A Taste of The South Downs Way

Make your way to Lewes, a traditional market town on the River Ouse. Regular trains run from London Victoria to Lewes and the journey takes 1-1.5 hours. If you arrive early, drop your bags at the hotel before going for a wander. We suggest you visit the medieval castle high above the ancient streets, built soon after 1066 by William de Warenne. The steep climbs to the barbican and the adjacent keep are rewarded with spectacular views. Next door, in the Barbican House Museum, you can explore the archaeological history of Sussex. At beautiful Anne of Cleves House learn how the Tudors and Elizabethans lived. There is also Bull house which between 1768 and 1774 was the home of revolutionary writer Tom Paine, the intellectual inspiration behind the American revolution. It is also well worth visiting the famous Harveys Brewery (tours need pre-booking) and there are plenty of pubs in town if you just want to try different brews. Accommodation: An attractive and comfortable Inn or bed & breakfast in the town.

Today After a short bus tranfer, you can choose to start your day with a visit to Rodmell, the charming village that is home to Virginia Woolf’s 17th century country retreat, Monk’s House *. From Rodmell join the South Downs Way directly at the village. Alternatively, take the train to Southease (5 min journey) to join the trail at the station. Your walk begins with a climb through the Downs offering stunning views of Mount Caburn and surrounding hills before Firle Beacon., the highest point of the walk at 217 meters. It is one of the finest viewpoints on the South Downs and a former Neolithic long barrow burial site. Descend into the scenic Cuckmere Valley to arrive in Alfriston. The Star Inn in Alfriston dates back to 1345, originally a religious hostel for monks and pilgrims travelling between Battle Abbey and Chichester. For a further history hit, visit the National Trust’s Clergy House, a 14th-century hall house with its signature thatched roof. Accommodation: 2 nights at a 19th-century colonial-style country house offering rustic-chic rooms, a garden, bar, and restaurant; or a traditional East Sussex inn dating back to the 14th century, retaining its original charm. *(pre-book via National Trust website https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/sussex/monks-house It won't be open on winter departures as it closes at the end of October and even in season can be closed on certain days of the week)

From your base in Alfriston, there are 3 walking options for today. Alternatively, you can enjoy a more restful day to explore the village before continuing along the South Downs trail. A) Rathfinney Wine Estate Walk – Walk from Alfriston to visit to the Rathfinney Wine Estate, where fine modern wines have been produced since 2012 on the sun-soaked, calcareous downland soils. Specialising in sparkling wines, Rathfinney offer tastings at their Cellar Door, allowing you to sample before purchasing. You can also enjoy a glass of Sussex wine at The Hut, a walk-in bar on the estate, or indulge in tasting menus with expertly paired wines. Note that the estate has limited opening days and times for its organised tour and winetaste (Approx £30) especially in the winter although you will still be able to follow the walk through the grounds and The Tasting room is open 10.00-17.00 with indoor seating for drinks, snacks and lunch. For tours see https://rathfinnyestate.com/tour/#tour-bookings. B) Cuckmere Valley Walk - Today's longest hiking option tours round the Cuckmere Valley traversing under the chalk engravement of the Wilmington Long Man. Once thought to be neolithic, it is now believed to date from the 1500s. The walk arcs around Arlington Reservoir before returning via the village of Berwick and the beautiful St. Michael and All Angels church, famous for its decorative interior by Bloomsbury artists Duncan Grant, Vanessa Bell and Quentin Bell. C) Cuckmere Haven Walk - Follow the Cuckmere valley to its outflow at Cuckmere Haven. On the seafront here are the old Coast Guard cottages from where you get the classic view of the Seven Sisters chalk cliffs. There is no pub down here, but on your way back at Exceat, break your journey at The Cuckmere Inn (note that Especially during winter parts of this walk may be flooded).

Leave Alfriston via the eastern bank of the Cuckmere River, before embarking on the exhilarating roller-coaster-like walk along the Seven Sisters cliffs, one of the most spectacular highlights of the South Downs Way. After the Sisters, descend into the Birling Gap chalk valley, where a lively pub-café awaits. The coastal undulations continue, leading you to a stunning viewpoint overlooking the iconic Beachy Head Lighthouse. Nearby, you’ll find a visitor centre—an ideal spot for a refreshing drink before descending toward the outskirts of Eastbourne, a sprawling Victorian seaside resort that was at its peak in the early 1900s. To conclude your South Downs Way walking break, you might indulge in a classic seaside treat, an ice cream on the pier. If you prefer a shorter day, you can easily shortcut the route by taking the hourly bus to Eastbourne from either Birling Gap or the Beachy Head Visitor Centre. If you are on a winter departure, (November to February) we strongly suggest that due to shorter days, you take the bus on the last walking day from Birling Gap to Eastbourne (2 an hour up to 18.05) Accommodation: A charming Victorian hotel right on the seafront, where we will always try to secure sea-view rooms for your stay.

Tour arrangements end after breakfast. You can spend further time exploring the area (ask our team about adding an extra night) or you can return to London by train – there are 2 trains per hour throughout the day with a journey time of approximately 1.5 hours.