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HomeRoad TripsEuropeWest EuropeGreat BritainEnglandSouth Downs
File:South Down - national park.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

South Downs Scenic Drive

Eastbourne - Lewes - Brighton - Arundel - Petworth - Chichester

Expect on your itinerary

Security Security
Landscape Landscape
Benefit-stress ratio Benefit-stress ratio
Comfort Comfort
Road conditions Road conditions
Beach Beach
Urban life Urban life
Historical sites Historical sites
South Downs Scenic Drive ACTIVATE MAP Stages5 km180 h/stage0.8

Best months to drive

I II III IV V VI
VII VIII IX X XI XII

Road Trip Costs

How much does it cost to go on a South Downs Scenic Drive in England?

Economy
Low budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 45EUR drive & more 25EUR sleep & more 77EUR eat & more 96EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 198EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 243EUR
Standard
Mid budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 72EUR drive & more 38EUR sleep & more 154EUR eat & more 144EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 336EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 408EUR
Premium
High budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 126EUR drive & more 50EUR sleep & more 220EUR eat & more 192EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 462EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 588EUR
Camper
On the road in RV, overnight at camp grounds with self-catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 225EUR drive & more 50EUR sleep & more 55EUR eat & more 96EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 201EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 426EUR
Car rental Book hotel Flights
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South Downs Itinerary

The South Downs Scenic Drive is a 112 mile journey through the beautiful countryside of Eastbourne and Chichester in England. This trip is best taken during the summer months, when you can experience the lush green hills, rolling pastures, and picturesque towns. The drive starts in Eastbourne and passes through Lewes, Arundel, and Petworth before ending in Chichester. Along the way, you can explore the historic sites of Lewes Castle and Arundel Castle, or take a stroll through Petworth Park. The roads are mostly in good condition, although some parts can be narrow. With a moderate budget, this road trip is suitable for all drivers and provides a memorable experience.
number of days 1 number of days
route length 180 km route length
budget fair budget
good for tourist good for
traffic direction on the left traffic direction
accident level moderate accident level

START Eastbourne

Distance 180 km Driving time 4.1 h Pace: slow 41.4 kWh Airports LGW , LHR
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Eastbourne is a charming coastal town in the south of England and is the starting point of the renowned South Downs Scenic Drive. This drive is a perfect way to explore the stunning views of the South Downs National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Eastbourne has plenty of sightseeing opportunities, from the iconic Beachy Head Cliffs and Belle Tout Lighthouse to the historic Eastbourne Pier and the picturesque Royal Parade Gardens. The town also has a range of shops, cafes and restaurants to explore, as well as the Eastbourne Bandstand, a popular venue for concerts and festivals. For those traveling by air, Eastbourne is close to London Gatwick Airport (LGW), which offers a range of car rental options. From here, you can begin your journey along the South Downs Scenic Drive and take in the beautiful views of the Downs. With its stunning coastline, picturesque parks and exciting attractions, Eastbourne is an ideal starting point for a road trip.

1 Eastbourne - Lewes

Distance 40 km Driving time 1.0 h Pace: modest 10.4 kWh View map Itinerary
dining venues scenic road sections of narrow road accommodation options interesting  historic site
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Embark on an exciting road trip starting in Eastbourne, England and ending in Lewes! This 25mi journey will take you less than an hour, and you will pass through the charming village of Alfriston. As you drive, keep your eyes peeled for historical sites, scenic roads, and narrow sections. This is just one stage of a larger tour, so make sure to check the Itinerary for more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route. Enjoy your drive!

2 Lewes - Brighton

Distance 28 km Driving time 0.7 h Pace: slow 6.4 kWh View map Itinerary
dining venues scenic road sections of narrow road EV charging station accommodation options junction of road trips interesting  historic site interesting cultural site
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Are you ready for an exciting road trip from Lewes to Brighton? This 17-mile stretch of road will take you less than an hour to complete and is full of interesting places to visit. Start your journey in Lewes, where you can explore the ruins of Lewes Castle, the charming cobbled streets of Cliffe High Street, and the picturesque South Downs National Park. As you make your way towards Ditchling, you'll find yourself driving through the rolling hills of the Sussex countryside. Make sure to keep an eye out for historical sites and scenic roads. In Ditchling, visit the Jack & Jill Windmills, a pair of Grade II listed windmills, and the St. Margaret's Church, a 12th century Anglican church. Finally, end your journey in Brighton, a vibrant city full of culture, art galleries, and delicious food. Take a stroll along the iconic Brighton Pier and explore the Royal Pavilion, a former royal residence. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check out the Itinerary for this stage.

