There are main line trains and long distance coaches to both Winchester and Eastbourne as well as several places in between. Allow around 60 – 90 minutes from London. Ferries to Newhaven and Portsmouth, and the London Airports (especially Gatwick) are handy for overseas visitors. Train's from London stop at these places close to the route:
Winchester: Mainline services to and From Southampton (South West Trains)
Petersfield: Train services from London (waterloo) and Portsmouth (South West Trains)
Amberley: From London (Victoria) towards Arundel and Littlehampton. (Southern Trains)
Hassocks: From London (Victoria) towards Brighton and Lewes (Southern Trains and First Capital Connect - From Blackfriars)
Lewes: From London (Victoria)Towards Lewes and Newhaven (Southern Trains)
Eastbourne: From London (Vicotria) via Lewes or from Ashford. (Southern Trains)
Brighton: From London (Victoria, Bridge, Kensington Olympia, Watford Junction served by Southern Trains (inc Gatwick Express) Blackfriars, Thameslink, Bedford, Kings Cross and First Capital Connect) West (Bristol, Gloucester, Westbury, Cardiff served by First Great Western) and East (Ashford, Hastings, Eastbourne served by Southern)
Cyclists Please note that at some periods of the day and on some operators bikes are not allowed on the trains. also most of the more modern trains only have space for 3-4 bikes, thus large groups may have to book ahead or travel in smaller groups. Southern for example requests that 'limited number' of cycles are carried free on all services except on trains due to arrive into London or Brighton between 07.00 and 10.00, or due to depart from London stations or Brighton between 1600 and 1900 on Mondays to Fridays. Reservations for cycles are not required.
Car parks
you may not of course wish to walk the entire length of the path, and parts of it can be incorporated into circular walks or one could walk one way - bus back. Car parking is normally good, although in towns and villages be expected to have to search and pay for parking spaces. Car parks are usually free from crime. but normal precautions must be taken.
The Most Frequently Asked Travel Questions about South Downs Way
Where To Stay & Best Hotels in South Downs Way - updated Apr 2024
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South Downs Way Travel Guide from Wikitravel. Many thanks to all Wikitravel contributors. Text is available under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0, images are available under various licenses, see each image for details.
