Another reason to visit Brighton

One of our lovely hotel partners - Brian Snow of the Avalon - e-mailed me to ask if he could write a guest post as he feels there is an attraction near the city that some visitors may not realise is so easy to get to from Brighton. So here's Brian to tell you more...

People come to Brighton because of the sea. And alongside beach life, the City is one of the most diverse cultural centres in the UK. Add to that the thriving restaurant and club scene and you have the perfect place for a break – almost!

There’s something else on Brighton’s doorstep and if you’re not looking out to sea it can only be inland - the South Downs National Park.

In just over 10 minutes by car or bus from the bustling city centre you can be striding up a chalky ridge to some of Southern England’s most glorious scenery. There are rare plants, birds, ancient fieldworks and burrows, beautiful flint cottages, thousands of sheep and little villages nestling in valleys with stunning old pubs in which to rest and get refreshed.

Tom and I have taken afternoons off from the Avalon to walk the Eastbourne to Alfriston stretch, then the Alfriston to Newmarket Inn (A27 near Lewes) stretch. Virtually all stages along the first half of the South Downs Way (about 50 miles) are reachable in a day, there and back, from Brighton by public transport or by car. Some accommodation providers such as ours will lend you maps and can suggest walks / transport. It’s also a great place to take your dog if he or she is on holiday with you (but remember to respect the livestock!).

Then in the evening, instead of staying miles from anywhere, you can return to the city for all it has to offer.

Thank you Brian for today's post and if you have felt inspired you can found out more about the South Downs countryside on our website or by chatting to our lovely visitor information centre staff.

And for more information about Brian's guest house the Avalon go to: www.avalonbrighton.co.uk