South Downs Way

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

3 to 11 nights
18-100 miles
Moderate to Demanding / Strenuous

From £315 per person

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.

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

Dog friendly tours available

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

Trail running available

We also organise trail running holidays along this trail. Visit Contours Trail Running Holidays.

Routes on this trail

South Downs Way

7 to 11 nights
100 miles
Moderate+
From £700 per person
A walking holiday from Winchester to Eastbourne along the chalk downs of Hampshire and Sussex.Find Out More

South Downs Way - West Section

4 to 6 nights
48 miles
Moderate+
From £400 per person
A self-guided walking holiday from Winchester to Amberley along the chalk downs escarpment.Find Out More

South Downs Way - East Section

5 to 6 nights
53 miles
Moderate+
From £500 per person
A walking holiday from Amberley to Eastbourne along the chalk South Downs escarpment to the coastal clifftops.Find Out More

South Downs Way Short Break - East Section

3 nights
23 miles
Moderate
From £315 per person
A taster break along the most southerly stretch of the trail from Kingston-near-Lewes to Eastbourne.Find Out More

South Downs Way Short Break - Circular

3 nights
18 miles
Moderate
Dog friendly
From £315 per person
A circular walking holiday from Alfriston via the Seven Sisters Cliffs, Beachy Head, and Eastbourne.Find Out More

South Downs Way Short Break - Central Section

3 nights
23 miles
Moderate
From £315 per person
A short walking holiday from Buriton to Amberley on a central snippet of the South Downs Way.Find Out More

Customer reviews from the South Downs Way

“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
“My first experience of this sort of holiday – I was very impressed with how efficiently everything worked.”
Mr Thexton, UK
“It was delightful and very restorative. I rave about you to every cab driver and colleague that will listen. The views, particularly on the downs between Cocking and Alfriston, were spectacular. I love waking up each morning with nothing on my agenda except walking.”
Ms Turnbull, USA
“All stages of planning and accommodations arrangements went flawlessly thanks to your great organisation.”
Ms Reynolds, USA
“Contours really delivered a great service.”
Mr Mahon, UK
“A wonderful experience. The South Downs is a beautiful is a beautiful area and a wonderful place to walk.”
Dr Reader, Canada
“Fabulous holiday despite the weather - many thanks.”
Dr Langdon, UK
“This was our 5th Contours holiday and was of the excellent standard we have come to expect from Contours.”
Mr McDonough, UK
“The arrangements have worked out well and we have enjoyed a splendid walk. Luggage delivery faultless.”
Ms Whittington, UK