•    home   |
•    where to stay   |
•    what to see and do   |
•    events   |
•    map   |
•   e-sign up   

The Countryside & South Downs Chichester

England’s ‘green and pleasant’ South Downs with its bountiful network of paths and bridleways guarantee walkers long rambles or short strolls, wheelchair excursions or nature trails. And for those in need of refreshment along the way, our welcoming pubs serve traditional food accompanied by heady local brews.

To appreciate the stunning views, either walk, cycle or ride part of the South Downs Way, from Bury to South Harting. It takes you on an exhilarating journey through classic Sussex landscapes of open chalk grassland and secluded woods, passing pretty villages, Roman roads, Bronze Age burial mounds and Iron Age hill forts.

Near Midhurst lies Black Down, a sandstone hill of gorse and silver birch with breathtaking vistas over the Sussex Weald to the English Channel. Nearby is the village of Lurgashall, complete with Saxon church and cricket pitch, and home to Lurgashall Winery - drop in to sample its traditional country wines and meads. Explore the hidden delights of the Drovers Estate, once part of a medieval deer park and now opened to all by the National Trust. Don’t miss Cowdray Estate, famous for hosting polo’s most prestigious event – The Gold Cup in July; in addition the Cowdray Cup Polo Season runs from late April until the end of September with matches every weekend and Bank Holiday.