The region of South Downs in Southern England is home to South Downs National Park and some beautiful, lush nature that the English countryside generally is renowned for.
It is an area that visitors find is really easy to get around whether by car or hiking/trekking on foot.
There are so many lovely vistas throughout this area that it is hard to decide what to do and see first.
On one particular trip to the UK, my fiancé James and I were so lucky to be hosted by my very close friend Di and her husband Richard and daughter Grace.
They live south of London in close proximity to the South Downs and were keen to show us this wonderful part of England. They had so much local knowledge of the area and drove us all around to take in some key sites that nature lovers should not miss.
So why is this area called South Downs? ‘Downs’ are rounded and grass-covered hills in southern England that are typically composed of chalk. The name comes from the Old English dūn (“hill”). … Chalk hills of similar type are called Wolds in Lincolnshire and in Yorkshire.
Below are the main highlights of our experience of the South Downs region and the South Downs National Park that I would recommend people explore and see for themselves.
Contents
The South Downs region
The South Downs is essentially a range of chalk hills stretching over a distance of around 670 square kilometers (or 260 square miles). The geographic area here is characterized by rolling chalk downland with close-cropped turf and valleys and is recognized as one of the most important chalk landscapes in England.
The South Downs were formed from a thick band of chalk that was deposited during the Cretaceous Period around 60 million years ago within a shallow sea that spread across the majority of northwest Europe. The rock formations are composed of the microscopic skeletons of plankton that lived in the sea, hence its white color.
This region is bordered to the south by the South Hampshire Lowlands and South Coast Plain and to the north, there is Hampshire Downs, the Wealden Greensand, the Low Weald, and the Pevensey Levels (conservation area).
The South Downs is a highly popular recreational destination, particularly for walkers, horse riders, and mountain bikers. Running through the middle of this area is the South Downs Way which is a long-distance footpath and bridleway, following the entire length of the chalk ridge from Winchester to Eastbourne, complemented by many interconnecting public footpaths and bridleways.
There are stunning, panoramic views to the sea and across the Weald, as you travel the 100-mile length of the South Downs Way from Winchester to Eastbourne, culminating in the impressive chalk cliffs at Seven Sisters.
There is truly so much to see in the South Downs. The majority of these sights are featured extremely well on their official Visit South Downs website.
About South Downs National Park
The South Downs National Park is England’s newest National Park officially established on 1 April 2010. Considerably larger than the South Downs, the Park covers an area of 1,627 square kilometers in southern England, stretching from Winchester in the west to Eastbourne in the east through the counties of Hampshire, West Sussex, and East Sussex.
The South Downs National Park is 1 of a total of 15 National Parks in the UK.
Some further interesting facts I found via westsussex.info include:
The South Downs National Park contains 1,813 km of footpaths and 1,213 km of bridleways. There are around 39 million day visitors to the National Park each year, but there were only 1.2 million overnight stays by visitors to the Park. 5 times as many visitors stay in hotels and b and bs outside the park in places like Worthing and Chichester.
The beautiful chalk grassland habitats that are home to a whole host of endangered flowers and butterflies really are vulnerable. 36 percent of these habitats are smaller than 1 hectare, meaning they are particularly prone to be devastated by changes in farming practice.
From what I could see, the English are doing a very good job in protecting their environment as well as providing education to visitors about the importance of preserving nature here.
My top 5 picks around South Downs National Park
The South Downs Way
Briefly mentioned earlier, the South Downs Way is a long-distance footpath that runs for around 100 miles (160 km) from Winchester to Eastbourne with a small loop around Eastbourne.
It stretches the entire length of the South Downs National Park.
The path along the rolling chalk downs of Sussex and Hampshire passes through the South Downs attracting scores of horse riders and cyclists as well as ramblers.
The South Downs Way is one of 15 National Trails in England and Wales and was the first bridleway National Trail in England. It is also the only National Trail to lie entirely within a National Park.
