The South Downs are often referred to as the lungs of south-east England; a much-needed swathe of countryside backed by the ever-broadening coastal sprawl. Sandwiched between London and the south coast, the rolling hills, pretty villages and beautiful landscapes have gone unrecognised for too long, but finally they are to be awarded National Park status. So what to see and do in the south-east’s new rural idyll? Here’s our pick of where to stay, eat, walk, drink and enjoy the views.
1. Seven Sisters Country Park, Eastbourne
Visible from miles away along the coast, the rippling chalk cliffs of the Seven Sisters lie at the easternmost end of the new park. Backed by open grassland and a beautiful river valley (the Cuckmere), some 280 hectares of East Sussex countryside make up the Seven Sisters Country Park, with canoeing, birdwatching, cycling and walking all on offer. Camping is available within the park and there is basic barn accommodation, too, from £14 for a car and two people.
• +44 (0)1323 870280; sevensisters.org.uk.
2. Breaky Bottom Vineyard, Lewes
The chalky soil of the Sussex Downs is of a similar composition to that of Champagne region in France, meaning that the south of England produces some of the best sparkling wines in the country. Breaky Bottom, just outside Lewes, was first planted in 1974 and produces sparkling and award-winning white wines. Mercifully free of a “visitor centre”, this is a serious vineyard rather than a tourist attraction. Vinophiles are nonetheless welcome to drop in for a tasting – although phoning ahead is essential.
• +44 (0)1273 476427; breakybottom.co.uk.
3. Blackberry Wood Campsite, Streat
Back to basics but with a certain flair, Blackberry Wood is a dream of a campsite, where most of the pitches are in secluded glades with just a couple of logs for seats and a fire-pit. Supper can be cooked over the open fire, or served up at the Jolly Sportsman, an award-winning pub just a short stroll away. There are proper toilets and showers and Wi-Fi but apart from that, it’s all about the rural beauty, with walks and bike trails unfurling from the campsite grounds.
