Name: Guided Walking & Wine in the South Downs 2026
Brand: DHTour
SKU: 1
Price: $1,730 pp
Availability: InStock

3 nights based at Abingworth Hall, Thakeham, West Sussex

Contact DHTour at 1-888-597-3519 or 905-639-9954 or dhtour@dhtour.ca to book.

Though England is not the first place you might think of when it comes to wine, ask any enthusiast and they’ll let you into a secret – Sussex wines have been quietly winning awards and converting many over the last few years with both taste and quality. These vineyards provide not only pretty scenery for walking, but some fantastic opportunities for sampling and speaking to the local producers themselves. Join us for stunning walks, enjoy sampling some of the wines, and share our passion for Sussex wines.

Tour Details

Highlights:

Relaxed walks exploring beautiful South Downs countryside
Being guided by our experienced walks leader
Sampling some of the local wines en route
Learning about local wine production from the experts
Staying a skip away from Thakeham at the foot of the South Downs

Pick Up Location & TIme

Abingworth Hall, Storrington Road, Thakeham, West Sussex, RH20 3EF (Google Map)
4:00pm – You’re welcome to check into the country house hotel from 4pm onwards.

Drop off Location & Time

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way onward. Check out by 10:00am.

Price Includes

High quality en-suite upgraded accommodation at Abingworth Hall
Cream tea on arrival day
Cooked or continental breakfast daily (B)
Daily packed lunches (L)
Dinner each night: Three-course plus tea & coffee (D)
Guided walking with an experienced Leader
Tours and tastings at the vineyards visited
All transport to and from walks where necessary
Easy-to-follow routes, maps, and information in our Discovery Point if you want to explore independently

Meals

All meals from dinner on arrival day, to breakfast on departure day

3 breakfasts
2 lunches
3 dinners
1 tea

Price Excludes

Airfare
Transfers
Pre / Post hotel nights
Travel to/from the Country Hotel (The nearest railway station is Pulborough)
Admissions (please allow approx. £20 per day, per person for entrances)
Driver / Tour Leader gratuity is at your discretion
Travel Insurance

What to Expect

Unpack Once!

Explore places of interest, beauty, heritage and wonder. Enjoy active guided sightseeing on relaxed-pace trips to revel in the history, landscapes, architecture and culture of your chosen destination.

Walking tours with sightseeing include:

Accommodation at a country house hotel
Full Board Meals – from cream tea on arrival day to breakfast on departure day
Knowledgeable leader
Transport between locations
Entrance fees are not included – choose locally

The Walking tour with Sightseeing program is a combination of Guided Walking Tours and Discovery Tours to give you the best of both touring styles.

Enjoy easier walks (6 – 8 km) that let sightseeing take center stage. We offer carefully-curated itineraries that balance sights, hikes, and activities. Let our experienced Leader introduce you to the heart of a region, highlighting the history, heritage, landmarks, wildlife, and more.

Itinerary

Day 1Arrival Day

You’re welcome to check in from 4pm onwards. Enjoy a complimentary cream tea on arrival. (D, T)

Accommodation: Abingworth Hall

Day 2West Dean to the Weald & Downland Living Museum

Distance : 4 miles (6.5km)

Ascent: 300 feet (100m)

Descent: 350 feet (120m)

To kick the weekend off in style we will begin extremely local – walking straight from our accommodation at Abingworth Hall, across country and through picturesque local villages to Nutbourne Vineyard for a tasting and tour – the main event of the day.

Nutbourne is a family run, award winning boutique vineyard and winery with every part of the winemaking taking place on site. We begin by the historic windmill with stunning views of the South Downs. We will then be taken on a beautiful, informative walk through the vines, wild flowers and down to the lakeside to meet the alpacas, with plenty of stops along the way for chat and photographs.

We return to the winery for a refreshing glass of something delicious, where each step of the wine making process will be explained. Finally we move to the wine lodge amongst the vines for a tutored tasting and discussion on a range of Nutbourne’s award-winning sparkling and still wines.

We will then be collected by our coach and return to Abingworth Hall. (B, L, D)

Accommodation: Abingworth Hall

Day 3Amberley Village & Parham House

Distance: 6.5 miles (10.5km)

Ascent: 300 feet (100m)

Descent: 850 feet (260m)

We are taken to the top of the South Downs and start our walk from the highest point in Sussex, with views of the sea and coast. We walk to Ditchling where we’ll explore briefly before continuing North on the Sussex Border Path to the Ridgeview Winery.

Established in 1995 Ridgeview was an early producer of sparkling wines from Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier grape varieties. We’ll learn more about the craft of winemaking, take a tour of the estate, and try a selection of their award-winning wines.

We’ll then be collected by our coach and return to Abingworth Hall. (B, L, D)

Accommodation: Abingworth Hall

Day 4Departure Day

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home. (B)

Dates and Prices

Departure Dates	Per person (single or twin)	Single in a double room
2026: June 19	$1,730	$1,850
2026: July 17	$1,730	$1,850
2026: August 14	$1,730	$1,850
2026: September 4	$1,730	$1,850

Pricing

Pricing is per person (pp) based on single/twin/double occupancy.

Supplement applied for single in a double room.

Rates include room upgrade (premium) and membership fees.

Rates are in $ CAD.

Contact DHTour at 1-888-597-3519 or 905-639-9954 or dhtour@dhtour.ca to book.

Ask us for the best available pricing for your dates & choice of airline. We can assist in your travel to/from the Country House.