Millions of people travel through the South Downs Way each year by foot, wheel, or hoof as a way of seeing so much of the natural beauty this park holds.
Most people take 8 or 9 days to walk the whole way at 12 – 15 miles (25km) a day. It’s worth considering if you are walking that the villages where accommodation is are at the foot of the hill so you’ll have to walk down in the evening and up in the morning.
Fortunately, this is a very manageable trail in that the route is easy to follow and the terrain is flat and with a very gradual ascent. You do still need to be able to complete a long day hike comfortably with a day pack (or more if you are planning to camp).
We explored the area by car, as we did not have the time required to consider walking on that trip. Luckily every key spot that we wanted to visit was easily accessible by road.
White Horse Hill and the Uffington White Horse
We started our exploration of this area with a visit to White Horse Hill in pursuit of getting up close to the famous Uffington White Horse.
Carved into an Oxfordshire hillside not that far from Salisbury Plains, the Uffington White Horse is a stylized bronze age carved some 3000 years ago. It is 110 meters (360 feet) long, formed from deep trenches filled with crushed white chalk.
There are a number of famous white horses in the UK, all carved into the grass of chalk hillsides and some of these nearby include the Westbury White Horse, Alton Barns White Horse, Cherhill White Horse, Hackpen White Horse, and the Malborough White Horse. However, the Uffington White Horse is without question the oldest by far.
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This horse seems to be one of those ancient mysteries in that it is quite difficult to see this from the ground, as it’s carved near the flat top of the ridge.
Even when climbing the hill to see it, you really do not get a complete view of the carving.
It is therefore best viewed from the air which begs the question as to why this was created this way.
Below is a YouTube Video showing the Uffington White Horse from an aerial perspective:
The Seven Sisters Country Park
Seven Sisters Country Park is quite a unique area. It comprises 280 hectares of chalk cliffs, a meandering river valley, and open chalk grassland. The Seven Sisters are a series of chalk cliffs by the English Channel. They form part of the South Downs in East Sussex, between the towns of Seaford and Eastbourne in southern England. They sit within the South Downs National Park which is bounded by the coast, the Cuckmere River, and the A259 road.
The Seven Sisters Country Park is also home to grazing sheep, rare flora, and fauna and is a corridor for a large number of migrating birds.
The river Cuckmere cuts right through the park and visitors can follow the adjacent footpath from the Visitors Centre to the coast.
Situated near Seaford, East Sussex, the Park is well served by buses from Brighton, Seaford, and Eastbourne, making it ideal for a car-free day out.
Much like the White Cliffs of Dover, the Seven Sisters cliffs have an easy trail leading across the top of the cliffs, with wonderful views of the English Channel.
Seaford Head
Seaford Head is the best place to enjoy spectacular views of the Seven Sisters and Cuckmere Valley. A short walk from the car park at South Hill Barn takes you to one of the most spectacular views of the Seven Sisters, a wonderful undulating line of chalk cliffs.
Seaford Head Local Nature Reserve covers an area from Seaford Head Golf Course eastwards to the Cuckmere Valley and north to Exceat Bridge. Over 50% of the Local Nature Reserve is owned by Seaford Town Council and is managed by the Sussex Wildlife Trust. The rest is owned by the National Trust and East Sussex County Council.
Lying within the South Downs National Park it is part of the Sussex Heritage Coast and home to many nationally rare and significant species of plants, birds, and insects. Due to its outstanding biological and geological features, it is part of the Seaford Head to Beachy Head Site of Special Scientific Interest and falls within the Beachy Head West Marine Conservation Zone.
It was such a lovely walkout to Seaford Head to overlook the glorious Seven Sisters Cliffs and inland to the Cuckmere Valley. Cuckmere Valley is known to be one of the most popular nature spots in East Sussex and I hope the images shared here will convey why.
Close by, Friston Forest is a gorgeous beech forest and a great place to escape to nature. It lies within the South Downs National Park and it is one of the biggest areas of newly established forest in South East England.
