Contact DHTour at 1-888-597-3519 or 905-639-9954 or dhtour@dhtour.ca to book.
Stride out along the rolling hills and magnificent chalk cliffs of the South Downs. This wildlife-rich chalk downland is a colourful tapestry of historic villages, thatched cottages, pastoral landscapes of sweeping cornfields and market towns, all of which can be explored on our Guided Walking holidays.
Highlights:
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.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way onward.
Enjoy a full day’s walking with fellow guests and leave all the planning and navigation to us; it’s what we do best. Nobody knows the UK’s best places to walk like us. Our knowledgeable leaders make sure you’re never short of the inside story on local features, viewpoints and places of interest.
On our Guided Walking holidays, we believe that choice is key. Our walks descriptions will help you choose according to your interests and fitness. The walks are grouped together with care by local experts to give the best experience.
Walking Grades Explained:
“There’s no such thing as bad weather, just the wrong type of clothing!” goes the adage. Come prepared for all eventualities and you’ll walk in comfort as well as safety. Britain’s famous for its changeable weather, so here’s our advice on what to wear and bring.
Essentials
Recommended
You might also want
You’re welcome to check in from 4pm onwards. Enjoy a complimentary cream tea on arrival.
Accommodation: Abingworth Hall (D, T)
Option 1 – Cootham & Storrington
Distance: 6½miles (11km)
Ascent: 400 feet (120m)
In summary: We walk along the ridge to the west of the house and then south to Storrington. There will be time to explore Storrington and possibly visit a teashop before we return through fields to the house.
Highlight: Explore picturesque Storrington, gateway to the South Downs.
Option 2 – Washington, Sullington & Storrington
Distance: 10 miles (16km)
Ascent: 650 feet (200m)
In summary: Walking south from the house, we cross Heath Common and Washington Common to reach the village of Washington. We return along a section of the South Downs Way and then descend into Storrington – with the opportunity for refreshment. We return through fields to the house.
Highlight: The wonderful story behind the history of the Sanctuary.
Option 3 – Washington & Chanctonbury Ring
Distance: 13½ miles (22km)
Ascent: 1,300 feet (400m)
In summary: Walking south from the house, we cross Heath Common and Washington Common to reach the village of Washington. Continuing east we ascend onto the South Downs Way ridge and Chanctonbury Ring before returning to Washington to follow field paths via Storrington then back to the house.
Highlight: Chanctonbury Ring, a prehistoric hill fort atop Chanctonbury Hill.
Accommodation: Abingworth Hall (B, L, D)
Option 1 – Burton Park & Petworth House
Distance: 6 miles (9.5km)
Total ascent: 500 feet (160m)
In Summary: Explore the gently rolling countryside of the Rother Valley on our walk through Burton Park to Petworth. Here you can visit Petworth House or take an optional walk around the surrounding parkland.
Highlight: We pass by the National Trust’s Petworth House – this grand property was built by the Duke of Somerset in the late 17th Century in the style of Versailles.
Option 2 – Duncton Down to Petworth
Distance: 10 miles (16km)
Total ascent: 900 feet (280m)
In Summary: Starting on Duncton Downs the walk descends into the Rother Valley, passing through Burton Park and the village of Fittleworth on the way to Petworth.
Highlight: Our walk passes Burton Park, another grand stately home, dating from 1826. The small Norman church nearby is full of character.
Option 3 – Upwaltham to Petworth
Distance: 12½ miles (20km)
Total ascent: 1,350 feet (420m)
In Summary: Walk over Woolavington Down then descend to the Rother Valley, passing Burton Park and Fittleworth on the way to Petworth House.
Highlight: Burton Mill Pond is a great spot for Coots, Moorhen and Great Crested Grebe. The walk finishes at Petworth, a charming, small market town with fine buildings from the 17th, 18th and 19th Centuries.
Accommodation: Abingworth Hall (B, L, D)
A free day for you to explore the local area or to relax in the Country House. Our Discovery Points help you make the most out of your free day. There’s plenty of maps and a selection of the best local walking routes, as well as weather forecasts and public transport options – plus details about other places to visit.
