South Downs Way

South Downs Way

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

3 to 11 nights
22-102 miles
Moderate to Demanding / Strenuous

From £425 per person

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About the trail

Walk 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. The South Downs Way is a stunning walking holiday through iconic English terrain.

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

Choose your route

  • South Downs Way
  • South Downs Way - East Section
  • South Downs Way - West Section
  • South Downs Way Short Break - East Section
  • South Downs Way Short Break - Central Section
  • This route includes dog friendly tour options South Downs Way Short Break - Circular

Dog friendly tours available

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

Trail running tours available

We also organise trail running holidays along this route. Find out more.

About this route

7 to 11 nights
102 miles
Moderate to Demanding / Strenuous
2nd January to 24th December

From £970 per person

South Downs Way

Book your walking holiday along the South Downs Way and explore all 100 miles of this spectacular National Trail, setting off from Winchester and scrambling eastwards towards Eastbourne on the coast.

The walk traverses the fabulous chalk downs and offers far-reaching views along its length. However, the best scenery arguably comes at the end of your journey, where you'll enjoy magnificent coastal panoramas from atop the rolling clifftops of the famous Seven Sisters.

Available tours

Code Tour Duration Difficulty Price per person
SDW1 From Winchester to Eastbourne 7 nights, 6 days walking Demanding / Strenuous £970
SDW2 From Winchester to Eastbourne 8 nights, 7 days walking Moderate / Demanding £1105
SDW3 From Winchester to Eastbourne 9 nights, 8 days walking Moderate / Demanding £1240
SDW4 From Winchester to Eastbourne 10 nights, 9 days walking Moderate £1375
SDW5 From Winchester to Eastbourne 11 nights, 10 days walking Moderate £1475

Short breaks

Code Tour Duration Difficulty Price per person
SDWSBE From Kingston-near-Lewes(T) to Eastbourne 3 nights, 2 days walking Moderate £425
"St Mary's Church" by Joyce Blakney (2024) "St Mary's Church" by Joyce Blakney (2024)
"Chanctonbury Ring" by Joyce Blakney (2024) "Chanctonbury Ring" by Joyce Blakney (2024)
"Seven Sisters Country Park" by Joyce Blakney (2024) "Seven Sisters Country Park" by Joyce Blakney (2024)
"Eastbourne Pier" by Marty and Jane Holski (2024) "Eastbourne Pier" by Marty and Jane Holski (2024)
"The Best Sign" by Marty and Jane Holski (2024) "The Best Sign" by Marty and Jane Holski (2024)
"Between Exton and South Harting" by Marty and Jane Holski (2024) "Between Exton and South Harting" by Marty and Jane Holski (2024)
"Dew Pond near Clayton" by Paul Day (2023) "Dew Pond near Clayton" by Paul Day (2023)
"The George Inn, Alfriston" by Paul Day (2023) "The George Inn, Alfriston" by Paul Day (2023)
"Kingston Lewes" by Sue Daber (2023) "Kingston Lewes" by Sue Daber (2023)
"Winchester Cathedral" by Sue Daber (2023) "Winchester Cathedral" by Sue Daber (2023)
"Kissing Gate above Amberley" by Lesley Kenworthy (2023) "Kissing Gate above Amberley" by Lesley Kenworthy (2023)
"Eastbourne Pier" by Lesley Kenworthy (2023) "Eastbourne Pier" by Lesley Kenworthy (2023)
"Path down to Kingston near Lewes" by Jay Mirro (2022) "Path down to Kingston near Lewes" by Jay Mirro (2022)
"Landscape near Bramber" by Jay Mirro (2022) "Landscape near Bramber" by Jay Mirro (2022)
"Wide Shot of the South Downs Way" by Jay Mirro (2022) "Wide Shot of the South Downs Way" by Jay Mirro (2022)
"Flowers at Kingston near Lewes" by Jay Mirro (2022) "Flowers at Kingston near Lewes" by Jay Mirro (2022)
"Bridleway along the South Downs Way" by Jay Mirro (2022) "Bridleway along the South Downs Way" by Jay Mirro (2022)
"Well Earned Steak and Ale Pie at Eastbourne" by Jay Mirro (2022) "Well Earned Steak and Ale Pie at Eastbourne" by Jay Mirro (2022)
"Chanctonbury Ring" by Ella Waddingham (2021) "Chanctonbury Ring" by Ella Waddingham (2021)
"Enjoying a Rest" by Marianne Engelshove (2018) "Enjoying a Rest" by Marianne Engelshove (2018)
"Approaching the Coast" by Marianne Engleshove (2018) "Approaching the Coast" by Marianne Engleshove (2018)
"Approaching Eastbourne" by Marianne Engleshove (2018) "Approaching Eastbourne" by Marianne Engleshove (2018)
"Walking towards the Coast" by Marianne Engleshove (2018) "Walking towards the Coast" by Marianne Engleshove (2018)
"Arriving at the Coast" by Marianne Engleshove (2018) "Arriving at the Coast" by Marianne Engleshove (2018)
"Meeting with the Wildlife" by Marianne Engleshove (2018) "Meeting with the Wildlife" by Marianne Engleshove (2018)
"South Harting" by Steven McDonough (2017) "South Harting" by Steven McDonough (2017)
"Winchester Almshouses" by Steven McDonough (2017) "Winchester Almshouses" by Steven McDonough (2017)
"Horse near Pyecombe" by Sam Mitchell (2017) "Horse near Pyecombe" by Sam Mitchell (2017)
"Along Juggs Way" by Sam Mitchell (2017) "Along Juggs Way" by Sam Mitchell (2017)
"Dew Pond" by Sam Mitchell (2017) "Dew Pond" by Sam Mitchell (2017)
"Beachy Head" by Sam Mitchell (2017) "Beachy Head" by Sam Mitchell (2017)
"Sheep Field near Kingston" by Sam Mitchell (2017) "Sheep Field near Kingston" by Sam Mitchell (2017)

Customer reviews from the South Downs Way

“From the very first contact with Contours enquiring about the holiday you have been extremely helpful and friendly. Nothing has been too much trouble. We would especially like to thank you for sorting out the accommodation so that we stayed in Alfriston for two nights. This made things so much easier and I understand from our hosts at Riverdale House that you “pulled out all the stops" to sort this. Thank you.”
Mrs Francis, UK
“Well organised and worthwhile long distance walk. Always good to deal with Contours. Would certainly recommend you.”
Mr Johnson, UK
“So lucky with the weather. Views were stunning. Great trail. We have done a lot of trails and always used Contours.”
Mrs Johnson, UK
“The arrangements have worked out well and we have enjoyed a splendid walk. Luggage delivery faultless.”
Ms Whittington, UK
“Thank you for organising our walk along the SDW. We thoroughly enjoyed it even if we did moan a bit on some of the hills. The only downside was its accessibility to cyclists. Too many going far too fast. Next time I'll choose a route with lots of stiles and very rough ground!”
Ms Willey, UK
“We loved it. Beautiful paths, well signposted. Lovely villages and interesting things to see. Sometimes a bit busy but so clean. No litter. Well done Brits!”
Mrs Baines, Netherlands
“Good”
Mr Kerslake, UK
“Good/excellent accommodation throughout.”
Mr Lea, UK
“Very enjoyable. Will contact you next year to carry on with this - it took me 2 years to walk the West Highland Way.”
Mr Rayner, UK
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