The Best Towns & Villages on The South Downs

Known for its medieval streets and historic cathedral, Winchester combines rich heritage with independent shops, riverside walks and a lively cultural scene. Its compact centre and countryside setting make it a popular Hampshire destination.

Dominated by its impressive castle and cathedral, Arundel is a historic market town known for its medieval streets, riverside walks and independent shops. Its blend of heritage and countryside charm makes it a popular South Downs destination.

Set on the Sussex coast, Bexhill-on-Sea is known for its seafront promenade, relaxed atmosphere and modernist De La Warr Pavilion. The town combines beaches, cultural events and coastal walks with traditional seaside charm.

Known for its Roman heritage and striking cathedral, Chichester combines historic streets, galleries and markets with easy access to the South Downs and nearby coast. Its blend of culture and countryside makes it a popular Sussex destination.

Nestled in the South Downs, Alfriston is a picturesque village known for its historic inns, medieval church and scenic countryside walks. Its cosy atmosphere, independent shops and nearby coastline make it a popular rural retreat.

Set in the Hampshire countryside, Alton is a historic market town known for its Georgian streets, nearby walking trails and literary links to Jane Austen. Its relaxed atmosphere makes it a popular South Downs gateway.

Known for its Georgian streets and historic castle, Farnham combines market-town charm with independent shops, galleries and nearby countryside walks. Its creative atmosphere and green surroundings make it a popular Surrey destination.

Set beneath the South Downs, Lewes is a historic market town known for its castle, independent shops and vibrant cultural scene. Its cobbled streets, riverside setting and annual bonfire celebrations give it a distinctive character.

Nestled in the South Downs National Park, Midhurst is a historic market town known for its medieval streets, independent shops and surrounding countryside walks. Its rural charm makes it a popular Sussex retreat.

Located at the mouth of the River Ouse, Newhaven is a working port town known for its ferry links, coastal views and nearby nature reserves. It offers easy access to the South Downs and the Sussex coastline.

Set within the Surrey Hills, Haslemere is known for its historic streets, independent shops and surrounding woodland walks. Its relaxed atmosphere and countryside setting make it a popular South East retreat.

Set at one of the highest points in Surrey, Hindhead is known for its heathland scenery, woodland walks and views across the Surrey Hills. Its peaceful countryside setting makes it a popular destination for outdoor escapes.

Petersfield is a historic market town in the South Downs National Park, known for its independent shops, Georgian architecture and surrounding countryside. It offers walking routes, traditional pubs and easy rail links to London.

Best known for Petworth House, Petworth is a historic market town with antique shops, galleries and elegant streets. Surrounded by countryside, it offers a refined yet relaxed South Downs atmosphere.

Set beside the River Wey, Godalming is a historic market town known for its cobbled streets, independent shops and surrounding countryside. Its relaxed atmosphere and easy access to the Surrey Hills make it a popular rural escape.

Set in the East Sussex countryside, Hailsham is a traditional market town with historic streets, local markets and easy access to the South Downs and nearby coast. It offers a relaxed base for exploring the surrounding area.

Located at the foot of the South Downs, Hassocks is known for its countryside setting, walking routes and easy access to Brighton and nearby villages. Its relaxed atmosphere makes it a popular Sussex base close to coast and hills.

Set beneath the South Downs, Henfield is a charming village known for its independent shops, countryside walks and relaxed rural atmosphere. Its location near Brighton and the Sussex coast makes it a popular South Downs retreat.

Set at the edge of the South Downs, Polegate is a small town known for its countryside surroundings and easy access to Beachy Head, Eastbourne and scenic walking routes. It offers a quieter base for exploring the Sussex coast and hills.

Surrounded by the South Downs countryside, Pulborough is known for its riverside scenery, walking routes and nearby nature reserves. Its peaceful atmosphere and rural setting make it a popular West Sussex retreat.

Selborne is a picturesque Hampshire village known for its ties to naturalist Gilbert White and its surrounding countryside. It offers historic cottages, scenic walking trails and easy access to the South Downs landscape.

Set beside the River Adur estuary, Shoreham-by-Sea combines beaches, waterfront walks and a relaxed coastal atmosphere with easy access to Brighton and the South Downs. Its mix of maritime heritage and creative culture gives it a distinctive charm.

Nestled beneath the South Downs, Steyning is a historic market town known for its cobbled streets, independent shops and countryside walks. Its traditional character and relaxed atmosphere make it a charming Sussex retreat.

Located between Portsmouth and the South Downs, Waterlooville combines modern amenities with easy access to countryside walks and the nearby coast. Its convenient location makes it a practical base in south Hampshire.