Total Rooms: 35; Rates: £99 - £221 Per Night
Set within its own picturesque grounds, this former coaching inn, dating back in parts to 1430, provides traditional accommodation and a luxurious spa in the historic Sussex market town of Midhurst...
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Approximately 2.9 miles away.
Total Rooms: 6; Rates: £74 - £185 Per Night
Conveniently placed on the A272 in the middle of Sussex countryside, this historic country inn encapsulates a balance between modern sensibility and rustic charm...
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Approximately 3.9 miles away.
Total Rooms: 6; Rates: £65 - £120 Per Night
Rich in original historic charm and with free Wi-Fi, free parking and en suite rooms, this traditional English country pub offers fine wines, real ales, delicious food and a warm welcome...
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