Devil’s Dyke
Arriving at Devil’s Dyke, sitting on a hill at the top of the South Downs, you will find yourself gazing upon a giant quilt of Sussex fields. On the horizon where it is a clear day, you can also make out the Isle of Wight.
The artist John Constable declared this spot ‘the grandest view in the world’. Vast views over the Sussex Weald ensure Devil’s Dyke is a popular place to walk, rest, and play. Nearby, information boards illustrate local landmarks in front of the visitor’s car park and the historic Devil’s Dyke Hotel.
Devil’s Dyke is Britain’s deepest, widest, and longest dry valley. Its perfect V-shape unfurls below for just over half a mile.
This was the last spot we reached at the end of a long day with the sun about to set. It was a wonderful place to reflect on the beauty of the South Downs region and the uniqueness of this land of chalk hills, lovely scenery, and timeless legends.
Your thoughts?
What do you think of the South Downs and the South Downs National Park?
Is this a place you would include on your travels?
Perhaps you have explored this area also and can share your experience.
I would love to read all about your impressions in the comments below.
Outdoor adventure enthusiast that loves nature having travelled locations across North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia.
Passionate Travel Writer, Blogger and Influencer.
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I didn’t visit any parks when I was in England. After reading this, I wish I had! It is definitely going into the planning itinerary for the next time I make a trip there.
That’s so great to hear, Erica. I hope your experience will be as wonderful and enjoyable as ours.
Each place looks so attractive, I’d love to explore it for myself. wonderful list
Thank you, Lyosha. I hope you do get to explore this for yourself as you suggest. Thanks for reading.
Your pictures are so beautiful. I’ve never been to the area (or heard of it before now) but my husband and I are BIG outdoor travellers and everything about what you’re showing and describing here sounds like heaven. I am definitely adding this to our bucket list for the future.
That is such a lovely comment, Britt, thank you. From what you are saying, I’m sure you would love to spend time here.
The South Downs are on my bucket list now. I have not visited a national park in the UK before. I love the views.
The UK has a number of National Parks and rural areas worth visiting, Sonia. I hope you will visit to experience this in the future. Thanks for reading.
These pictures are super lovely. This sounds like a nice area and I would love to visit.
Thanks, Seriah. Happy that you liked this.
Wow. What a picturesque road trip route passing through 5 awesome locations around this national park. That is a dream for an outdoor junkie like me. I will bookmark this for a future trip to England. Thanks
Thanks so much, Marky. The UK is certainly worth visiting for so many lovely places.
Thanks for sharing this post. The region of South Downs looks amazing and the scenery is beautiful. Would definitely visit the South Downs National Park one day.
That’s fabulous to hear, Manali. I hope you love it as much as we did when you visit.
This place looks so cool and peaceful. I bet it also looks great in aerial view!
It really does, Blair. Do check out aerial photos via Google images to see more. Thanks for reading and leaving your comment.
I always love visiting national parks… It is always my go-to place whenever I want to escape or unwind and they never failed to provide lots of enjoyment. This is a wonderful post of attractions around the South Downs and I love all that wide green fields… I hope I can visit these places someday.
I certainly hope you will be able to as well, Milton. It really is such a lovely experience.
All of that beautiful scenery! I love to get outside with nature.
You’re not alone there, Rosey! So pleased you liked this and thanks for your comment.
I have never actually heard of a hill made out of chalk. It’s rather fascinating to think about. The park just looks like a wonderful place to explore.
It is indeed, Elise. The chalk provides yet another interesting dimension to this pretty place.
This looks like such a neat region to visit! I’d love to see it for myself one day.
The day is coming when safe travel will be possible again, Emily, so I hope you will be able to visit then.
Oh my.. these parks look so good and would be worth a visit before we die haha.
Well, then you best get booking as soon as possible then, Frank! Thanks for reading.
Parks are an amazing part of nature. It great to explore small or big parks
Totally agree, Alita. The South Downs National Park, fortunately, has so many lovely places to enjoy.