Accommodation: Abingworth Hall (B, L, D)
Option 1 – Clayton Windmills
Distance: 6 miles (10km)
Total ascent: 800 feet (240m)
In Summary: Ascend to Clayton Windmills on the crest of the Downs. We’ll follow the South Downs Way over Ditchling Beacon, then descend the escarpment to Ditchling village.
Highlight: We’ll pass the iconic Clayton Windmills. ‘Jill’ is a a wooden post mill from 1822, whilst ‘Jack’ is a brick tower mill from 1864.
Option 2 – Devil’s Dyke
Distance: 9½ miles (15km)
Total ascent: 1,000 feet (320m)
In Summary: Walk atop the Downs from Devil’s Dyke to Ditchling Beacon, following the South Downs Way for much of the walk.
Highlight: Devil’s Dyke is a natural valley high on the Downs. It’s hard to imagine that this peaceful beauty spot was once a Victorian tourist attraction complete with a railway, observatory and cable-car.
Option 3 – Devil’s Dyke to Ditchling
Distance: 11½ miles (18.5km)
Total ascent: 1,450 feet (440m)
In Summary: A longer walk from Devil’s Dyke to Ditchling. We’ll take in the the summits of Newtimber Hill and Wolstonbury Hill before rejoining the South Downs Way near the Clayton Windmills.
Highlight: Ditchling Beacon is the highest point in East Sussex and enjoys a commanding view south over the English Channel.
Accommodation: Abingworth Hall (B, L, D)
Option 1 – Thakeham, Warminghurst & Ashington
Distance: 6½ miles (10.5km)
Total Ascent: 400 feet (120m)
In Summary: We walk to the nearby village of Thakeham and then, via Warminghurst church, across fields to Ashington. We return via woodland to the House.
Highlight: The gentle stroll through the woodland at the end of the walk.
Option 2 – Pulborough Brooks & Parham Park
Distance: 9 miles (14km)
Total Ascent: 500 feet (160m)
In Summary: We walk along the ridge to the west of the House and continue west to the RSPB reserve at Pulborough – and the opportunity for refreshment. We continue south to the western entrance to Parham Park. We stroll through the Park to Cootham – with the opportunity for refreshment at The Crown. We return through fields to the House.
Highlight: The opportunity to see local birds at the reserve.
Option 3 – Parham Park & Amberley
Distance: 13½ miles (22km)
Ascent: 1,150 feet (340m)
In summary: We walk along the ridge to the west of the house and then south to Cootham. We continue south to ascend onto the South Downs Way ridge and then west to Amberley, before returning through lovely Parham Park to the House.
Highlight: Parham House is a fine Elizabethan residence, surrounded by an extensive deer park.
Accommodation: Abingworth Hall (B, L, D)
Option 1 – Seven Sisters
Distance: 6.5 miles (10km)
Total ascent: 600 feet (180m)
In Summary: Starting at Friston church, we walk south to reach the chalk cliffs near Birling Gap, before walking along the Seven Sisters coastal path to Cuckmere Haven.
Highlight: Take time to savour the outstanding coastal scenery then gaze down from the final ‘sister’ over the River Cuckmere as it meanders gracefully towards the sea.
Distance: 9 miles (14.5km)
Total ascent: 1,150 feet (360m)
In Summary: Follow the South Downs Way from above Eastbourne to Beachy Head. We then follow the glorious coastal path past the Belle Tout lighthouse and over the Seven Sisters to Cuckmere Haven.
Highlight: Look out for the Belle Tout lighthouse, now a private residence. In 1999 it was carefully jacked 17 metres inland, away from the rapidly eroding cliff edge.
Option 3 – Eastbourne & Seven Sisters
Distance: 10 miles (16km)
Total ascent: 1,550 feet (460m)
In Summary: We begin with a promenade from Eastbourne Pier to the start of the South Downs Way. Following the walk up to Beachy Head, we continue along the same route as the medium walk to Cuckmere Haven.
Highlight: Enjoy magnificent sea views as we walk atop the iconic chalk cliffs of Beachy Head and the Seven Sisters – a memorable day of breathtaking scenery.
Accommodation: Abingworth Hall (B, L, D)
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home. (B)
You’re welcome to check in from 4pm onwards. Enjoy a complimentary cream tea on arrival.
