Access & Recreation

The South Downs National Park offers great opportunities for recreational activities. People are drawn to the area by its breathtaking landscapes and views, tranquillity, variety of wildlife and rich heritage.  There is an estimated 46.3 million day visits per year in the National Park. Visitors come from many different types of areas inside and on the doorstep of the National Park, and also from further afield. Tourism brings money and employment to the area and is a very important part of the economy of the South Downs.

The South Downs National Park has the longest right of way network of all national parks in the UK. There are 3,000km footpaths, bridleways and byways. The entire South Downs Way National Trail is within the National Park boundary. It stretches from Winchester to Eastbourne and is over 160km long.  This excellent public access creates fantastic opportunities for walking, cycling and horse riding as well as more adventurous activities such as canoeing, paragliding and orienteering.