I have been looking for new places to visit and explore. This is perfect. As a nature lover, I will definitely visit the South Downs.
As a nature lover, Beth, I am sure you won’t be disappointed. Hope you will be able to experience this soon.
I wanted to visit the South Downs National Park last year, unfortunately, our trip was canceled. But I’m not giving up just yet. This reminds me of it and made me want to visit more
So pleased this has fired up your determination to visit this park, Brianne. Hope you will be able to go soon and that you love it as much as we did.
Wow, never heard of this South Downs! Love the history of the White Horse and the Seven Sisters Cliffs…just like White Cliffs of Dover!
Thanks so much, Carol. So pleased these places spoke to you also. All the best.
Nnniiiiccceeee…I am more in love with the Seven Sisters Park! It must be so much prettier on the inside and at the cliff, as well! Thanks for sharing about them all.
My pleasure, Ntensible. So pleased that you liked this.
Absolutely beautiful National Park area to visit. I am just waiting for international flights to open up again, so we can travel everywhere without any restrictions.
I am with you there, Linda! Can’t wait for some travel freedom to return once it is safe again.
All of these park areas look absolutely beautiful. The scenery is amazing.
Thanks very much, Ashley. The word is getting out and many people come here to enjoy this region.
Ok, the whole park sounds great, but that cliff view is great! Especially for being a short walk as you mentioned, it makes it accessible to almost anyone.
That is so true Stephanie. The path to Seaford Head is not all smooth though so it could be a bit problematic for wheelchair access, so it’s best to keep this in mind. There is also a bit of an incline as you return from there to the car park but otherwise, it is not a challenging walk.
Being a nature lover, I would love to visit South Downs National Park. Trekking South Downs Way seems difficult but doing a part of it also would be exciting. The Seven Sisters Cliffs are so beautiful. I would love to add this region to my next trip to the UK.
I hope you will, Subhashish as from what you have said, I think you would really enjoy it. Thank you for reading and sharing your thoughts.
I’ve not been lucky enough to visit this part of UK, but I think I would love it! The network of endless foot trails is incredible. I can only imagine how incredible those vistas are, so much greenery and wide open spaces. Especially the Seven Sisters, I see the resemblance to the Dover cliffs. Stunning!
Thanks so much, Renée. Apparently, so many people each year mistake the Seven Sisters for the White Cliffs of Dover and vice-versa. Such a lovely area of the UK to explore on foot with beautiful vistas all around.
The South Downs National Park sounds like my and my partner’s ideal place to visit. I can’t wait to check the place out, as it looks fab xx
That’s great, Melanie. I hope you both have as wonderful a time as James and I did.
The Seven Sisters is a must visit when traveling in England! I am in love with these cliffs and the candy cane lighthouse. This is the first I have heard of the Uffington White Horse, England is full of so many mysteries!
That is so true, Sherianne, which makes it all the more interesting. I am looking forward to writing about the region around the Salisbury Plains next to include Avebury Stone Circle and of course, Stonehenge. The UK is certainly a land of beautiful landscapes and many mysteries, providing locations with another dimension.
I’ve always wanted to explore All over the UK and now I really want to go!! Very good guide to this part of the country, thanks for sharing!
My pleasure Avery. Thank you for reading and leaving your comment.
I love national parks. And the South Downs National Park looks like a great park with the above 5 attractions you mentioned. I didn’t know it’s the first bridleway National Trail in England.
I didn’t know that either until doing a bit of research and visiting, Archana. Agree that it is a lovely park with a number of worthwhile places to experience.
Such a pristine experience of nature through these places. The White Horse hill reminds me of the Western Ghats in India for its rolling greens. Seaford head is so dreamy with that cliff bordering the water. I loved your capture of it. Devil’s dyke – a dry valley? Honestly does not look it. Loved the names and the pictures of the places.