Accommodation: Abingworth Hall (D, T)
Option 1 – Amberley & Parham House
Distance: 6.5 miles (10.5km)
Ascent: 450 feet (140m)
In summary: Walk through the fields at the foot of the Downs from the picturesque village of Amberley back to Abingworth Hall, passing through the grounds of Parham House.
Highlight: Parham House is a fine Elizabethan residence, surrounded by an extensive deer park.
Option 2 – Amberley, The South Downs Way
Distance: 9 miles (14.5km)
Ascent: 850 feet (260m)
In summary: Walk from Amberley beside the River Arun, then follow the South Downs Way atop the Downs as far as Kithurst Hill. From here we descend through the fields to Abingworth Hall.
Highlight: Soak up the views from Rackham Hill where the panorama stretches north over the hills and woodland of the Weald, and south towards the English Channel.
Option 3 – Amberley & The South Downs Way
Distance: 12 miles (19km)
Ascent: 1,150 feet (360m)
In summary: Discover the peaceful River Arun then head along the top of the Downs following the South Downs Way as far as Barnsfarm Hill. Our route then turns north, crossing Washington Common, to return to Abingworth Hall.
Highlight: The chalk downlands are a rich habitat for wild flowers. Look out for rare orchids and Common Blue butterflies.
Accommodation: Abingworth Hall (B, L, D)
Option 1 – Cowdray & Petworth Park
Distance: 6 miles (10km)
Ascent: 700 feet (220m)
In summary: Walk from the northern edge of the polo grounds of Cowdray Park, through attractive woodland and fields to Petworth. Here you can visit Petworth House or take an optional walk around the surrounding parkland.
Highlight: Our walk passes by the National Trust’s Petworth House – this grand property was built by the Duke of Somerset in the late 17th Century in the style of Versailles.
Option 2 – Midhurst to Petworth
Distance: 9 miles (14.5km)
Ascent: 1,000 feet (320m)
In summary: Follow the valley of the river Rother from the historic town of Midhurst to the ruins of Cowdray Park and the famous polo ground. We continue to Petworth where there may be time to walk around Petworth Park or to visit the house.
Highlight: The extensive grounds of Petworth House were landscaped by ‘Capability’ Brown and captured on canvas by JMW Turner. The park is currently home to England’s largest herd of Fallow Deer.
Option 3 – Stedham to Petworth – Through the Rother Valley
Distance: 11.5 miles (18km)
Ascent: 1,200 feet (360m)
In summary: This longer route to Petworth begins from Stedham with a walk along the Rother Valley to Stedham Mill. Upon reaching Cowdray Park, our route follows that of the two shorter walks to Petworth.
Highlight: Discover the fascinating history of Cowdray House – the former home of the Montague family, was built in 1542 and largely destroyed by fire in 1793.
Accommodation: Abingworth Hall (B, L, D)
A free day for you to explore the local area or to relax in the Country House. Our Discovery Points help you make the most out of your free day. There’s plenty of maps and a selection of the best local walking routes, as well as weather forecasts and public transport options – plus details about other places to visit.
Accommodation: Abingworth Hall (B, L, D)
Option 1 – River and Hills at Arundel
Distance: 6½ miles (10.5km)
Total ascent: 700 feet (220m)
In Summary: A circular walk takes us through the landscaped grounds of Arundel Park to the pretty hamlet of South Stoke, returning alongside the River Arun.
Highlight: At the end of the walk there’s time to explore historic Arundel with its impressive cathedral and Norman castle, the seat of the Duke of Norfolk.
Option 2 – Arundel Park & River Arun
Distance: 9 miles (14km)
Total ascent: 800 feet (260m)
In Summary: A circular route which begins through Arundel Park. After crossing the River Arun, we’ll continue through open countryside to the village of Burpham, before returning alongside the river to Arundel.
Highlight: The Arun Valley is a haven for a variety of wintering wildfowl. You may also see Lapwings, Redshanks and Snipes.
Option 3 – Over the Downs to Arundel
Distance: 12 miles (19km)
Total ascent: 1,050 feet (320m)
In Summary: Follow the South Downs Way along the crest of the Downs to Rackham Hill and Kithurst Hill. From here we descend onto the lower slopes and head to Arundel along the Monarch’s Way.
Highlight: Enjoy great views of Arundel as we descend from the Downs towards the Arun Valley. The Monarch’s Way follows the route of King Charles II as he made his escape from the Battle of Worcester.
