F or an area of the country that is less than an hour's drive from the bustling streets of London, the South Downs is a tranquil haven of quaint villages and delightful seaside towns. It is also an area of outstanding natural beauty.
The ancient city of Winchester is a great place to start your tour as it is one of the few cities in the UK to have dedicated motorhome parking spaces at its park-and-ride facility. There's plenty to enjoy there, too, and the splendid cathedral is just one of its many attractions.
The pretty market towns of Midhurst and Lewes should not be missed. Midhurst is ideally situated for country pursuits such as walking or cycling, riding and angling. The town's fine 17th- and 18th-century buildings are attractions in themselves. Picturesque Lewes is a vibrant market town with a rich and varied history.
It has a prosperous past and its High Street is full of shops, cafés, restaurants and pubs.
For a change of scenery, head towards the coast and its seaside towns. Brighton mixes all the essentials of a city break – including history and culture, sophisticated shopping, buzzy restaurants and glittering nightlife – with the laid-back charms of a traditional seaside resort. Eastbourne appeals to most people, due to its award-winning beaches and grand promenade. There is loads of motorhome parking space available and a wide variety of attractions to keep the whole family entertained.
South of Eastbourne are the dramatic, white cliffs and gentle, undulating downs of Beachy Head, along with the Seven Sisters chalk cliffs. Here, you can appreciate spectacular views over the Channel. And, the nearby villages of East Dean, Friston and Alfriston all have good pubs, local shops and restaurants to visit.
The oasis of rural charm that is the South Downs makes this area an attractive destination.

Enjoy a pint at the Wykeham Arms
Tucked behind Winchester Cathedral, this pub makes a great place in which to relax after a stroll around the city. It has a great menu and an array of refreshing beers (the tables are old school desks).
Tel 01962 853834
Web www.accommodating-inns.co.uk/wykeham/

Buy local, in the village
The Village Deli in Storrington is a family-run shop which sells an excellent selection of local and international cheeses as well as fine Scotch eggs, pies and wonderful ice cream.
Tel 01903 741111

Have a tipple at Harvey's Brewery
Harvey's Brewery, established in 1790, has a shop in Cliffe St, Lewes, where you can buy their excellent beer. The staff are friendly and will happily provide plenty of information on the brewery and the town.
Tel 01273 480209
Web www.harveys.org.uk

Visit Eastbourne's Military Museum
The big tank parked outside this museum hints at the subject matter. Most of the exhibits are from WWII and take account of the role played by Eastbourne during the war.
Tel 01323 410300
Web www.eastbournemuseums.co.uk

What's NEW
South Downs Heritage Centre and Garden
This fascinating new heritage centre, which can be found adjacent to South Downs Nurseries, in Hassocks, West Sussex, is due to open its doors in April. The Heritage Garden will show how plants have been used over the centuries since Roman times throughout England, but with particular reference to Sussex.
Also on display will be historic crafts practiced within the county, showcasing country craftsmen such as the blacksmith, the wheelwright, the potter, the carpenter and the trug maker, alongside an interesting display of vintage tools and agricultural machinery from this part of the country.
Tel 01273 845232
Web www.south-downs.co.uk/heritage.html

Secret Snail
Travel tips and local info

Parking Update
Motorhome-friendly carparks

What's On
Local shows and events

Discount pitches
Money off coupon for selected parks