Thank you so much, Ami. Totally agree with your comment on Devil’s Dyke, often we have no idea how places get their names. So happy you liked this post.
The South Downs are beautiful, and such an accessible place for an adventure in the UK!
Absolutely agree Bethan! Thank you for reading.
I visited only the Lake District a few years ago and loved it! South Downs national park has plenty of attractions I’d like to see, mainly the Seven Sisters cliffs, how beautiful!
The Lakes District is certainly so popular as a nature destination, Lisa, and many agree with you that the Seven Sisters Cliffs are the main highlight within the South Downs. Thanks for reading.
The park looks amazing! I would LOVE to spend time there. The park looks beautiful within each location and I am sure I will recharge there easily.
That’s a fabulous part of being in nature, Lyosha. We all feel so revitalized afterward. The South Downs National Park area has so much in the way of beautiful nature to enjoy.
A friend of mine walked the South Downs Way and showed me pictures afterward. I always wanted to go and see the area for myself. Your post reaffirmed this plan! Thanks for that!
My pleasure, Natascha! I know you will enjoy this lovely region.
I’m from the North of England and didn’t really know of the south downs other than by name. It looks a great place to spend long walks with my dog. The views of the seven sisters cliffs and discovering the white horse would be be highlights.
While we were there, we saw quite a few people walking with their dogs, Kerry. This was more on the trail than areas like the Uffington White Horse but there are so many places to enjoy time with your dog. Thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts.
Oooh, I love national parks! These ones seem gorgeous.
Thanks, Nkem. So pleased you liked this.
I haven’t had a chance to visit the region of South Downs in Southern England yet. But as I am a nature lover, I love the idea of visiting South Downs National Park. Trekking South Downs Way seems a little challenging, even if it’s a flat and easy path. But it stretches around 100 miles. However, I love the idea of doing short parts each day. The Seven Sisters Cliffs are so impressive and beautiful. I would love to take pictures there. I added this region to my next trip to the UK.
That is wonderful to hear, Agnes, and I’m sure you won’t be disappointed. South Downs way would certainly be a challenge if you are not used to hiking long distances but becomes more manageable if done in small parts as you say. The Seven Sisters would be an especially beautiful sight at the end. Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts.
When I visited UK, I definitely wanted to visit the Seven Sisters cliffs. But for some reason I could not visit the place. There is so much to see in the South Downs region and I am adding it to my list. I do hope to go back to UK someday and want to explore this side of the country.
Thank you so much, Raksha. I do hope you will be able to visit the UK again and include the South Downs in your itinerary as I’m sure you would enjoy it also.
If someone wants to let loose in Nature’s lap I guess England is best for anyone. England has so many great places to visit and relax with nature. South Downs is no doubt beautiful and full of green and hiking places. If the pandemic gets over soon I would love to spend few days here.
I’m sure you would enjoy it just as much as we did, Pamela. Such a wonderful place to spend time.
These all seem great and it helps they are located in the same area. I love to be out in nature it can be so relaxing.
So many people find peace and relaxation in nature, Melanie, and there is no shortage of it around the South Downs National Park area.
This is so cool. I would love to visit the South Downs National Park and experience these sites.
Hope you will get to explore it yourself one day, Frank. Thanks for reading.
There are so many great areas in England like South Downs with great outdoor spots to roam. With 1813 km of footpaths I am sure you could wander for weeks and never see the same scenery. I can see why you would pursue a view of the White Horse. Too bad you could not get a full view of the carving on the hike. Cool to see it on the video. Love all those views from the heights!
Due to the way it has been designed on the landscape, it just isn’t possible to see the Uffington White Horse on the ground while you are there, Linda. Hence I included the video to show it from the air where you can see it properly. As you say this region just has so much in the way of open outdoor spaces to explore beautiful nature. Thanks so much for reading and sharing your thoughts.
I want to see The Seven Sisters Cliffs. That took my breath away in a picture… imagine if I see it in real life!
