Our 11 best things to do in the South Downs National Park

Discover the Best Things to Do in the South Downs National Park

Located in the heart of southern England, the South Downs National Park spans 87 miles (140 km) from the historic city of Winchester in Hampshire to the seaside town of Eastbourne in East Sussex.  Just a short journey from London, this stunning national park offers rolling hills, picturesque villages, and breathtaking views across the English countryside and the South Coast.  Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, charming market towns, or scenic walking trails, there’s no shortage of incredible experiences waiting for you.

Here’s our handpicked guide to the 11 best things to do in the South Downs National Park, from iconic landmarks to hidden gems you won’t want to miss.

With its rolling valleys, chalk hills, and gorgeous unspoilt scenery, there’s no better way to explore than by walking in the South Downs National Park.  This beautiful region is home to several long-distance trails, perfect for both seasoned hikers and casual walkers alike.

Among the most popular are the Serpent Trail, a 64-mile route winding from Haslemere to Petersfield, and Wayfarer’s Walk, stretching 71 miles from Walbury Hill to Emsworth. Each trail offers a unique glimpse into the diverse landscapes and charming villages of the South Downs.

But the crown jewel is undoubtedly the South Downs Way.  At 100 miles long, it’s one of England’s 15 official National Trails and the only one to lie entirely within a national park.  Running from Winchester to Eastbourne, it offers stunning coastal views, historic landmarks, and endless countryside beauty.

We were eager to experience the South Downs Way ourselves, though not quite ready to tackle all 100 miles!  As a perfect introduction, we hiked the first section starting from Winchester, the official gateway to the trail and a charming city rich in history and character.

Although the South Downs is the newest of the UK’s 15 national parks, it boasts a rich heritage reflected in its many historic towns and villages.  One of the most iconic is Winchester, the ancient capital of England.

Located on the western edge of the South Downs National Park, Winchester in Hampshire is a charming and compact city packed with history.  Highlights include the magnificent Winchester Cathedral, one of the largest in Europe, the working Old City Mill, the medieval City Cross, and the atmospheric ruins of Wolvesey Castle.

As a starting point for the South Downs Way, Winchester is also a great base for scenic walks.  In addition to the national trail, you’ll find beautiful riverside routes along the River Itchen and panoramic climbs like St Catherine’s Hill.

If you’re visiting Winchester with kids, don’t miss the Winchester Science Centre just outside the city.  This hands-on, interactive museum is perfect for young explorers and it even features its own planetarium.

One of the top family-friendly attractions in the South Downs National Park is Alice Holt Forest, located near Farnham on the northern edge of the park.

Once part of a royal hunting ground for William the Conqueror, Alice Holt is now a fun outdoor space, perfect for all ages.  Our kids especially love the woodland walking trails, but be prepared—progress is slow when you’re stopping every few minutes to climb wooden play structures or spot the much-loved Gruffalo sculptures hidden among the trees!

As well as its themed woodland play, Alice Holt Forest also boasts a large adventure playground, complete with a wooden pirate ship, playhouses, and sit-on tractors.

For any keen cyclists, there are also several family-friendly cycling routes winding through the forest.  And for an extra adrenaline boost, older kids and grown-ups can take to the treetops on a thrilling Go Ape high ropes course or the new Nets Adventure.

Whether you’re planning a fun-filled day out with the kids or looking to explore nature with friends, Alice Holt is one of the best spots in the South Downs for outdoor family adventures.

The South Downs National Park is dotted with quintessential English villages, each with its own character, scenic charm, and of course traditional country pub.  One of our favourites is the postcard-perfect village of Amberley, nestled at the foot of the South Downs in West Sussex.

Set along the peaceful River Arun, Amberley is a timeless gem with half-timbered houses, thatched cottages, and even its very own medieval castle.  It’s the kind of place that looks like it’s been plucked from the pages of a storybook.

While we didn’t quite manage a night in the castle, we had a fantastic glamping experience near Houghton Bridge—the perfect blend of comfort and nature.  Even better, we were within walking distance of the Bridge Inn, where we enjoyed a warm welcome and a genuinely delicious dinner.

The next morning, we crossed the road for a hearty breakfast at the Riverside South Downs Restaurant, which also happens to be a hub for outdoor adventures.  From here, you can hire boats for a peaceful paddle along the River Arun or rent mountain bikes from Chalkpit Trails, a local cycle hire company based on-site.

Located about halfway along the South Downs Way, Amberley is a fantastic base for both walking and cycling.  Whether you’re exploring the surrounding countryside or simply soaking up village life, it’s a magical stop on any South Downs itinerary.

Other picture-perfect villages worth visiting include Alfriston, Droxford, and Buriton, each with its own charm and perfect for a leisurely stroll or a classic pub walk in the South Downs.

Check for prices and availability at Amberley Castle!

Another must-visit destination in West Sussex is the historic town of Arundel, known for its timeless charm and rich heritage.  One of the town’s most iconic landmarks is the magnificent Arundel Castle, which towers above the rooftops from its hilltop position.  Steeped in over 1,000 years of history, the castle is well worth a visit.

Beyond the castle walls, Arundel has retained much of its old-world character, with winding streets lined with traditional tea rooms, antique shops, and quirky curiosity stores.  It’s the perfect spot to enjoy a slow afternoon browsing or treating yourself to some locally made fudge or a scoop (or two!) of ice cream.

Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a garden lover, or simply in search of a picturesque day out, Arundel is one of the best places to visit in the South Downs National Park area.

Take a look at prices and availability of hotels and self-catering accommodation in Arundel.

Just a short walk from Arundel’s historic town centre, the WWT Arundel Wetland Centre offers a peaceful escape into nature.  Managed by the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, this expansive nature reserve is dedicated to the conservation of wetland habitats and wildlife, making it a fantastic destination for families and nature lovers.

