Self-guided holidays : Self-guided short break walking holidays : Rural retreats
South Downs
The South Downs of East Sussex offer the opportunity for superb downland walking in one of England's best known and best loved Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The sense of space is truly exhilarating, with far-reaching views over both the English Channel and the Sussex Weald. The underfoot conditions are excellent, even during wet weather, and the chalk grassland supports a marvellous variety of flora and butterflies as well as numerous birds of prey.
The chalk outcrop which forms the South Downs rises dramatically from the Sussex Weald to form a high north-facing escarpment. To the south the Downs roll gently down to the coast before ending abruptly in a line of massive and startlingly white cliffs. The short cropped grass drapes over the folds of the hills like velvet, Iron Age remains top the hills, and one of Britain's best known National Trails, the South Downs Way, runs along the ridge of the Downs.
One of your walks will take you along the clifftop path above Beachy Head and the Seven Sisters, through the Birling Gap, along the Cuckmere Valley and back to Alfriston, the delightful village in which this Short Break is based. Your other outing will follow the South Downs Way along the top of the downland ridge and over the exhilarating summit of Firle Beacon. These are great walks during any season of the year.
Your holiday on the South Downs will be based at Deans Place Country Hotel in Alfriston. Deans Place is a beautiful 14th century building surrounded by four acres of lawns and gardens. The hotel, which is privately owned, offers a warm welcome, excellent service and beautifully-appointed ensuite bedrooms. Harcourts Restaurant, which prides itself on the use of the finest local produce, holds two AA Rosettes for the excellence of its food and service.
Holiday options
| Code: SBSOU |
| Nights: 3 |
| Price: £375 |
- All of the above prices are per person, and based upon two guests sharing a double or twin-bedded room.
- Single traveller supplement; £150
(More about single supplement). - Discounts available for parties of three or more guests.
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