There are such a lot of beautiful national parks to visit in the UK! Better of all, they’re dotted all throughout the nation, with fairly a couple of inside straightforward attain of the cities, like South Downs Nationwide Park. It’s a complete gem to discover and really easy to discover from locations like Brighton or London; and the south of England, to be honest. So, that can assist you get essentially the most out of your time, I needed to share a number of the greatest issues to do in South Downs Nationwide Park that you just can not miss!


We’ve headed out exploring South Downs Nationwide Park a great deal of occasions. It’s an space we’ve spent a lot of time in; each as a day journey and a part of an extended street journey throughout the south of England. Every time, we’ve all the time discovered one thing new, thrilling and completely quaint. It’s an space that’s a treasure-trove of locations to discover.
So, to moist your whistle, we’ve popped a few of our favorite gems that you just shouldn’t miss. Some are deep throughout the coronary heart of South Downs Nationwide Park, while others are simply on the perimeter of the park itself. Regardless of the case, I’m positive you’ll discover a honest few to incorporate in your subsequent journey.
Have a look, under, at the perfect issues to do in South Downs Nationwide Park. Have enjoyable!
1.) Amberley
Gosh, we beloved visiting Amberley!
It’s the kinda spot that’s fallen straight out of fairytales. Now, I do know that sounds completely tacky but it surely actually did really feel like that after we visited.
A very small village, full of centuries of historic properties, it’s the form of place that’s beautiful for a bit of stroll or an in a single day keep in a fort!
We checked into Amberley Castle for a couple of days break and it was epic! You actually get to remain within the fort itself and spend time having fun with this magnificent property (while recognizing their peacocks).
They’ve additionally bought a very tasty restaurant throughout the fort, too. It was bliss.
Oh, additionally, don’t neglect to pop into the Amberley Tea Room while wandering round.
They’ve the perfect scones and do-it-yourself treats within the space. Yum!
Read more: What it’s like to stay and explore Amberley Castle
2.) Petworth
Southwest of Billinghurst, Petworth is a stunning little city that’s quintessentially South Downs. It’s the form of place you’ll be able to spend a day wandering the cobbled streets, popping within the unbiased boutiques and vintage shops earlier than grabbing a correct pub lunch.


You’ll discover a great deal of watering holes all through Petworth, every with their very own allure and character. We headed to The Star Petworth and had the tastiest fish and chips and Victoria sponge for pudding.


After lunch, head on over to Petworth House that’s an unlimited and historic property that’s completely lovely.


We spent the entire afternoon exploring the property and even heading contained in the grand home (that appears palatial, by the best way).


It’s top-of-the-line issues to do in South Downs Nationwide Park if you happen to love grand estates.
Read more: What it’s like to explore Petworth House
3.) Winchester
On the western fringes of South Downs Nationwide Park, this comparatively small metropolis is steeped in centuries of historical past that’s nicely value a day go to (or utilizing as a base to discover the western a part of the park).
As soon as right here, head inside the long-lasting gothic cathedral and discover the attractive nave that’s so large. Oh, and be sure you go to the medieval Nice Corridor and the Winchester City Mill.
Truthfully, this metropolis is a gem for historical past buffs and an ideal addition when exploring all the perfect issues to do in South Downs Nationwide Park.
4.) Seven Sisters
Simply one of the well-known and greatest issues to do in South Downs Nationwide Park that’s completely iconic. Now, if you happen to’re unfamiliar, the Seven Sisters are a sequence of iconic chalk cliffs with superb surroundings and appears unbelievable while strolling the paths right here.
You’ll additionally get to see Birling Hole and take a pic from the Coastguard Cottages, too. You possibly can simply park up at South Hill Barn (automobile park) and wander this iconic coastal route.
Read more: Best day trips from London
5.) Midhurst
An ideal place for a day galavant, Midhurst is a small city that’s full of centuries-old buildings. Take a bit of wander across the city and pop into the Midhurst Museum and Tea Rooms, too. It’s a comfy little museum with a heap of historical past.
Plus, as soon as contained in the tea rooms, you’ll get to strive their scrumptious do-it-yourself scones, muffins which might be too good to overlook!
After filling up, head over to the close by Cowdray Ruins and Midhurst Fortress. Exploring right here is well top-of-the-line issues to do in South Downs Nationwide Park if you happen to love a great historic website. Plus, you’ll be following within the footsteps of royalty like Henry VIII and Elizabeth I (as they visited, too).
6.) Arundel Fortress
Presumably, one in all our favorite locations in South Downs Nationwide Park, Arundel and Arundel Castle is a very beautiful spot to go to while exploring the area.


