Nestled in the southeast of England, the South Downs’ chalk hills and rolling green fields help to create some truly stunning scenery, all of which makes this area of the country the perfect place for a road trip.
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So, to get the most out of a journey through ‘the gateway to England’, I’ve put together this list of five things you should do.
1. Plan your journey and factor in popular destinations
The South Downs offers a wealth of sights and activities, so plan your journey in advance to include these attractions.
Stop by the historic market town of Lewes, which boasts a vibrant blend of history and culture. It is the perfect spot to relax and explore.
Then, why not visit the Seven Sisters and admire the breathtaking white cliffs that have served as the backdrop for many films? Alternatively, for even more stunning views, lace up your boots and ascend Ditchling Beacon to fully appreciate all that the South Downs has to offer.
These are just a few of the many amazing destinations that are peppered across this south east area of England and will help to make a good road trip a truly memorable one.
2. Check your vehicle is ready for a road trip
Before setting off on your trip, you need to know that your car is in good working order to prevent breakdowns or accidents. The South Downs are laced with winding roads and different types of terrain to navigate.
Naturally, your tyres will be taking the brunt of this, so checking that they are in good working order, with the appropriate levels of tread on them, is essential.
Should you be in need of new tyres, make sure to stop at a reputable fitting service to help you enjoy this driving landscape safely. As well as checking your tyres, having the right levels of oil, coolant, and washer fluid will mean you can handle any challenges along the way.
If your car fails to meet the requirements to travel through the South Downs, you can consider vehicle hire. A great option for a larger group of people would be coach hire Birmingham who have a wide range of safe and reliable coach hire companies readily available for you to book.
3. Find a place to rest along the way
To properly appreciate all that the South Downs has to offer, you’re going to want to find places to stop overnight so that you can continue to explore the area.
Booking accommodation in advance not only gets you the best deals but also naturally shapes your route, as you’ll be travelling toward each destination you plan to stay in.
Throughout the area there are so many different places to stay – from quaint, family-run bed and breakfasts to grand hotels – and if you’re feeling adventurous, why not set up camp and sleep among the stars?
4. Look up dining spots and grab a bite to eat
As well as the acres of scenery, you will encounter some fantastic places to eat and drink on your road trip.
A combination of climate and chalky soils means that this area of southern England has continued to produce fantastic wine from a host of local vineyards. A bottle or two from them will make for the perfect souvenir from your trip.
You’ll find this great range of local wine in the abundance of traditional pubs and modern eateries that you’ll come across. Some of these restaurants are extremely popular so book ahead to avoid missing out on some gastronomical delights.
5. Discover the great outdoors with a range of activities
My final tip won’t come as a huge surprise. With its proximity to the coast and host of natural beauty spots, it would be wild not to spend some of your road trip hiking, cycling, and breathing in that fresh country air.
Walks along the Cuckmere Valley or Devil’s Dyke make for a day well spent. There are even places where you can saddle up and enjoy the South Downs on horseback!
Get ready to explore this part of the country
Now that you have all you need, it’s time to get the notebook out and start planning an unforgettable road trip across south-east England.
