The South Downs Way stretches 100 miles from Winchester to Eastbourne following ancient paths and droveways along the chalk escarpment and ridges of the South Downs. This undulating route provides a well-marked path for walkers with access for cyclists too.
Drop down from the downs to explore the wider South Downs National Park and you will find hidden pubs, villages, thriving market towns, and chalk streams, farms and lowland pastures. All connected by a network of paths and lanes, many of which have been trodden since ancient times.
This page shows hostels and bunkhouses along the South Downs Way and in the South Downs National Park. These provide ideal accommdation for walkers and also access for people on all incomes to an overnight stay in the National Park.
Accommodation on the South Downs Way
Whether you are walking, cycling or riding, the South Downs Way provides great vistas, a well-marked route and plenty of small villages and county towns along the way offering fireside pubs. On the path, you will follow chalk streams, rivers, coastal paths, ancient woods and the famous chalk escapment itself.
Drop down from the downs to explore the wider South Downs National Park. In addition to the stunning chalk downs the park also includes the woodlands, hedgerows and lowland pastures of the western Weald and several beautiful rivers. There are many colourful wildflowers and 30 different species of butterflies. You will also come across vineyards (a testament to the South Downs sunny climate) and lowland heaths that are a sea of pinks and purples every year.
With great transport links from London and the greater rail network, this special part of the country is one of the most popular places to walk.