Accommodation: Abingworth Hall (B, L, D)
Option 1 – Hurston Place & Nutbourne Common
Distance: 6½ miles (10.5km)
Ascent: 450 feet (140m)
In summary: We walk along the ridge to the west of the house to Hurston Place and then across West Sussex golf course to Nutbourne Common. We continue, eastwards, via West Chiltington to return to the house.
Highlight: Walking along the West Sussex Literary Trail.
Option 2 – Pulborough Brooks, Nutbourne & West Chiltington
Distance: 8½ miles (14km)
Ascent: 600 feet (180m)
In summary: We walk along the ridge to the west of the House and continue west to the RSPB reserve at Pulborough. We then head north, across Pulborough Brooks meadows, to Pulborough village. We continue east to the villages of Nutbourne and West Chiltington, to return to the house.
Highlight: The nature reserve at Pulborough Brooks is not to be missed.
Option 3 – Pulborough and Nutbourne
Distance: 11½ miles (18km)
Ascent: 850 feet (260m)
In summary: We walk along the ridge to the west of the house and continue west to the RSPB reserve at Pulborough – and the opportunity for refreshments. We then head north, across Pulborough Brooks meadows, to Pulborough village. We continue north eventually to reach West Chiltington and return to the house.
Highlight: Take in wonderful countryside views and picturesque villages.
Accommodation: Abingworth Hall (B, L, D)
Option 1 – Glorious Goodwood and West Dean Gardens
Distance: 6½ miles (10.5km)
Total ascent: 850 feet (260m)
In Summary: Walk through the Sussex countryside to the village of Singleton, then ascend onto the Downs to the top of the Trundle, overlooking Goodwood Racecourse.
Highlight: The walk ends at the highly recommended West Dean Gardens (admission payable). Discover the water garden, rich herbaceous borders, and the Edwardian walled kitchen garden.
Option 2 – Levin Down and The Trundle
Distance: 8 miles (13km)
Total ascent: 1,000 feet (300m)
In Summary: Ascend through the woodland of the Drovers Estate to Levin Down Nature Reserve and the villages of Charlton and Singleton. After ascending The Trundle, we follow the West Sussex Literary Trail to West Dean Gardens.
Highlight: The Trundle is a fantastic viewpoint from where you can gaze down on Goodwood Racecourse and the cathedral city of Chichester.
Option 3 – West Sussex Circuit
Distance: 12½ miles (20km)
Total ascent: 1,950 feet (600m)
In Summary: Our circuit through West Sussex takes in the Trundle, before heading west over rolling hills to the Kingley Vale Nature Reserve and the curiously-named Devil’s Humps. We return along the Monarch’s Way to West Dean.
Highlight: Look out for the Devil’s Humps, considered to be some of Britain’s finest Bronze Age burial chambers, dating to around 500BC.
Accommodation: Abingworth Hall (B, L, D)
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home. (B)
| Version 1 Departure Dates |
Per person (single or twin) | Single in a double room |
|---|---|---|
| 2023: May 5 | $2,330 | $2,610 |
| 2023: June 9, 23 | $2,330 | $2,610 |
| 2023: August 4, 25 | $2,330 | $2,610 |
| 2023: September 22 | $2,330 | $2,610 |
| 2023: October 6 | $2,100 | $2,380 |
| Version 2 Departure Dates |
Per person (single or twin) | Single in a double room |
|---|---|---|
| 2023: May 12, 26 | $2,330 | $2,610 |
| 2023: June 16 | $2,330 | $2,610 |
| 2023: July 14, 28 | $2,330 | $2,610 |
| 2023: August 18 | $2,330 | $2,610 |
| 2023: September 15 | $2,330 | $2,610 |
Pricing
Pricing is per person (pp) based on single/twin/double occupancy.
Supplement applied for single in a double room.
Rates are in $ CAD. Rates include room upgrade (better) and membership fees.
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.
This tour is also available in 3 or 4 night duration.
This holiday includes active sightseeing and you should expect to spend lots of time on your feet.
While every effort will be made to adhere to the described itinerary, we may occasionally vary the sequence shown here or substitute an alternative route to suit local conditions or for other operational reasons, potentially at short notice. 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.
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. Better 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.
