From the garden of The Grain Store, the South Downs gently slope up in front of you. Covering about 1,627 sq km, this is England’s third largest national park; but for the team at The Grain Store, it is home. We can’t wait for our guests to experience the abundant nature and the unique fauna of the South Downs and what better way than to get your boots on and start exploring.

Walking holidays on the South Downs are simple to organise as the National Park team has a wonderful array of routes for all abilities; and we have a lovely stack of OS maps waiting for you, ready to be pondered over on the kitchen table as you enjoy a cup of tea.

The Grain Store is the perfect base for setting out on the South Downs Way. You can plot out long trips - and we can advise on the perfect places to stop for refreshments - or you can simply open the gate and go for a few hours wandering before coming back to relax. Whatever fits your holiday plans, we have the knowledge to help you make the best of your time in Sussex.

Why Choose the South Downs for Your Walking Holiday?

The South Downs Way winds its way over the chalk escarpments from the historic town of Winchester to the sea. This 100 mile route is one of the best walks in the South Downs as it offers everything from breathtaking, dramatic views on the coastline to quiet rambles past fields and ancient woodland. To walk the entire route takes about a week but The Grain Store is perfectly placed for day trips onto the hills or even a couple of hours exploring and picnicking.

While the National Park is one of the UK’s youngest, the landscape is ancient. As well as evidence of neolithic settlements, there are Iron Age forts at Chanctonbury Ring and Devils Dyke. The path also passes many a Saxon or Norman church, and there is the stark figure of The Long Man of Wilmington carved into the chalk, which is well worth a visit. While his heritage is under debate (everything from pre-historic to 17th Century has been proposed), there is no doubt that seeing this 72m giant is an awe-inspiring experience.

The South Downs is also unique as an eco-system. It is 160 hectares of chalk grassland, scrub, ancient forests and mixed woodland; and is home to 39 species of butterfly, birds including corn bunting, skylark, lapwing and grey partridge and 11 different orchids. You might even catch sight of badgers, weasels, stoats, and roe or fallow deer. Each of the South Downs walking routes will take you through unique landscapes - such as the banks of the Itchen - a chalk stream said to have inspired Charles Kingsley’s The Water Babies, or the ancient yews trees of Kingley Vale.

The Grain Store, Near Lewes (Your Ideal Base for South Downs Walking Holiday)

The Grain Store delivers unique self catering accommodation near Lewes, which offers access to the walking trails but also has everything you need to unwind and relax after a day of exploring.

Our hot tub sits at the base of the South Downs so is a perfect spot to take in nature whilst cocooned in the warm water. We can even book a massage for you inhouse with Flick from Menteath, whose incredible products have been mentioned in Vogue magazine.

We have the snuggliest sofas and blankets too; as well as a wonderful array of books to get lost in as the sun goes down. We even have our own bookclub! Follow us on Instagram to read our reviews of our favourite titles each month.

If you want to walk some days but have different adventures on others - Sussex has so much to choose from. From family days out to wine tours to spending a day wandering around our local town of Lewes, the county will astonish you, we promise. Whether you are a couple staying in our studio or a larger group in the main house, we can help you build the perfect itinerary so please get in touch.

Best Walking Routes in the South Downs (For All Levels)

The Glynde Route

This is a short walk and takes in the beautiful village of Glynde where little cottages are set by the quiet lane, Glynde Forge operates now and in decades past and Mount Caburn rises in the near distance.

The Coastal Scenic Route

The Seven Sisters Country Park is less than half an hour away from The Grain Store and its staggering chalk cliffs at Birling Gap are a must-see whilst staying at The Grain Store. This is, in our humble view, one of the best walks in the South Downs National Park. It is also a short hop to Alfriston - one of Sussex’s quaintest villages, whose art and book shops are worth a visit alone.

Ditchling Beacon and Devil’s Dyke

These are two of the South Down’s big hitters as they deliver drama (and views) aplenty and are always top of the list for South Downs walking routes. The Dyke valley is the longest, deepest and widest ‘dry valley’ in the UK at one mile and is stepped in legend relating to a failed attempt by the devil to drown local parishioners.

The Beacon is equally impressive geologically as, at 248 metres above sea-level, it is the highest point in East Sussex. Both are a short distance from The Grain Store and we can help with public transport suggestions.

How to Plan a Walking Holiday in the South Downs

The National Park’s website is a superb resource for South Downs Way walking holidays tips with downloadable maps and details of any events going on that you can weave into your walk. The Grain Store team can help too.

When you start planning a South Downs walking trip, the South Downs website offers guidance on what to look out for at different times of the year. The park is a haven for birds, dragonflies and butterflies so if you are a keen watcher of any of these, the website flags the best place to see them. In Spring, the fields around the National Trust-owned Saddlescombe Farm are filled with lambs, In the Summer, the South Downs are an incredible place for picnics among the orchids and in the Autumn, the ancient woodlands are resplendent with colour.

Make sure that you pack worn-in hiking boots, especially for autumnal or winter wanderings as the chalk can get slippery. Wet weather gear is a must as in suncream in the Summer as the hills are quite exposed.

Eat, Drink & Rest: Best Pubs and Spots Along the Trails

There are hundreds of pubs accessible along the 100 mile route. If you tackle the Glynde Route, the village has both the newly renovated Trevor Arms and Steamworks in the unique location of the whole railway station building. The Ram at Firle, which is legendary with locals, is also a short drive away, and is one of our top gastropub picks. The Juggs in Kingston is even closer to The Grain Store and always welcoming to walkers.

Down towards Seven Sisters, there is a wonderful choice of country pubs, many of which offer sea views and warm fires. The Cuckmere Inn is a great pick, as is The Tiger Inn at Beachy Head. There is also the Long Man Brewery if you want to try some Sussex beers and the world-renowned Rathfinny Wine Estate sits perched above the sea and offers brilliant food as well as its famous wines.

FAQs About Walking Holidays in the South Downs

Where Does The South Downs Walk Start?

The 100 mile trail starts in Winchester and winds down to the English Channel, but you can pick whichever stretch you want. The South Downs National Park website provides searchable walks where you can stipulate your level, distance, location and the duration of your planned hike.

Can you stay in one place and do day walks?

Absolutely and The Grain Store is perfect for this as you can access the South Downs Way for a ramble direct from us. However, if there is a specific section you want to walk that isn’t on our doorstep, The Grain Store team can advise as to how to get there.

How long does it take to walk the South Downs Way?

This is obviously dependent on how fast you walk but most experts agree that the entire route takes about a week.

Are South Downs walking routes suitable for beginners?

Some routes are definitely suited to beginners. You can use the South Downs National Park website to search for the route that fits your needs. We can help you find a route too and guide as to where you can stop and eat as well.

Book your walking holiday today

The Grain Store is the perfect base for a walking holiday on The South Downs. Not only does it sit right next to these stunning hills, but it is also a haven for relaxing and rejuvenating after you have been walking all day. Please do get in touch so we can help tailor your trip to your needs. We look forward to welcoming you to our space and showing you all of the beauty of our county.

Walking Holidays in the South Downs: The Ultimate Guide to Routes, Stays & Scenery