South Downs National Park, East Sussex
The South Downs National Park didn’t actually became a National Park until 2010, so it’s the UK’s newest one. It covers around 628 square miles from Winchester to Eastbourne, straddling the counties of Hampshire, West Sussex and East Sussex.
In East Sussex, you don’t have to go far to be greeted by the spectacular landscape of the South Downs National Park, so if you’re spending your large group holidays in this part of the world, you really shouldn’t let the opportunity to explore pass you by. Get out there, breathe in the bountiful fresh air, stretch your legs with a good hike on the South Downs Way; walk the ridge to see the famous Long Man of Wilmington, or the coast path to see the dramatic chalk cliffs at Beachy Head and the Seven Sisters.
Discover the bustling market towns in the South Downs, and the unspoilt villages with country pubs where the welcome is warm. Have a pokey round the tiny ancient churches at Lullington and Berwick, richly decorated by the Bloomsbury Artists during the Second World War. Take a stroll around Alfriston, one of the prettiest villages in the UK, with centuries old buildings housing independent shops, tea rooms, inns and restaurants.
Spend an evening stargazing at Birling Gap, visit Virginia Woolf’s house at Rodmell, see the historic castle and browse the shops at Lewes, go windsurfing or kayaking at Cuckmere Haven. There’s so much waiting to be discovered and enjoyed in the South Downs, and memories waiting to be made.
All information correct at the time of writing