The South Downs National Park stretches across Sussex and Hampshire with rolling hills, ancient woodland, historic towns, quaint villages and vineyards. Ideal for walking, cycling and horse riding!

chanctonbury-ring-south downs

Chanctonbury Ring

A prehistoric hill fort and one of the most prominent landmarks on the South Downs.

On the South Downs Way and a 3 mile walk from Steyning.

There is a small car park at its base – off the Steyning to Washington road.

cissbury ring south downs

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!

cissbury ring south downs

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 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.

Quaint Villages

Amberley is one my favourite South Downs villages. It 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 Amberley Wildbrooks nature reserve.

Amberley is 4 miles north of Arundel and a 30 minute drive from Steyning.

Quaint Villages

Amberley is one my favourite South Downs villages. It 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 Amberley Wildbrooks nature reserve.

Amberley is 4 miles from Arundel and about a 30 minute drive from Steyning.

South Downs Gliding

The nearby club at Cootham is one of the largest and best equipped voluntary clubs in the South East.

They offer glider lessons for potential new pilots!

A 20 minute drive from Steyning or a bus ride on the number 100.

seven sisters sussex

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.

seven sisters sussex
horse riding south downs sussex
South Downs Poppy Fields

Horse Riding

A popular activity on the Downs!

Nearby Happy Valley Equestrian School at Slonk Hill Farm, Shoreham offers ‘horse riding for the whole family’.  Read more about the riding school

arundel castle south downs sussex

Historic Arundel

This small market town combines one thousand years of history with independent shops, contemporary art galleries, cafes, restaurants and a nature reserve.

Enjoy activities from walking across the South Downs to canoeing and cycling.

A 30 minute drive from Steyning.

Historic Arundel

This small market town combines one thousand years of history with independent shops, contemporary art galleries, cafes, restaurants and a nature reserve.

Enjoy activities from walking across the South Downs to canoeing and cycling.

A 30 minute drive from Steyning.

arundel castle south downs sussex

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