It really is such a beautiful and majestic sight, Michele. So worth the effort to get there and enjoy it along with the rest of the park.
I had never heard of South Downs before. The chalk hills are lovely, but the Seven Sisters Cliffs are stunning!
Totally agree, Lori! Thanks so much for reading and your comment.
Wow, South Downs looks like an incredible place to go and enjoy the beautiful mother nature! The horse riding there looks fab too. Thanks for sharing.
My pleasure, Becky. So happy you enjoyed this.
The South Down National Park looks like the place here in VIC Australia called Gippsland. They are both shared similar characteristics, and both are rich in luscious green. I hope to visit this part of England, it looks spectacular.
That is quite an interesting comparison between the UK’s South Downs and Australia’s Gippsland, Blair. I hope to be able to visit and do a write-up of Gippsland in the Australian state of Victoria in the future. I also hope your wish to visit the South Downs will come true as well. Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts and impressions.
I’m just blown away by all the natural beauty. I’ve been to England and Wales so many times but I’ve never even thought of going on a hiking trip there. The 7 sister cliffs and the Uffington White horse looks splendid! I’m still wondering how it could be 3,000 years old.
The age of the Uffington White Horse is quite staggering for sure, Alvern. I’m so happy you love this area as well for its stunning natural beauty. So many places around here to enjoy so much.
That white horse looks amazing. As you rightly said, why was it carved in a manner that you couldn’t see on land! The greenery is so soothing. Would love to stay inside the parks.
That aspect of the Uffington White Horse is quite a mystery, Ambica. When able to see from the right height/angle, it really looks beautiful among the lush greenery. It is a lovely region in which to spend some time.
It’s always a whole different story when you know locals that not only can host you but also can show you around. Also, it’s fantastic that such a wonderful place is so close to the grand city of London.
We were so fortunate to have such close friends living there, Renata. You are so right about London being comparatively near, making it more easily accessible to so many.
As a non hiker, reading 8 or 9 days for South Downs Way sounds so intense, but it makes sense considering the long distance and how much ground it covers. I love all the views of the rolling hills and water, it must be a lovely sight to walk and see.
No doubt about it, Alice, which is why so many people do this. You would definitely want to work up your fitness level in hiking though before starting but it would be a lovely experience you could do at your own pace.
My family love nature parks and this look like a perfect getaway for us. I have never been to the UK. Would love to visit. Thank you for sharing.
My pleasure, Jamesetta. It would be a great place to vacation for a family that loves nature parks.
Wow, South Downs looks amazing! There is so much to do and the scenery is beautiful!
Thanks very much, Amy. So many people come here to enjoy the lovely nature all around there.
Each one of those locations looks prettier than the last one. So much beauty to explore.
I couldn’t agree with you more, Laura. Thank you so much for reading and leaving your comment.
How lucky to have friends living so close to South Downs National Park! The park is really huge so no wonder it has so many beautiful spots and attractions. I love that little path from where you can admire the Seven Sisters Cliffs. What a great spot for photography! The English countryside looks really beautiful, but unfortunately I didn’t get to see any of it on my last trip to England.
We were indeed so lucky to have such wonderful friends who not only hosted us but took us to all these locations, sharing their knowledge of the area. The view from Seaford Head of the Seven Sisters Cliffs is fabulous and I hope you will be able to return to England to experience this region. Thanks so much, Anda.
I love nature-friendly places like this. I would love to England and the South Downs National Park one day. Thanks for sharing!
Most welcome, Risa. I hope you get to visit yourself in the future.
Absolutely beautiful! I’ve been to the Seven Sister Cliffs and will never forget the experience!
They are quite majestic for sure, Danielle.
WOW! I’ve been to England twice but haven’t made it to this area yet, thanks for the heads up! Will definitely visit next time, it’s beautiful!
It really is beautiful Heather and worthy of being included within your next trip’s itinerary.
Thanks for the pics! I would definitely love to visit this area.
Pleased you like these Nicz. Hope you will visit someday.