South Downs Way Walking Holidays
Walk the South Downs Way with our 2 to 10 day itineraries.
Browse holidays - from £335ppWe are South Downs Way specialists and are passionate about sharing our love of this beautiful part of the UK!
We know the South Downs Way like the back of our hands! We offer six to ten day walking holidays along the full length of the trail from Winchester to Eastbourne and we also provide shorter routes if you are limited for time. These range from two to five day itineraries along different sections of the South Downs Way.
We’ll take all the hassle out of organising your trip and will plan everything down to the last detail, so all that’s left for you to do is lace up your best walking shoes and enjoy!
Enjoy a self-guided walking holiday along the beautiful South Downs Way.
Our flexible approach means we can work with you to create your ideal itinerary and you will deal with the same person from your first point of contact until the end of your holiday. We take pride in the levels of service we offer, but don’t just take our word for it, check out our client testimonials.
For more information on our South Downs walking holidays, call our friendly team at +44 (0)1925 914182.
Full South Downs Way
holiday routes
6 days Walking
Winchester to Eastbourne
- 106 miles / 171 km
- Averaging 18 miles / 29 km per day
- Booking code SDW6
7 days Walking
Winchester to Eastbourne
- 103 miles / 166 km
- Averaging 15 miles / 24 km per day
- Booking code SDW7
8 Days Walking
Winchester to Eastbourne
- 105 miles / 169 km
- Averaging 13 miles / 21 km per day
- Booking code SDW8
9 Days Walking
Winchester to Eastbourne
- 106 miles / 170 km
- Averaging 12 miles / 20 km per day
- Booking code SDW9
10 Days Walking
Winchester to Eastbourne
- 110 miles / 177 km
- Averaging 11 miles / 18kms per day
- Booking code SDW10
Shorter South Downs Way
holiday routes
2 Days Walking
Eastbourne Circular via Alfriston
- South Downs Way inland & coastal route
- 22 miles / 36 kms,
- Averaging 11 miles / 18 km per day
- Booking code EC2
3 Days Walking
Poynings to Eastbourne
- 39 miles / 63 kms
- Averaging 13 miles / 21 km per day
- Booking code PE3
3 Days Walking
Winchester to Amberley
- 47 miles / 75 kms
- Averaging 16 miles / 25 km per day
- Booking code WA3
4 Days Walking
Winchester to Amberley
- 48 miles / 77 kms
- Averaging 12 miles / 19 km per day
- Booking code WA4
4 Days Walking
Amberley to Eastbourne
- 56 miles / 90 kms
- Averaging 14 miles / 22 km per day
- Booking code AE4
5 Days Walking
Amberley to Eastbourne
- 58 miles / 93 kms
- Averaging 11 miles / 18 km per day
- Booking code AE5
Customer reviews
Why choose a South Downs Walking holiday with us?
We love everything about what we do, and we are only too happy to share our passion for the South Downs Way with you! With years of experience walking, trekking and cycling across the South Downs National Park, our first-hand experience is unmatched.
Our South Downs walks provide:
- South Downs specialists with in-depth knowledge that can’t be rivalled!
- A personalised service – you’ll deal with the same person from your first enquiry until the end of your holiday, ensuring continuity and great service!
- Attention to detail – perfectly planned itineraries to explore the very best the South Downs has to offer.
- A tour of the best places of interest – from archaeological essentials like Winchester Cathedral to natural wonders like the River Adur and quaint villages.
- High-quality B&Bs, pubs and restaurants, all visited and tested by us first-hand
- A reliable baggage transfer service so you can be confident your bags will arrive safely at each destination!
- Flexible options are just for you; we can tailor your trip to suit your needs.
Our walking holidays are operated by Discovery Walking – our dedicated walking holiday company. Read more about us.
The South Downs Way Route
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the South Downs Way?
The trail stretches for around 100 miles from historic Winchester in Hampshire to the coastal resort of Eastbourne in East Sussex
What accommodation do you use?
We understand that good quality accommodation is the key component to a successful walking holiday and often the difference between a good holiday and a great one! We use a mix of good quality B&B's, hotels & pubs and you don't need to pay a deposit until everything is booked, so you'll see where you'll be staying before you need to pay anything!
We don’t like leaving anything to chance so we personally visit all our accommodation providers, as well as constantly monitoring customer feedback and online reviews.
What is included in our walking holidays?
Our walking holidays include handpicked accommodation with en suite or private bathrooms, breakfast, luggage transfers, luggage labels, personalised trip notes with insider tips, OS map booklet with all your accommodation and points of interest marked on it, a Trailblazer guide book & 24/7 support during your trip.
Can I customise my walking holiday?
Absolutely! We are very flexible so will work with you to plan the perfect itinerary.
Are group discounts available?
Yes, we offer discounts for groups of 4 people or more. The larger the group the bigger the discount!
What level of fitness is required for the routes?
You don’t need to be an athlete, but a decent level of fitness will make your walk more enjoyable. The Downs inevitably mean quite a few ups as well so being comfortable with hill walking and appropriate daily distances is a good idea.
What meals are included?
Breakfast is included to get you started for the day! For lunch and dinner, we’ll give you some great recommendations for places to eat along the way.
Is there a luggage transfer service?
Yes, luggage transfers are included. Your bags will be collected each day no earlier than 9am and dropped off no later than 4pm but usually much earlier.
What should I pack for the walk?
Think comfortable and practical. Good walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothes and a daypack for essentials. Don’t forget a water bottle, hat sunscreen and snacks for the trail.
What is the best time of year to walk the South Downs Way?
The best time is from spring to autumn (April to October) although UK weather is notoriously hard to predict!
How do I book a walking holiday?
It’s easy! You can book directly on our website or give us a call/email. Well help you plan the perfect walking holiday and then check availability for your preferred dates and get you booked in. You don't need to pay anything until it's all booked and confirmed and you have seen where you will be staying.