The South Downs National Park has been formed over millions of years with layers of marine deposits eventually filling a shallow tropical sea. The distinctive chalk ridge of the South Downs is often referred to as the spine and takes in the counties of Hampshire, Surrey and Sussex. The area has it all, the white cliffs of the Heritage coast, rolling hilltops and ridges, glorious heathland, river valleys and ancient woodland, all perfect to set off and explore from your cottage rental in the South Downs.

Visitors love the landscape and breathtaking views, the variety of wildlife, unspoilt and distinctive towns and villages and their cultural heritage. Holiday cottages in the South Downs can be rural or near the coast, have a private hot tub, enclosed garden if taking young children or pets, or part of our luxury collection, the choice really is yours.

The rivers are some of the finest in the country, take a look into the Itchen’s gin clear water and if you’re lucky you may see, salmon, trout, water voles or the blue flash of a Kingfisher. There’s a host of interesting places and cultural sites from the Bronze Age to WWII, in the west towards Shoreham it is largely wooded and the Queen Elizabeth Country Park is delightful.

Day trips to some of the cosmopolitan towns such as Arundel and its castle or Brighton on the coast are not to be missed. Devil’s Dyke is just 5 miles north of Brighton and the largest, deepest, and widest dry valley in the UK with stunning views in every direction. Eastbourne, Newhaven, Worthing, Chichester and Winchester are also among the larger towns and cities within the region and well worth visiting.

There’s a multitude of gastro pubs and country inns to choose from, if you turn over a beer mat in one of the National Park pubs you’ll very often find a short circular walk to follow. This is a lovely destination where you can combine a relaxing break with a variety of outdoor activities which also includes hand-gliding, golf, paragliding and a variety of water sports.