The South Downs National Park:
Steyning is on its doorstep!
The park is one of fifteen in the UK and covers parts of Sussex and Hampshire. Enjoy rolling farmland, ancient woodland, flourishing vineyards, quaint villages and traditional country pubs.
Chanctonbury Ring
A prehistoric hill fort and one of the most prominent landmarks on the South Downs.
On the South Downs Way and just a 3 mile walk from Steyning.
There is a small car park at its base – off the Steyning to Washington road.
You can join an annual marathon the Steyning Stinger, which passes Chanctonbury!
Cissbury Ring
Another lovely place to visit with wonderful views.
5000 years ago this was the site of Neolithic flint mines.
Many years later, around 300 B.C. the ring was transformed into the largest hill fort in Sussex.
Park in nearby Nepcote Lane in Findon, or walk the 4 and a half miles from Steyning!
Cissbury Ring
Another lovely place to visit with wonderful views.
5000 years ago this was the site of Neolithic flint mines.
Many years later around 300 B.C. the ring was transformed into the largest hill fort in Sussex.
Park in nearby Nepcote Lane in Findon, or walk the 4 and a half miles from Steyning!
South Downs Vineyards and Wineries
Many award winning sparkling wines are produced locally.
There are some excellent vineyard tours you can join, with the opportunity to taste both the grapes and the wine.
The nearest one is on the Wiston Estate behind Steyning.
I particularly recommend going to Nutbourne Vineyard – 10 miles away – a 25 minute drive.
Read more about vineyards in West Sussex.
Amberley
This beautiful, peaceful village has many flint walled, thatched cottages, a medieval castle (now a hotel) and a 12th century church.
You can visit the nearby industrial museum or Amberely Wildbrooks nature reserve.
Amberley is 4 miles north of Arundel and a 30 minute drive from Steyning.
Amberley
This beautiful, peaceful village has many flint walled, thatched cottages, a medieval castle (now a hotel) and a 12th century church.
You can visit the nearby industrial museum or Amberely Wildbrooks nature reserve.
Amberley is 4 miles from Arundel and about a 30 minute drive from Steyning.
South Downs Gliding Club
If you would like to try gliding head for the club at Cootham.
This is one of the largest and best equipped voluntary clubs in the South East.
They offer glider lessons for potential new pilots or those just wishing to experience the excitement of gliding.
A 20 minute drive from Steyning or a bus ride on the number 100.
The Seven Sisters
Travel further afield – along the Sussex coast – and you’ll reach the stunning chalk cliffs, known as the Seven Sisters.
These are not the white cliffs of Dover which are further to the east!
I particularly recommend the 8 mile walk along the South Downs Way from Eastbourne to Cuckmere Haven.
You follow the hilly cliff path with lovely views of the sea. There are cafes at Birling Gap and Exceat.
The Seven Sisters
Travel further afield – along the Sussex coast – and you’ll reach the stunning chalk cliffs, known as the Seven Sisters.
These are not the white cliffs of Dover which are further to the east!
I particularly recommend the 8 mile walk along the South Downs Way from Eastbourne to Cuckmere Haven.
You follow the hilly cliff path with lovely views of the sea. There are cafes at Birling Gap and Exceat.
Riding, Golf and Paragliding
You might like to try horse riding on the Downs: Nearby Happy Valley Riding School at Slonk Hill Farm, Shoreham offers ‘horse riding for the whole family’. Read more about the riding school
Golf enthusiasts are catered for as well. Past guests have recommended the Singing Hills Golf Club at Muddleswood Road, Albourne, West Sussex, BN6 9EB. Tel: 01273 835353
Even paragliding lessons are available locally for the more adventurous! Airsports Paragliding school is uses a private site just outside Steyning which is recognised as one of the best all-round training sites in the UK. Established in 1992, they run courses from Beginners to ‘Club Pilot ‘ throughout the year.
Read about some of my favourite places to see and things to do in my Sussex Guide
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