During your Walking with Sightseeing Tour you’ll have the opportunity to visit many fascinating places. The following is our provisional programme, and your leader may adjust it at their discretion, taking into account factors such as weather, local opening times, or other events. This holiday includes active sightseeing and you should expect to spend lots of time on your feet.

Most admissions to places of interest are not included. Please allow up to £20 per day for admissions to all the places of interest we will be visiting. The full adult price is given but there are usually good reductions for parties and seniors. If you are a member of the National Trust, English Heritage or similar, remember to bring your card for free admission to their properties. Please bring cash as card machines are not always available at all venues.

Sometimes things happen beyond our control – the weather, traffic jams or changes at the places we visit. If we need to adjust your holiday programme, for whatever reason, your leader will help smooth the way.

Travel Details:
Address is: Abingworth Hall, Storrington Road, Thakeham, West Sussex, RH20 3EF

By Rail:
The nearest railway station to Abingworth Hall is Pulborough. Please note that Pulborough station has a short platform, check the departure boards for which carriage to sit in.

By Taxi:
The 6-mile journey from Pulborough railway station takes approximately 15 minutes. Please try to avoid arriving at Pulborough station between 2.45pm and 3.20pm, as there may not be taxis available for your onward journey to Abingworth Hall due to school pick-ups. You can pre-book a taxi from our recommended taxi company, MJ Cars. The price for a 4-seat taxi is around £16. 8-seat taxis are also available at a higher rate. Please pre-book your taxi at least 7 days in advance by contacting:

MJ Cars*
Tel: +44 (0)1903 745414
Email: mjcars@btconnect.com
The return journey can be arranged on your behalf by the Abingworth Hall Manager.
*MJ Cars is not owned or managed by us.

By Car:
From the M25 take either the A24 or the M23 and then the A264 towards Horsham. At the Great Daux roundabout go south on the A24 towards Worthing. Go straight over 2 roundabouts and then at the traffic light cross roads turn right onto the A272 signposted to Billingshurst and Petersfield. After 3 miles turn left onto the B2139 (The Selsey Arms on left). After 3.5 miles pass the turning for Thakeham on the left. After half a mile, Abingworth Hall is on the left, directly after the national speed limit signs.

From the M27 continue onto the A27 and around Chichester. At Fontwell Park roundabout take the first exit to continue on the A27 and at the next roundabout take the first exit on to the A29. After approx. 4 miles, at a roundabout, take the 2nd exit on to the B2139 to Storrington. At the mini roundabout in Storrington, take the 2nd exit onto the A283. Continue through Storrington and take the first exit at the mini roundabout by the Anchor Inn on to the B2139 towards Thakeham. Take the 2nd exit at the next mini roundabout and then take the 1st exit at next mini roundabout (by Steyning Grammar School). Continue down this road until you see 30mph signs. Abingworth Hall is just before these signs, on the right.

Hotel Descriptions

Abingworth Hall

Tucked away in the village of Thakeham at the foot of the South Downs, Abingworth Hall has stood in one form another since the 13th century. Gutted by fire, it was rebuilt in 1910 in its current distinctive style. As well as 27 ensuite rooms the house has all the ingredients you need for the perfect country house stay: three comfortable lounges with squishy sofas to kick back in, the largest of which opens onto an attractive conservatory and bar in which to dally, great food and super-comfy rooms to retire to. You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to walking here; go for a lazy amble around the wildlife rich chalk Downlands to discover a colourful tapestry of historic villages, thatched cottages, pastoral landscapes and vibrant market towns. Highlights of your stay might include the Seven Sisters, the Glorious Goodwood estate, the Devil’s Dyke and Chantonbury Ring, as well as Arundel and the National Trust property at Petworth. Take your pick.

Address: Abingworth Hall, Storrington Road, Thakeham, West Sussex, RH20 3EF

Room Amenities: Tea & coffee-making facilities, TV, Hairdryer, Toiletries, Wi-Fi

Stay in one of the Hall’s smartly presented rooms, which make use of every nook-and-cranny in the interesting architecture of this characterful house. With 27 bedrooms, Abingworth Hall has plenty of space and there’s a range of ‘Classic’ and ‘Premium’ Rooms to choose from. Clean and bright, with accent colours to offset the simple palette, the rooms are airy and light. Premium Rooms might have a feature wall or strong print wallpaper as well as pretty tiles in the ensuite bathroom.

Premium Rooms are more spacious en-suite guest rooms. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities, toiletries (hand wash, shampoo, body lotion, shower gel), and a 32-inch TV. Extras include bathrobes, slippers, and comfortable mattresses.

Hotel Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, boot room and drying room, extensive garden, outdoor swimming pool, multi-purpose activity room, three lounges, library and board games to borrow

After a day strolling on the South Downs, come back to the house and its specially tailored walkers’ facilities. Relax in the large gardens and sit by the pretty pond, turn your hand to croquet or practice on the putting green. Ease through a couple of lengths of the heated outdoor pool if you’ve still got energy to burn. Hole up in the light-filled conservatory with pretty views of the gardens or retire to the Drawing Room with its wood-panelled walls, log burner, library of books to browse and comfy seats to sink in to; there’s a telescope for you to scour the night sky too. In the evening, take your seat in the bar or join fellow guests in the large ballroom for the evening activity.

Map

Photos

View more tours of South Downs

View more Walking with Sightseeing Tours

Guided Walking & Wine in the South Downs 2026

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