A Week in the South Downs National Park

Brighton isn’t just a seaside city … explore The South Downs National Park too!

Do you fancy a trip to the Sussex countryside? The South Downs is not only the UK’s newest national park but equally a wonderful place to explore at any time of the year. This is especially true in Autumn with misty mornings and the crunch of fallen golden leaves under your feet. To make life easy we’ve planned your week so there is no chance of you missing any of Brighton’s hidden treasures. Grab your wellies and start exploring…

What can I do in the South Downs?

Monday - Afternoon Tea at the Seven Sisters 

The Seven Sisters is part of the Heritage Coast, formed over eighty million years ago, it is an ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’ and should definitely be top of your must-see list! You can visit these seven chalk cliffs, named after the Pleiades daughters of the Titan Atlas, via public transport. Hop on a bus from Brighton/Eastbourne which drops you off by the Park entrance. Enjoy exploring the cliffs in the morning and then spend the afternoon at the Farmhouse Restaurant which is open daily, all throughout the year, offering everything from afternoon tea to traditional and continental cuisines.

Tuesday - An Epic Walk from Housedean Farm to Pyecombe

Fancy a more challenging walk? Why not try the eight and a half mile walk from Housedean Farm to Pyecombe. Just jump on the number 28, 29 or 29B bus at Churchill Square to Housedean Farm, which takes approximately just over twenty minutes, to begin the trail. Watch out for the beautiful Chalkland flowers and butterflies along the way, the views across fields and villages at the top of Ditchling Beacon makes the journey worthwhile. Try spotting the Jack and Jill windmills and Pyecombe Church while you’re there too! 

Wednesday - Go back in time to Arundel

Why not spend a day learning about the history at Arundel Castle which dates back almost 1,000 years? A great day out for families or anybody wishing to browse the impressive Castle gardens. The view of the South Downs and the River Arun from on top of the hill where the Castle is located is also very impressive! Visit Arundel via train with regular departures throughout the day to Arundel Station taking just over an hour - the Castle is approximately a ten minute walk. We would recommend visiting the Castle’s website and booking tickets in advance!

Thursday - Hike the Devil’s Dyke 

The Devil’s Dyke is perhaps one of the most famous and well-known locations of national beauty Sussex has due to its connection with the First World War. The location became a military bomb testing group in 1918 however, before this, the Victorians could often be seen travelling out of the town to enjoy the breathtaking coastline. Devil’s Dyke is ideal for taking a walk, use one of the National Parks dedicated trails and take in the view of the countryside. You can visit Devil’s Dyke via Devil’s Dyke Road which can be accessed from various walking routes from local villages like Fulking, Saddlescombe and Poynings, as well as, the South Downs.

Friday - Enjoy Lunch Overlooking Stanmer Park 

Stanmer Park is Brighton’s largest and most popular park due to its beautiful open plan lands and scenic woodland walks. Enjoy exploring the quaint village of Stanmer and end the afternoon in Stanmer House for an epic lunch overlooking the South Downs. The 25 bus regularly stops outside the main entrance to the park or get on the 23 from Brighton Marina!

Brighton offers much more than just a seaside city and whether you decide to do one, or all of these trips around the South Downs National Park, you'll be making most of the beautiful countryside that is right on our doorstep. For easy access to the park stay in one of our Brighton & Hove Properties or Rural Sussex collection. 

Written by Ellie Hughes