Welcome to the ‘gateway to England’; a stunning landscape of rolling hills, ancient woodland and picture-perfect villages where the secrets of thousands of years of history can be found in everything from Bronze Age burial mounds to Iron Age hill forts and historic stately homes. Be inspired by the same landscapes that captivated literary heroes such as Jane Austen and Virginia Woolf, discover extraordinarily rich wildlife and explore imposing Norman castles.
Jane Austen – The Dancing Years
Step into Jane Austen’s world by getting up close and personal with the north Hampshire places that she loved and was inspired by. As you visit her birthplace and the church where her father was rector, a passionate guide will bring to life the 18th Century world that surrounded her. Trace the people in beautiful Hampshire villages and churches mentioned in her letters, see the country houses where she danced and visit the Jane Austen House Museum at Chawton where she spent her last years. There will also be a stop for lunch in a traditional South Downs National Park country inn and an in-depth look into the social and cultural history of the 1700s in which Austen wrote.
To find out more about Jane Austen – The Dancing Years and to book, visit the experience website.
Sparkling South Downs – Grape and Grain
A delicious day exploring the delectable food and drink produced in the stunning South Downs National Park awaits on this Sparkling South Downs Tour hosted by a local drinks expert. Wander among the vines and whet the palate at the UK’s oldest commercial vineyard, enjoy a beer tasting and two-course lunch at a traditional village gastropub then finish the day with a distillery tour and tasting of craft gins paired with locally-made artisan chocolates. The day will be peppered with stories of the South Downs’ rich history and play out to the backdrop of the region’s beautiful scenery.
To find out more about Sparkling South Downs – Grape and Grain and to book, visit the experience website.
Sparkling South Downs – Hampshire Tours
Sit back and let an expert guide take you on an intimate chauffeured tour of the sparkling wine vineyards and wineries of the South Downs National Park region. As you visit at least three award-winning wineries, you’ll meet the winemakers to learn about the process of making English Sparkling Wine and see the work that goes into growing the perfect grapes. An experience with sparkle!
To find out more about Sparkling South Downs – Hampshire Tours and book, visit the experience website for full details.
Sparkling South Downs – Fizz on Foot
If you love walking and you love wine, the Fizz on Foot tours of the South Downs National Park will make you sparkle. Starting out in the medieval village of Alfriston and taking in the beautiful South Downs countryside, you’ll visit a local award-winning vineyard for a tour and wine makers lunch. In the company of the winemakers you’ll also take part in tutored tastings of the sparkling wine and enjoy spectacular views of the traditional English landscape.
To find out more about Sparkling South Downs – Fizz on Foot and to book, visit the experience website.
Hills, Heath, Hops and Hampers
For a varied day filled with rolling hills, heath-covered moors, locally produced ales and delicious food, the Hills, Heath, Hops and Hampers tour is hard to beat. With an experienced local guide leading the way, walk in the steps of ancestors by exploring Black Down, the highest point and a hidden heathland treasure within the South Downs National Park. Discover the fascinating history and geology of the area while listening to the birdsong and enjoy stunning views of patchwork fields, rolling hills and ancient woodland. Savour a delicious luxury picnic full of scrumptious local produce at one of the best viewpoints then complete the experience with a visit to an award-winning independent microbrewery for a fun guided tour and ale tasting session.
To find out more about Hills, Heath, Hops and Hampers and to book, visit the experience website.
South Downs National Park is brimming with stunning places to stay. Take a look here