A weekend in South Downs

Rolling chalk hills, white cliffs and country pubs

Independent UK guide
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Updated October 2026

The South Downs National Park stretches from Winchester to Eastbourne, with rolling chalk hills, ancient woodland and the white cliffs of the Seven Sisters. The South Downs Way is a 100-mile trail, and shorter walks start from villages and railway stations.

It is also very accessible from Brighton and London.

Best forWalkers, Families, Dog owners, Couples

Best time to goSpring to autumn for walking. Late spring is lovely, with wildflowers.

Typical budget (2 people, 2 nights)£420–£730, excluding travel

Getting thereLondon: About 1 hour to 1.5 hours by train to Lewes or Arundel.

Check prices for a weekend in South Downs

Plan your weekend in South Downs

Top attractions in South Downs

Seven Sisters and Cuckmere Haven

Spectacular white cliffs and a winding river mouth.

Devil's Dyke

A famous valley and viewpoint north of Brighton.

Arundel Castle

A grand castle and cathedral town in West Sussex.

Ditchling Beacon

A steep, scenic hill with wide views across Sussex.

Beachy Head

A towering chalk headland with a lighthouse.

Best things to do in South Downs

Guides to the activities most people plan a weekend around.

Seven Sisters cliff walk

The Seven Sisters are a row of white chalk cliffs on the Sussex coast, between Seaford and Eastbourne. Allow 3 to 5 hours.

New Forest ponies walk

The New Forest is one of the few places in England where ponies, cattle, pigs and deer roam freely on open heath and ancient woodland, under a system of rights known as commoning. Allow 2 to 4 hours.

Brighton Palace Pier and seafront

Brighton Palace Pier opened in 1899 and is one of the most famous seaside piers in Britain, with arcades, rides and food stalls. Allow 2 to 3 hours.

Best areas to stay in South Downs

Lewes

A historic town with a castle, pubs and railway links.

Arundel

A pretty town below a castle.

Alfriston

A pretty village close to the cliffs and walks.

Best hotels in South Downs

These are well-established hotels often recommended for the area, listed in no particular order. They are not paid placements. Check current ratings, prices and availability before you book.

Gravetye Manor

Compare places to stay in South Downs

Prices change daily, so check a few sites. For dog-friendly or quiet stays, use the pet and review filters. These are affiliate links.

Best time to visit South Downs

Spring to autumn for walking. Late spring is lovely, with wildflowers.

Seasons that suit South Downs well: spring, summer, autumn.

Estimated budget for a weekend in South Downs

Hotel or B&B, per night for two	£130–£220
Food and drink, per day for two	£65–£100
Activities and extras for the weekend	£30–£90
Estimated total, 2 people, 2 nights, excluding travel	£420–£730

Higher-priced destination. These are rough 2026 estimates and vary by season and room type. Add the cost of getting there. For a personalised figure, use the BritBreaks finder.

Getting to South Downs

From London: About 1 hour to 1.5 hours by train to Lewes or Arundel.
From Brighton: About 20 to 30 minutes by car.
From Winchester: About 1 hour by car.

Journey times are rough guides. Check live train and road times before you travel.

A sample weekend in South Downs

Friday evening: Arrive, settle in and have dinner in Lewes.
Saturday: Start with Seven Sisters and Cuckmere Haven, then Devil's Dyke. In the afternoon, head to Arundel Castle.
Sunday: Visit Ditchling Beacon or Beachy Head, then head home.

Packing list for South Downs

Handy things people often forget. These are Amazon links, so prices and availability are set by Amazon.

More kit guides: Walking gear Wet-weather gear Dog travel gear

Good to know

Stay well back from cliff edges.
Footpaths can be muddy in winter.

South Downs weekend FAQs

Can I enjoy the South Downs without a car?

Yes. Many walks start from railway stations, including Lewes, Arundel and Seaford.

Is it good for dogs?

Yes, but keep them on leads near livestock and cliffs.

More weekend ideas

BrightonEast Sussex

A lively seaside city with a pier, independent shops and nightlife

WinchesterHampshire

An ancient capital with a cathedral, water meadows and a medieval Round Table

New ForestHampshire

Ancient woodland and heath with free-roaming ponies

Explore more: Best weekend breaks from London · Best countryside weekend breaks in the UK · Best dog-friendly weekend breaks in the UK · Best romantic weekend breaks in the UK

Browse popular weekend activities or use the BritBreaks finder to match a weekend to your budget and travel time.

Last reviewed October 2026. Please check opening times and prices with each attraction before you go.