With centuries of historical past, Arundel fort continues to be dwelling to the Duke of Norfolk and is completely unbelievable and huge. Like, I nonetheless can’t imagine somebody will get to name this dwelling.
After spending a while wandering the gardens, visiting the chapel within the fort grounds be sure that to go inside for a complete deal with.
You see, you’ll get to wander by means of Arundel Fortress’s most spectacular staterooms and see the medieval mound that also stands to at the present time.


We spent a great few hours inside and beloved it.


Lastly, earlier than you allow Arundel, take a wander by means of the tiny facet streets and go to a number of the little retailers and shops that line the route; they’re picture-perfect and full of antiques, collectables and every part else in between.


Oh, and if you happen to’re feeling hungry, head to Parson’s Table. They’ve a seasonal menu that’s so contemporary and completely scrumptious. Simply be sure you ebook upfront as tables refill shortly.
Read more: What to see when exploring Arundel Castle
7.) Tinwood Property


Technically a couple of metres from the sting of South Downs Nationwide Park, Tinwood Estate is one beautiful spot for winetasting.


With their very own winery throughout a luxurious property, it’s the form of spot you’ll be able to spend a day (making an attempt their wines) or keep in a single day in your individual cabin that overlooks these yummy grapes.


They make a number of the tastiest English glowing wines in all of the land. Cheers!
Read more: How To Visit Tinwood Estate
8.) Satan’s Dyke
Visiting Satan’s Dyke is among the greatest issues to do in South Downs Nationwide Park to go to if you happen to love pure historical past. You see, it’s a whopping a 100m deep V-shaped valley that’s fairly distinctive and unbelievable to see.
In case you fancy a ramble, observe the South Downs Approach (or a minimum of sections of it). It has some completely gorgeous views that span the size of the park; we’ve beloved becoming a member of the path, even for a shorter hours ramble.
Read more: Best things to do in the South of England
9.) Goodwood Property and Home
The Goodwood Property and Goodwood Home was as soon as dwelling to the Dukes of Richmond for hundreds of years and is surrounded by mature parklands which might be epic to go to. Right here, you’ll discover an artwork assortment that’s out-of-this-world and completely ornate.
Not solely that, the structure of the home is fabulous and is open between March-October.
10.) Dunreyth Alpacas
Okay, so Dunreyth Alpacas may be one of the enjoyable issues to do in South Downs Nationwide Park. It’s so cute and completely pretty for all of the household.
As soon as right here, you’ll be able to take your individual alpaca for a stroll and get to make some new furry mates. Strolling by means of the woods and see some superb views, it’s an ideal afternoon journey that’s fairly distinctive.
11.) Weald & Downland Residing Museum
The Weald and Downland Residing Museum is an open-air museum that covers over 40 acres, with over 50 historic buildings courting from 950AD to the nineteenth century.
Right here, you’ll get to discover the beautiful gardens, fairly trails and likewise spot the millpond, too.
The museum tells an immersive story of the individuals who lived and labored in South Downs Nationwide Park for over 1,000 years. We adore it right here.
Read more: Best things to do in Southern England
12.) Brighton
Okay, so Brighton isn’t inside South Downs Nationwide Park; but it surely’s completely hugged by the park itself and too straightforward to see while exploring the extra southerly routes right here.


After all, you’re going to spend a while at Brighton Palace Pier! Right here you will see that fairground rides and little candy retailers that scent like candyfloss! Plus, you’ll be able to seize a bag of chips and simply benefit from the views while strolling the pier.


Afterwards, spend a while on Brighton Seashore, discover The Lanes space for all their indie shops and go to Brighton Palace that’s so distinctive inside Brighton. You possibly can’t miss it.
Read more: Best things to do in Brighton
13.) Jane Austen’s Home
Simply south of Alton, this home was dwelling to Jane Austen, one in all England’s most iconic authors. At present, you’ll be able to head inside and discover the treasure-trove of reveals starting from her writing desk and data on her life.
In reality, she wrote and printed all six of her beloved novels, together with the timeless Pleasure and Prejudice there!
You probably have time, you’ll be able to pop over to close by Hawton Home, an Elizabethan Manor which you can wander while seeing their seasonal exhibitions. Additionally they have the cutest tea room, which is all the time a win!
14.) Butser Hill
Butser Hill is the very best level within the South Downs Nationwide Park and completely lovely.
This Nationwide Nature Reserve is a novel pure landmark that’s nicely value exploring if you happen to’re into your pure historical past that makes South Downs so particular
Plus, the views from Butser Hill is gorgeous and its mountaineering trails aren’t too tough, both!
Read more: Best day trips from London