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.
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number of days
180 km
route length
fair
budget
tourist
good for
on the left
traffic direction
moderate
accident level
START
Eastbourne
Distance 180 km
Driving time 4.1 h
Pace: slow
41.4 kWh
Airports
LGW
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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.
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Eastbourne
- Lewes
Distance 40 km
Driving time 1.0 h
Pace: modest
10.4 kWh
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Itinerary
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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!
Lewes - England - Europe - Scenic Drive - www.flickr.com
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2
Lewes
- Brighton
Distance 28 km
Driving time 0.7 h
Pace: slow
6.4 kWh
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Itinerary
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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.
Brighton - England - Europe - Scenic Drive - pxhere.com
Brighton - England - Europe - Scenic Drive - pixabay.com
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3
Brighton
- Arundel
Distance 47 km
Driving time 1.1 h
Pace: modest
12.2 kWh
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Itinerary
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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!
Arundel - England - Europe - Scenic Drive - www.pxfuel.com
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4
Arundel
- Petworth
Distance 25 km
Driving time 0.6 h
Pace: modest
6.6 kWh
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Itinerary
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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!
Petworth - England - Europe - Scenic Drive - Wikimedia Commons
Petworth - England - Europe - Scenic Drive - Wikimedia Commons
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5
Petworth
- Chichester
Distance 40 km
Driving time 0.8 h
Pace: modest
10.4 kWh
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Itinerary
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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 - England - Europe - Scenic Drive - Geograph
Chichester - England - Europe - Scenic Drive - commons.wikimedia.org
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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.
Chichester - England - Europe - Scenic Drive - Wikipedia
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South Downs at a glance
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Start:
Eastbourne
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End:
Chichester
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Distance:
180 km
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Stay:
1 day
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Getting there:
London Gatwick Airport (LGW),
London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
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When to drive:
May, June, July, August, September, October
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More info:
More info you can find in the "Itinerary" section at each stage.
Before you set off
The South Downs Scenic Drive is an enchanting 112-mile journey that unfolds across the rolling hills and lush landscapes of southern England, beginning in the coastal town of Eastbourne and culminating in the historic city of Chichester. This route allows travelers to delve into the region's captivating natural splendor, its rich history, and its cultural heritage.
Key Destinations and Top Sights:
As you traverse this Scenic Drive, you'll encounter the charming towns of Lewes, Arundel, and Petworth, each boasting their own unique attractions. In Lewes, the Norman-era Lewes Castle offers panoramic views of the surrounding area, while the medieval Arundel Castle, set against a backdrop of woodlands and a lake, provides a glimpse into a bygone era. Petworth Park, famous for its vast, serene deer park and the palatial Petworth House, is home to an impressive collection of art and a testament to England's aristocratic past.
Best Time to Go:
To fully appreciate the verdant vistas and to partake in the myriad of outdoor activities available, the summer months are the most favorable for this Road Trip. The landscape is in full bloom, and the climate is typically warm and welcoming.
Potential Risks:
The Roads along this route are generally well-maintained; however, travelers should be prepared for some narrow and winding stretches, especially in rural areas. These Roads can be a bit challenging for inexperienced drivers or those not used to driving on the left, so caution and patience are advised.
Interesting Facts for Roadtrippers:
- The South Downs Scenic Drive includes part of the South Downs National Park, which was designated as a National Park in 2011 due to its rich biodiversity and cultural heritage.
- The route often follows closely to the South Downs Way, a famous long-distance footpath that is a favorite among hikers.
- The drive is dotted with numerous vineyards and farms, offering visitors the chance to sample locally produced wines and fresh English produce.
A good choice for:
The South Downs Scenic Drive is not just a journey through the quintessential English landscape; it's an opportunity to explore ancient castles, historic market towns, and pristine natural parks. This Road Trip combines the joys of pastoral serenity with the allure of historical discovery, promising an experience that is both relaxing and enriching for Roadtrippers of all interests.
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