South Downs Way

South Downs Way

A walk along the chalk downs of Hampshire and Sussex, from Winchester to Eastbourne.

3 to 11 nights
22-102 miles
Moderate to Demanding / Strenuous

From £425 per person

Find your holiday

About the trail

Walk the length of the chalk downs of Hampshire and Sussex on the South Downs Way, which dips into beautiful river valleys to visit Norman and Saxon churches, deserted medieval villages, and historic thatched villages bursting with flowers.

This spectacular National Trail boasts a wealth of old beacon viewpoints overlooking patchwork fields and woodland. Those inland vistas are matched only by the breath-taking views from chalk clifftop trails out over the English Channel at the adventure’s end. The South Downs Way is a stunning walking holiday through iconic English terrain.

We offer multiple holiday options along this trail. If you wish to experience the entire trail, simply select the first option from the list below.

Choose your route

  • South Downs Way
  • South Downs Way - East Section
  • South Downs Way - West Section
  • South Downs Way Short Break - East Section
  • South Downs Way Short Break - Central Section
  • This route includes dog friendly tour options South Downs Way Short Break - Circular

Dog friendly tours available

Dogs are welcome on select routes along this trail. Look for the pawprint icon when choosing your holiday.

About this route

5 to 6 nights
54 miles
Moderate to Moderate / Demanding
2nd January to 24th December

From £695 per person

South Downs Way - East Section

The East section of the South Downs Way begins in Amberley and continues along the chalk escarpment of the South Downs until it reaches the white chalk cliffs of Eastbourne.

The trail crosses open fields and agricultural land as the chalk cliffs fall away to reveal far reaching views of the English Channel.

Available tours

Code Tour Duration Difficulty Price per person
SDWE1 From Amberley to Eastbourne 5 nights, 4 days walking Moderate / Demanding £695
SDWE2 From Amberley to Eastbourne 6 nights, 5 days walking Moderate £830

Short breaks

Code Tour Duration Difficulty Price per person
SDWSBE From Kingston-near-Lewes(T) to Eastbourne 3 nights, 2 days walking Moderate £425

Customer reviews from the South Downs Way - East Section

“I thought the accommodations and the food served was wonderful.”
Mr King, USA
“Couldn’t have gone better.”
Mr Ogden, UK
“Loved it, terribly sunny all the day! Absolutely fabulous.”
Mrs Pfaff, UK
“Excellent, would definitely recommend the walk from Amberley to Eastbourne. Couldn't really go wrong as the South Downs Way is so well marked.”
Mr Woolley, UK
“Reliable luggage transfer and comfortable B&Bs with generous and helpful hosts. Strenuous enough without being painful (speaking as one in my 70's). Breakfasts delicious! Such a wonderful way to experience the countryside (and towns as well). Train and bus options close enough in case weather is really nasty. Thank you all again for organising accommodation, luggage, dates, places and interesting notes on the landscape and area, and for helping me achieve at least one item on my Bucket List!”
Ms Deutscher, Australia
“I do like the way that whoever answers the phone at Contours seems to know all the details and is able to deal with matters immediately.”
Mr Simmons, UK
“Easy walking in pleasant countryside.”
Mr Syme, UK
“My first experience of this sort of holiday – I was very impressed with how efficiently everything worked.”
Mr Thexton, UK
“Overall, the holiday was great and we would travel again with Contours.”
Mr Nierenberg, USA
Find your holiday