Join in

Send page to a friend

The South Downs, Travel Britain

Whether you arrive on foot or on horse back, The South Downs are situated in the South East Corner of England and are internationally renowned for the breathtaking countryside, and dramatic coastlines that only a photographer or painter can do justice.They stretch from King Alfred’s capital Winchester, to Edwardian Eastbourne home to Beachy Head cliffs, standing 530 feet above the sea, with 100 miles of footpaths The South Downs Way bridges historic wonders to present day elights.Choosing what to do first is probably the biggest problem that will be faced, whether it’s rambling or walking through the rolling hills, where history lingers on the ancient Drove roads and Roman tracks. Or horse riding along the bridleways.

If that doesn’t take your fancy why not try Fishing in the two ponds at Ditchling where Carp/Perch and Roach hang out, or fish in the attractive Duke of Norfolk’s Estate in Arundel where the four lakes are home to Brown and Rainbow Trout. If it’s the enjoyment of being in touch with nature, or the wonder, induced by the views of lazy rivers such as the Cuckmere, chalk cliffs or chocolate box villages by Britain’s oldest long distance path, The Southdown’s Way, or the sheer pleasure of cycling or walking along the southern part of Monarch’s Way. Disappointment is not a word connected with the South Downs. With over 5000 years of history where Hairy Mammoths trod, to the Norman and Saxon churches, definitely worth a visit as is the ancient Bronze Age Fort, or the Iron Age Hill Fort at Winchester.

If this all sounds too gentle then you should try Ballooning, Hang Gliding, Para Gliding or even Orbing, which is a white knuckle ride in a ball hurtling down a hill on the South Downs. Part of the pleasure of visiting an area such as this, is the diverse activities that can be enjoyed, from idyllic country pubs for lunch , to breaking off the scenic paths of the rolling valleys and deep woodland to visit any of the villages and towns along the way. From the cathedral city of Winchester to the smallest church in England nestled in Lullington. Whether your pleasure is Windmills The Jack and Jill , or Lighthouses, charming villages such as Alfriston, once home to smugglers or picturesque Exton and Buriton, what will you try first, whatever it is satisfaction guaranteed.

Brit Quote:
I owe nothing to Women's Lib. - Margaret Thatcher
More Quotes

On this day:
Siege of Derry Begins - 1689, Opening of the Natural History Museum - 1881, Republic of Ireland established - 1949
More dates from British history

click here to view all the British counties

County Pages