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

Find your holiday

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.

About this route

4 to 6 nights
48 miles
Moderate to Moderate / Demanding
2nd January to 24th December

From £570 per person

South Downs Way - West Section

Less than an hour from London, the west section of the South Downs Way is a wholly inland walk along the chalk ridge of the South Downs escarpment.

From the historic city of Winchester, home to one of the largest cathedrals in Europe, the trail passes through a landscape brimming with Bronze Age and Celtic history, with stops in idyllic English villages.

Available tours

Code Tour Duration Difficulty Price per person
SDWW1 From Winchester to Amberley 4 nights, 3 days walking Moderate / Demanding £570
SDWW2 From Winchester to Amberley 5 nights, 4 days walking Moderate £710
SDWW3 From Winchester to Amberley 6 nights, 5 days walking Moderate £850

Short breaks

Code Tour Duration Difficulty Price per person
SDWSBE From Kingston-near-Lewes(T) to Eastbourne 3 nights, 2 days walking Moderate £425

Customer reviews from the South Downs Way - West Section

“This was our 5th Contours holiday and was of the excellent standard we have come to expect from Contours.”
Mr McDonough, UK
“It was great, good time and good weather made it worthwhile.”
Mr Wheelock, UK
“First time walking in the south of England, very enjoyable. Fully intend booking second half of SDW for next year.”
Mr Goodbody, UK
“Overall it is a good walking holiday. The walking is path is everywhere very well indicated, and the paths are well maintained. The accommodations are also of good level.”
Ms Creusot, Netherlands
“Fabulous holiday despite the weather - many thanks.”
Dr Langdon, UK
“Contours really delivered a great service.”
Mr Mahon, UK
“We enjoyed it very much. We weren't quite sure what to expect, in terms of what the accommodation would be like, and how well the taxi transfer arrangements would work etc, but it was all as good or even better than we were hoping for. Would definitely recommend the holiday to others. We are thinking about next year already.”
Mr Sparrow, UK
“The walk was excellent. The weather was kind to us. I would recommend the walking route.”
Mrs Whailin, UK
“My wife and I returned from our South Downs Way walk earlier this week. This is the second holiday we have had with you and, like the first, it was first class. Wish we had started with you a few years ago when we were a bit (lot) younger and could have tackled some of the more strenuous ones. The scenery on the South Downs was not as dramatic or spectacular as North Cornwall but it was very pleasant walking. The accommodation ranging from good to very good and the hosts were always welcoming and helpful.”
Mr Cowell, UK
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