Discover The South Downs Way
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Sample Sussex Sparking Wines on the South Downs Way
Did you know that the region of Sussex, with its warm climate and chalky soils, has been nurturing some of England's oldest vineyards for years and is known for passionately crafting exceptionally high-quality sparkling wines that are often compared to Champagne? So much so, they have gained worldwide acclaim and the region has recently (in 2022) gained a prestigious Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status, meaning it’s in the esteemed company of the likes of the aforementioned Champagne region and others such as Bordeaux, Burgundy and Tuscany!
![Sample Sussex Sparking Wines on the South Downs Way]()
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The Seven Sisters Chalk Cliffs
One of the highlights of the South Downs Way is the Seven Sisters cliffs. Similar to the White Cliffs of Dover, they are a series of striking white chalk cliffs along the English coast. Unlike Dover’s single stretch, the Seven Sisters rise and fall in a series of natural dips and slopes, giving them a more unspoilt, organic feel. Framed by rolling green hills, the cliffs open out to wide views across the English Channel, offering a quiet sense of England’s rugged coastline. Their dramatic scenery has even featured in films such as Atonement and Robin Hood, capturing the cliffs’ cinematic appeal.
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South Downs Way Facts
The South Downs National Park
The 100-mile South Downs Way is the only National Trail entirely within a National Park — the South Downs National Park. The UK’s youngest National Park, founded in 2010, is steeped in history, with some trails and sites dating back over 5,000 years. Just an hour from London, it’s an easily accessible escape into the countryside. Much of the Way follows the chalk ridge, offering sweeping views over the English Channel and the Isle of Wight. The park is also home to rare birds such as skylarks and peregrine falcons, and its chalk grasslands burst into colour in spring and summer with wildflowers like orchids and cowslips.
Winchester
The South Downs Way begins in historic Winchester, famed for its Gothic cathedral — one of the largest in Europe — and as the final resting place of novelist Jane Austen. The city also hosts the UK’s largest farmers’ market, with over 100 stalls offering artisan bread, cheese, ice cream and more, held twice a month on the second and last Sunday.
Historic Hill Forts
The park is dotted with ancient hill forts, including sites like Old Winchester Hill and Chanctonbury Ring, some dating back to the Iron Age. These provide a glimpse into thousands of years of human history and offer panoramic views across the countryside.
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