3 Brighton - Arundel

Distance 47 km Driving time 1.1 h Pace: modest 12.2 kWh View map Itinerary
dining venues scenic road sections of narrow road accommodation options interesting  historic site
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Are you ready for an exciting road trip? Start your journey in Brighton, England and make your way to Amberley and then Arundel. This 29mi journey will take you fewer than two hours, so you'll have plenty of time to explore the attractions along the way. In Amberley, make sure you check out the Amberley Working Museum, which is home to a variety of historical artifacts and machinery. In Arundel, you can visit Arundel Castle, a stunning 11th century castle that is open to the public. Don't forget to take a scenic drive along the Arundel River, where you can take in the breathtaking views. As you make your way through the countryside, keep in mind that some sections of the road are quite narrow. Don't forget to take in the sights, sounds, and smells of the countryside as you make your way to your destination. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check out the "Itinerary" of this stage. With so much to see and do, this road trip is sure to be an unforgettable adventure!

4 Arundel - Petworth

Distance 25 km Driving time 0.6 h Pace: modest 6.6 kWh View map Itinerary
dining venues scenic road sections of narrow road accommodation options
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Embark on a road trip from Arundel to Petworth, a distance of 16 miles and a driving time of fewer than 1 hour. This is one of the most scenic routes in England, with narrow sections of road and winding pathways. Start in Arundel, a picturesque town with a castle and a beautiful cathedral. From there, drive to Slindon, a rural village with a charming old church and a picturesque village green. Finally, end at Petworth, a historic market town with a variety of shops and restaurants. Be sure to check out the Petworth House and Park, a stunning 17th century mansion surrounded by lush parkland. For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your journey!

5 Petworth - Chichester

Distance 40 km Driving time 0.8 h Pace: modest 10.4 kWh View map Itinerary
EV charging station dining venues scenic road sections of narrow road interesting  historic site accommodation options
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Are you ready for an exciting road trip from Petworth to Chichester? This 25-mile journey takes less than an hour to complete, and you'll be treated to some of the most stunning views in the area. Start in Petworth and make your way through Midhurst, where you'll find some fascinating historical sites, as well as some of the most scenic roads in the region. As you drive, keep an eye out for the narrow sections of the route, as well as some of the charming villages you'll pass by. When you reach Chichester, you'll find plenty of attractions to explore, as well as accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites. For more information on the attractions and amenities along the route, be sure to check out the Itinerary section of this stage. So, buckle up and get ready for an unforgettable journey!

  Chichester

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Chichester is a beautiful city located in England that marks the end of the South Downs Scenic Drive. This drive takes travelers through some of the most stunning scenery in the area and is a great way to experience the local culture and attractions. Once you arrive in Chichester, there are many great places to visit. The Chichester Cathedral is a stunning example of Gothic architecture and is a great place to explore the city's long and rich history. You can also visit the Novium Museum to learn more about the city and its past. The Chichester Festival Theatre is the perfect place to see a show or take in a live performance. For those arriving by car, Chichester is easy to get to. It's located just north of the A27, and it's a short drive from both London and Brighton. There is also a train station located in the city center. If you're flying into the area, the closest international airport is London Heathrow Airport (LHR). Chichester is an ideal destination for a road trip and the perfect end to the South Downs Scenic Drive. With its stunning architecture, rich history, and vibrant culture, there is something for everyone to enjoy in this beautiful city.

South Downs at a glance

Facts for safer driving in England

drink drive limit drink drive limit 0.8
max speed urban max speed urban 48 km/h
max speed rural max speed rural 96 km/h
max speed highway max speed highway 112 km/h
headlights at daytime headlights at daytime off
fire extinguisher fire extinguisher no
tolls tolls yes
seat belts seat belts yes

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