Something shifts in the South Downs in spring. The light lingers, the greenery returns, bird song echoes and the paths are dusty rather than muddy!
Spring in the South Downs really is a great time of year and a stay at The Castle Inn Hotel means that you have the perfect base to explore the area. Here’s why Spring is the season to visit:
01 Walking the South Downs National Park
When it comes to spring in the South Downs, top of the list is walking and exploring! The South Downs National Park stretches 100 miles from Winchester to Eastbourne so there are an abundance of paths to explore.
The Downs ridge above Bramber and Steyning opens up long views south to the sea and north across the Weald. On a clear spring morning, you can see for miles in every direction.
There are many routes to follow in the South Downs and you can choose to explore on your own or you can join the many guided walking tours on offer across the region.
From The Castle Inn, you are on the edge of the National Park from the moment you step outside. The River Adur path runs directly from the village, taking you along the water through Upper Beeding in one direction and out towards Shoreham in the other. For elevation, the Downs ridge is a short walk from the hotel door. Dogs are very welcome on all of these routes and the Castle Inn Hotel also widely welcomes your four-legged friends.
For some South Downs walking routes from The Castle Inn, click here.
02 Heritage Attractions in the South Downs
Visiting the South Downs National Park in Spring also means that you get to explore the many heritage attractions on offer in the area. Even though the village of Bramber is small it carries an extraordinary amount of history for its size.
Bramber Castle, built after the Norman Conquest, still has its 75-foot keep wall intact. St Mary’s House and Gardens, a Grade I listed medieval house built in 1470, is one of the finest timber-framed buildings in Sussex and opens to visitors from May. St Nicholas’ Church, originally the castle’s chapel and dating to 1075, is the oldest Norman church in the county.
Beyond the village, but within walking distance is Chanctonbury Ring, a small Iron Age hillfort sitting 783 feet above sea level on the northern edge of the South Downs, overlooking a large portion of the Weald.
For attractions further afield Arundel Castle proves a great day out. This restored medieval castle was once home to the Dukes of Norfolk for centuries and widely welcomes visitors today.
03 The South Downs Coast
Our third reason for visiting the South Downs National Park this spring? Exploring the coast, so not only do you benefit from stunning landscapes and rolling countryside, you also get to enjoy the sea air. This is one of the most unappreciated things about the South Downs!
Some of the top coastal areas in the South Downs are:
Eastbourne: The South Downs Way stretches from Winchester in the west all the way down to the iconic coastal town of Eastbourne. Famous for its bandstand and elegant Victorian seafront it’s an ideal spot for strolling and enjoying an ice cream.
The Sussex Heritage Coast: This stretches from Eastbourne, along the iconic chalk cliffs of Beachy Head and the Seven Sisters, past Cuckmere Haven and on to Splash Point at Seaford.
Just outside the park with just a 20-30 minute drive from Bramber, you also have coastal towns of Shoreham-by-Sea, Worthing and Brighton.
04 Vineyards in the South Downs
Sussex is home to some of the finest vineyards in the country, many of them set within the South Downs National Park. Bramber is perfectly placed for exploring the region’s renowned chalk-slope sparkling wine estates, with several exceptional wineries just a short drive away.
Bramber is in a particularly good position, as you can reach the chalk-slope sparkling wine estates quite easily. Some top wineries to visit during your stay in the South Downs this spring:
Wiston Estate: Just 15 minutes from Bramber, Wiston Estate is one of Sussex’s standout vineyard experiences, producing award-winning English sparkling wines. Visitors can enjoy guided vineyard and winery tours with tastings before returning to Bramber for a relaxed evening at The Castle Inn.
Nutbourne Vineyards: A more relaxed, family-run vineyard experience, Nutbourne offers rolling countryside with lakes, meadows and alpacas as well as their guided vineyard tours!
Bolney Wine Estate: One of the best known vineyards in the Sussex region, this vineyard also boasts a restaurant and shop alongside its wine tours.
05 Staying at The Castle Inn in the South Downs
Spring in the South Downs really is a beautiful time of year with an abundance of things to do and see. The Castle Inn offer the ideal base to explore the area, with its comfortable bedrooms, excellent dining options, a traditional, warm welcome and a place to relax on the terrace or in the cosy bar area.
Longer, light evenings means you can still enjoy Bramber until the sun goes down, with a stroll along the Adur River or a wander to the castle ruins.
Ready to stay in the South Downs?
The Castle Inn Hotel sits in the heart of Bramber village on the edge of the South Downs National Park. With twenty comfortable en-suite bedrooms, seasonal Sussex dining, a welcoming bar with open fire, and dog-friendly stays, it’s the ideal base for a spring escape.
Spring weekends fill quickly, so now is the perfect time to plan your stay. Find out our latest availability.
