Day trip from Lewes in the South Downs

2 min summary When to go Map & highlights Things to see & do Families Walking Cycling Tips Local issues

Day trip from Lewes

Spring Barn Farm, Lewes Castle & Pells Pool

Take the train to Lewes. You can take the 123 bus, or cycle or walk the new path that links Lewes with Kingston and visit Spring Barn Farm, a working farm with plenty of family activities. You can help feed the pigs and lambs and take tractor rides. With a farm shop and restaurant, you can stop for lunch or stock up on supplies for the rest of the day or to take home. Head back to Lewes and visit Lewes Castle the 1,000 year old Norman Castle, where you can climb to the top and discover stunning views of Lewes, the Downs and the River Ouse. Cool down at Pells Pool, the oldest fresh water public swimming pool in the country. Relax in the tree-lined green lawn whilst the children splash in the paddling pool.

Before heading back to the train station in Lewes, the adjoining Barbican House Museum is home to the Museum of Sussex Archaeology and definitely worth fitting into your day.

You can view this route on the South Downs National Park Discovery Map.

See all our South Downs Holidays

Give us a call

Our South Downs Holidays

Travel Team

If you'd like to chat about South Downs or need help finding a holiday to suit you we're very happy to help.

01273 823 700

Call us until 6pm

Calling from outside the UK

rosy@responsibletravel.com

01273 823 700

Call us until 6pm

Calling from outside the UK

rosy@responsibletravel.com

More about South Downs

Best time to visit the South Downs

When is the best time to visit the South Downs? We have temperature charts, festival dates and – almost as important – tips on when not to go.

South Downs travel guide

There’s far more to South Downs holidays than the hills. It also includes the woodlands of the Weald, glossy rivers and castle towns, and a band of white cliffs. Read more in our guide.

Where to go in the South Downs

We reveal where to go in the South Downs. Cities include Winchester and Chichester, plus there are villages and vineyards along the South Downs Way.

Camping & campsites on the South Downs

If you’re thinking about camping on the South Downs, we know a few secret spots to tickle your tent pegs, from Mongolian yurts to shepherds’ huts.

Things to see & do in the South downs

We lay out our favourite things to do in the South Downs, from walking and cycling along the hilltops of the South Downs Way to exploring Norman villages.

South Downs for families

Family holidays in the South Downs mix old-fashioned fun in the countryside (think camping, conkers and picnics) with new stargazing sites and lively seaside cities.

Walking in the South Downs

Step off the train and onto the South Downs Way – the centrepiece of South Downs walking holidays. Read about hiking the South Downs here.

Best one day walking itinerary in the South Downs

Try our one-day walking itinerary in the South Downs, exploring Virginia Woolf's village escape.

Cycling in the South Downs

Cycling in the South Downs usually means cycling the South Downs Way – a 160km-long bridleway that tops swooping hills and dramatic valleys.

Best one day cycling itinerary in the South Downs

Our one-day cycling itinerary on the South Downs follows a chalky bridleway from Lewes to panoramic Blackcap.

Horse riding in the South Downs

Find out about horse riding on the South Downs, including which riding schools to visit for guided gallops along some seriously scenic bridleways.

Where to go in the South Downs

Find out about places to visit in the South Downs for wildlife, views and accessible trails, as well as the importance of park rangers.

Places to visit in the South Downs

Discover the best places to visit in the South Downs, including castles, cathedrals and churches that have stood the test of time for 1,000 years or more.

Breweries & vineyards in the South Downs

Read about South Downs breweries and vineyards, from flint farms specialising in sparkling wine to the 18th-century Harveys Brewery.

Farmers markets & shops in the South Downs

Read about farmers’ markets and shops in the South Downs, where farm shops and vineyards come fully stocked with local cheese, wine, coffee and chocolate.

Cafes, restaurants & pubs in the South Downs

Many restaurants and cafés in the South Downs are brilliant at finding inspiration from local produce and county recipes. Find out where to eat and drink here.

Festivals & events in the South Downs

There’s a variety of festivals and events in the South Downs National Park that take place throughout the year. Read on to find out more.

Food festivals & events in the South Downs

Food festivals and events in the South Downs are real knees-ups. Read about fiestas in Brighton, harvest in Chichester, and workshops in Steyning.

Dark Skies Festival in the South Downs

Find out why February is fast becoming one of the best times of year for stargazing in the South Downs National Park’s Dark Sky Reserve.

South Downs travel advice

We’ve spoken with our holiday experts to source the best South Downs travel advice, plus our travellers chip in with their packing tips and favourite finds.

South Downs autumn colours

The South Downs National Park is blessed with woodlands, heathlands and downlands from where to enjoy the autumn colours outdoors.

Christmas in the South Downs

From wild winter walks to spooky Sussex stories, find out things to do and where to stay if you’re dreaming of a South Downs Christmas.

Day trips from Brighton in the South Downs

We share our favourite day trips from Brighton. The South Downs is just a 20-minute bus journey away, bringing famous views like the Devil’s Dyke in easy reach.

Day trips from Chichester in the South Downs

Discover our favourite day trips from Chichester, from the ancient holloway at Halnaker to the kid-friendly Weald and Downland Living Museum.

Day trip from Farnham in the South Downs

Read about our favourite day trip from Farnham. Hop on a bus to explore Alice Holt Forest, wander the Shipwrights Way, and zip line at Go Ape adventure park.

Responsible tourism in the South Downs

Read about how responsible tourism in the South Downs can preserve one of the newest national parks in Europe: the South Downs National Park.

More relevant guides

Written by Catherine Mack

Day trip from Lewes in the South Downs

Day trip from Lewes