One National Park you are certain to fall in love with is the idyllic South Downs National Park, which is probably how our American friends probably envisage the Great British countryside! The best way to enjoy a stay in this luscious park is undoubtedly by renting your very own self-catering cottage, which can be tailored to your specific requirement via online search refinements. This makes specifying the size of your cottage, area you desire to stay in, and any budget restrictions, easier than ever. There are heaps of options in the South Downs area when it comes to cottage rentals, which means prices are competitive and you won’t struggle with availability in busier seasons. And the busier seasons do get busy indeed, because the South Downs National Park is something of a national treasure.
Click to view country cottages on South Downs
Why book a holiday cottage on the South Downs?
Set in the gorgeous south of England, South Downs is the UK’s newest National Park, having received its National Park status as recently as April 2011. But why would you choose South Downs as opposed to one of the other UK National Parks? Well, that question has an array of answers. Firstly, South Downs National Park has a versatile – but always stunning – landscape that covers over 1,600km2 of vintage English countryside, encompassing rolling hills, stunning views and hidden treasures. There is also an incredible amount of natural beauty just waiting to be discovered in the park, which stretches from Surrey, to Winchester in Hampshire and eastwards across much of Sussex and along the south coast past Worthing, Brighton and across to Eastbourne. It encompasses nature reserves, parkland, golf courses, big country estates, and the famed Seven Sisters Cliffs, an abundance of wildlife (think butterflies, weasels, badgers, stoats), greensands and clay fields.
Naturally, an incredible landscape the size of South Downs is perfect for taking long afternoon walks with loved ones (there are hundreds of routes), or cycling through miles of untouched beauty with friends, sucking in some of the country’s freshest air. But beyond rambling and cycling, there are lots of things to see and do that will keep the entire family entertained. Hang gliders can be seen taking to the skies and gliding east of the town of Lewes.
You can visit one of the many bustling historic towns and villages for a day, for instance, or make a point of broadening your horizons at one of the area’s iconic museums. If you opt for a self-catering cottage for your stay, it would be silly not make good use of the many farmers’ markets that spring up all over the South Downs, which give you the chance to purchase delectable meats, cheeses and vegetables – all locally and reliably sourced. Self-catering also means you’re not tied down to eating at one place, as you would be if you were on an all-inclusive holiday. And as there are hundreds of great restaurants, pubs and gastro pubs in the area, it makes perfect sense to make the most of them during your stay; you’re on holiday, after all!
