Cherrystone Barn lies on the edge of the South Downs near Lewes Photocredit: Cherrystone Barn. Click to View

Find My Favourite Holiday Cottages on The South Downs

Enjoy self-catering holidays in the South Downs National Park. The South Downs is a beautiful mixture of biodiverse landscapes with classic English towns and villages. The National Park covers an area of over 1,600 km2 and is home to more than 110,400 people. The area is one of outstanding beauty and steeped in history and traditional English culture, from the ancient Hampshire cathedral city of Winchester (where Jane Austen is buried) in the west to the bustling Sussex market town of Lewes in the east. The South Downs is home to many idyllic picture-postcard villages which, in addition to a traditional village pub or shop, offer an appealing choice of holiday cottages in peaceful rural surroundings from Alfriston in the east to Chawton (where Jane Austin lived) in the west.

A 2-storey barn conversion with  terracotta tiles nestles against a cluster of small trees overlooking a large garden and fields in East Sussex.
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

Set amidst an East Sussex valley north of the South Downs, Cherrystone Barn is a rural retreat near Lewes; a perfect holiday getaway for couples, this romantic countryside cottage with a hot tub has an enclosed garden offering expansive views, an open-plan living area and a separate bedroom with en-suite rolltop bath.

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Sleeps
Bedrooms
2

Situated within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Amberley is Densford Cottage, a lovely end-terrace in the South Downs. The cosy cottage features a peaceful, enclosed garden with a patio and a light, airy interior with contemporary design features and a log fire. Enjoy the best of West Sussex.

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Exterior of a weather-boarded East Sussex Cottage and lawned garden.
Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
4

Cherry Cottage is a spacious, modern rural holiday cottage in East Sussex boasting seclusion and tradition. The pet-friendly cottage lies in Ripe, near Lewes and boasts stunning rural views, exposed beams and outdoor entertaining areas. Beautiful walks lead from its doorstep, and the wonders of Sussex await.

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A timber eco-lodge backed by trees overlooks an open field.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Brooks Lodge is an award-winning eco-friendly cottage surrounded by lush green fields in Piddinghoe, Sussex, just moments from the scenic Egrets Way Footpath. This rural cottage boasts wonderful countryside views and offers extensive grounds, large windows to capture the views, and a stylish contemporary interior.

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The South Downs lies within easy reach of some of England’s most popular seaside resorts along the south coast, including the cosmopolitan city of Brighton, home to the famous Brighton Pavilion. From here, you can enjoy the delights of a vibrant city with great restaurants, theatres and clubs. If you are seeking a self-catering holiday nearby that offers more in the way of peaceful relaxation, the village of Rottingdean is just along the coast.

From your holiday home in the South Downs, go exploring for a day in the Seven Sisters Country Park near Cuckmere, which offers walking, cycling and canoeing as ways to get around. South Downs stately homes to explore include Petworth House and the lesser-known but equally delightful Parham House (and garden). Wine lovers will enjoy a tour of the Breaky Bottom Vineyard near Lewes, where visitors are welcome to call in for a tasting.