The highlight of our visit was the guided boat safari, which took us through a maze of tranquil waterways.  Our knowledgeable guide pointed out bird calls, wildlife hiding spots, and the subtle signs of nature we might have otherwise missed.

After the boat ride, we explored the reserve on foot, wandering through a series of themed zones, each one designed to reflect different wetland habitats from around the world. Even if you’re not a seasoned birdwatcher, there’s something special about these peaceful waterside trails, with opportunities to spot ducks, herons, dragonflies, and more.

The Arundel Wetland Centre is a great option for a family-friendly day out and it’s just minutes from Arundel Castle, making it easy to visit both in one day.

One of the best short walks in the South Downs National Park is the Halnaker Windmill Trail.  This 2.5 mile scenic circular walk not only takes you through the iconic Halnaker tree tunnel but leads to the historic Halnaker Windmill and Boxgrove Priory, making it an appealing trail for photographers, nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.

The Halnaker Tree Tunnel is particularly stunning in autumn, when the golden canopy creates an almost magical atmosphere.  This is a popular time for photographers to visit, hoping to catch it in all its seasonal glory.  Although I’m no expert photographer, I was keen to visit on our recent trip to Chichester.  It is one of England’s most famous tree tunnels and one of the top natural landmarks in West Sussex.

Check out prices and availability of hotels and self-catering cottages in Chichester.

For a relaxed and scenic family bike ride in the South Downs, the Meon Valley Trail is a fantastic choice.  This flat, traffic-free route follows a disused railway line, stretching for 11 miles from West Meon in the north to Wickham in the south.  As it’s an out-and-back trail, you can turn around at any point, making it ideal for younger riders or anyone looking for a shorter ride.

The trail links up with two major long-distance paths,the Wayfarer’s Walk and the South Downs Way, but stands on its own as a peaceful and accessible ride through beautiful Hampshire countryside.

There’s a car park just off Station Road in West Meon (postcode GU32 1JJ), though note that it has a height barrier, so check in advance if you’re bringing bikes on a roof rack or camper van.

From there, you’ll enjoy easy, level cycling through woodland and open fields, with plenty of opportunities to stop and take in the views.  At the southern end near Wickham, a well-earned break awaits at The King’s Head, a lovely country pub perfect for lunch or a cold drink after your ride.

Click here for map of the Meon Valley Trail.

Even if you’re not an art lover, a visit to Petworth House is one of the top things to do in the South Downs National Park.  This grand 17th-century stately home in West Sussex is not only architecturally impressive, but it also houses one of the most important art collections in England, with works by masters such as Turner, Van Dyck, and Gainsborough.

But there’s more to Petworth than paintings.  Surrounding the house are beautifully landscaped pleasure grounds created by the legendary Capability Brown, perfect for a peaceful stroll among manicured lawns, classical sculptures, and ornamental trees.

Just behind the house, you’ll find the vast Petworth Park, a stunning 700-acre deer park home to over 700 fallow deer.  With its sweeping views, serpentine lakes, and picturesque follies, it’s ideal for walks in nature and the best part is, you can explore the park without a ticket to the house.

After your walk, head into Petworth town itself, a charming market town known for its cobbled streets, independent galleries, and antique shops, a lovely spot to browse, grab a coffee, or hunt for treasures.

If you’re looking for a great place to get outdoors with the kids, Queen Elizabeth Country Park near Petersfield in Hampshire is a top choice.  Located right on the South Downs Way, this expansive park offers over 2,000 acres of woodland and rolling downland, making it perfect for families, walkers, and cyclists of all abilities.

For those up for a challenge, a climb to the top of Butser Hill, the highest point on the South Downs Way, is well worth the effort.  From the summit, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views across the South Downs countryside.

The park is packed with family-friendly activities, including natural playgrounds, assault courses, and even a dedicated dog activity trail, so your four-legged friends can join in the fun too.

The South Downs National Park isn’t just a stunning destination by day—it also offers one of the best nighttime experiences in the UK.  In 2016, it was officially designated an International Dark Sky Reserve (IDSR), joining a select group of global locations committed to protecting dark skies from light pollution.

Thanks to this designation, the South Downs has remarkably clear night skies, making it an incredible place for stargazing, spotting constellations, and even catching a glimpse of the Milky Way on a clear night.  Whether you’re a seasoned astronomer or just fancy a magical evening under the stars, the park offers plenty of dark sky discovery spots where you can set up a telescope, or simply lay back and enjoy the view.

The dramatic white chalk cliffs of the Seven Sisters are one of the most iconic sights in the South Downs National Park.  Located within the Seven Sisters Country Park, this stretch of unspoilt coastline offers some of the best coastal walks in southern England, with sweeping sea views and spectacular scenery.

One of the most popular routes is the Seaford to Eastbourne walk, a rewarding hike that takes in highlights like Birling Gap, the Beachy Head lighthouse, and finishes in the charming Victorian seaside town of Eastbourne.

Covering 280 hectares, the Seven Sisters Country Park also offers a range of walking trails, wildlife-rich river valleys, and open chalk grassland, making it a great spot for both casual strolls and more adventurous hikes.

Check out prices and availability of accommodation in Eastbourne.

It’s easy to get by train from London to the South Downs.  Direct trains leave regularly from London Waterloo and London Victoria.  They take about 60-90 minutes, depending on where you are going.

You’ll find train stations at Winchester, Petersfield, Eastbourne, Lewes, Amberley and Southsea.

Click here for train timetables.

Below is a map of our 11 best things to do in the South Downs National Park.

What are you best things to do in the South Downs National Park?   We’d love to hear your thoughts below:-

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