Exploring the great outdoors – from coast to countryside
In West Sussex, we are extremely lucky to have the best of both the coast and the countryside, with sea views and green landscapes in abundance. Explore the magnificent South Downs rising above ancient woodlands, hedged fields and winding rivers, or our long and meandering coastline, sometimes busy, sometimes deserted; always fascinating.
Full of trails, paths and promenades for short strolls or long hikes, we’ve picked some of our favourites below. Discover yours.
A wonderful walk in Worthing
Easy walks with excellent accessibility and great transport links to Worthing train station. Discover impressive Regency buildings and independent shops, as well as Worthing’s most popular attraction, the pier. From here you can walk east to Lancing and Shoreham-by-Sea, or west to Goring-by-Sea covering the grounds of a Canadian war memorial and the beautiful Marine Gardens. With optional extensions, walking in Worthing covers several beautiful beachfront locations and pit-stops aplenty.
Shoreham-by-Sea
Our friends at South Downs National Park do a great job of highlighting two beautiful walks covering open countryside and great views of the coast from the top of the South Downs at Southwick Hill. Both trails follow a similar distance with different intensities, with the Upper Beeding route offering a popular rest stop named ‘The rest and be thankful stone’. Which route will you be walking?
The Countryside
Arundel Castle walking route
The medieval town of Arundel is home to one of the most beautiful castles in the country. Nestled in the South Downs, it is also home to several beautiful boutiques, cute cafés and highly rated restaurants. With two routes available, follow the cascading twists and turns of riverbank trails and downlands, you may even encounter some wildlife on your way.
High Weald Walking route
A network of ancient routeways, footpaths and nature reserves make up the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the north of the county. Families, as well as avid hikers, will enjoy the plentiful self-guided walking routes available here. The High Weald Landscape Trail itself is a huge 145km route in total, but we’d suggest trying the Horsham to Cuckfield part of the route as it meanders through beautiful locations rich in history.
Walk on the wild side with alpacas
In the heart of the South Downs, you’ll find Bruce and Peta at their farm in Adsdean. But this is no normal farm, this is home to a herd of Alpacas. The first herd of alpacas in the UK to be used as support animals for people in care homes, hospices and therapy, the alpacas also make great walking companions!
Self-guided walking route planners
