A Day Out or a Staycation in the South Downs National Park?

The South Downs majestically rises up from the south coast at Emsworth Quay, Bosham Harbour, Brighton’s iconic Pier and Beachy Head, making this National Park a fantastic place to spend precious time. Most of us are longing for a getaway now that we can almost touch summer, and days out or a staycation is just the tonic we need.

The newest of all our National Parks was awarded this status in 2010, and those of us that live and work in its midst know never to take it for granted. It is the epitome of the English countryside, and we consider ourselves incredibly lucky! For us at South Downs Water to be able to carry out our business on this chalk downland, sourcing our naturally filtered Natural Mineral Water from its unique ground is a very privileged position to be in. We love nothing better than to share our paradise with anyone and everyone, and as you can’t see it all in a day, you will be left begging to return for more.

Rising up in the west at Winchester these Downs stretch above the south coast for 87 miles as far as Eastbourne, where the cliffs dramatically tower over the sea at the Seven Sisters landmark, a truly spectacular sight in itself!

The South Downs Trail

The South Downs way runs the entire length of the National Park enabling visitors and locals to trek this region in its entirety. Many take on the entire trail using their preferred method of walking, cycling or horse riding, whilst soaking in the view. Some take it easy and make a week of it, stopping off overnight at one of the many villages or towns on the way, or just dip in and out as time allows. However, you decide to approach it you will certainly not be disappointed.\

Stunning Views

The entry points are numerous, car parks are freely available, and the views are spectacular, whichever way you look. It was designated an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and does not disappoint. Make sure you have your camera at the ready and make some special memories.

Towns and Cities along the way

The South Downs hills roll alongside Winchester, which in 2016 was named the best place to live in the UK and is still considered by many to be so. The market town of Petersfield is a great place to start with over 3000km of footpaths beckoning. Further along the path Emsworth, Bosham and Chichester harbour all come into view like the pieces of a puzzle. Brighton’s infamous seaside town became a fashionable resort in Victorian times with some stunning buildings erected. Still a very popular place today with many visitors taking day trips because of its close proximity to London.

The South Downs Gems

Step this way and you will be treated to rolling hills, forests and chalk paths crossing a diverse area:

·      St. Catherine’s Hill, Winchester

·      Queen Elizabeth Country Park

·      Chichester Cathedral

·      Black Down Forest and Summit (highest point in the National Park)

·      Kingley Vale – Hidden Trail

·      Petworth House

·      The Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, Arundel

·      Devil’s Dyke – Overlooking Brighton

·      Chichester Festival Theatre

·      Medieval Lewis surrounded by undulating hills

·      The Seven Sisters and Beachy Head

Finally, we must give a mention to the Goodwood Estate – one of our highly valued partners that offer South Downs Water across the Estate and at all events. Not least of those is horse racing at the glorious racecourse set high above the Downs with far-reaching views, an absolutely stunning location and if you’ve never been, make this the year.

You will probably realise by now that we are as passionate about this National Park as we are about our South Downs Water, the two really go hand in hand, complementing each other nicely!

Find out more about our water which is naturally filtered through the deep chalk layers of the South Downs for exceptional purity.