Contact DHTour at 1-888-597-3519 or 905-639-9954 or dhtour@dhtour.ca to book.
These holidays offer a perfect mix of short, guided walks (4-5 miles), combined with time spent sightseeing. Visit a selection of standout highlights in the South Downs with hassle-free coach travel and the help of an experienced leader.
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. Check out by 10:00am.
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:
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.
You’re welcome to check in from 4pm onwards. Enjoy a complimentary cream tea on arrival. (D, T)
Accommodation: Abingworth Hall
Distance: 4.25 miles (6.75 km)
Total ascent: 575 feet (175m)
Today’s walk begins at West Dean Gardens and takes the Monarch’s Way gently uphill around West Dean Park’s wooded perimeter. We then make our way over St Roche’s Hill passing the Trundle – an Iron Age hill fort – enjoying wonderful views of the coast to the south and rising downland to the north. From here we walk downhill through fields to reach the village of Singleton and the opportunity to spend time exploring the extensive Weald and Downland Living Museum. (B, L, D)
Accommodation: Abingworth Hall
Distance: 4 miles (6km)
Total ascent: 650 feet (200m)
We start our walk in the picturesque village of Amberley, with its village pottery and castle (now a hotel). We then head up onto the Downs, to Rackham Hill, for superb views all round. The ascent out of Amberley, and the descent down from Rackham Hill is steep, but we take it slowly. Any extra effort on this walk is more than rewarded by the superb far-reaching views which greet us; views over the Arun Valley one side and over Littlehampton to the English Channel on the other. Our walk then takes us on to the beautiful Elizabethan Parham House & Gardens (also visible from the top of Rackham Hill), leaving us plenty of time to explore. The house is surrounded by a large deer park which is home to around 350 fallow deer. (B, L, D)
Accommodation: Abingworth Hall
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. (B, L, D)
Accommodation: Abingworth Hall
Distance: 3 miles (4.5km)
Total ascent: 330 feet (100m)
A day spent in and around Arundel with a chance to visit the spectacular Arundel Castle, home of the Dukes of Norfolk for nearly 1,000 years. We start by visiting the cathedral as we make our way to Arundel Park. We have a leisurely walk through the beautiful park passing Swanbourne Lake and the Wetlands Centre on a circular loop that takes us back into the town. We’ve left plenty of time for a visit to the castle with its exquisite collections of furniture, tapestries and paintings, and its wonderful gardens, or the chance to explore the shops and tea rooms. (B, L, D)
Accommodation: Abingworth Hall
Distance: 4½ miles (7km)
Total ascent: minimal
We begin with a walk taking us to the picturesque winding streets and quaint cottages of the pretty harbour village of Bosham, a honeypot for arts and crafts shops. Leaving Bosham our walk takes us across fields to the Fishbourne Channel estuary of Chichester Harbour. Following the estuary inland we reach Fishbourne and the impressive Roman Palace, with its museum and gardens. There’s time to discover the reconstructed Roman gardens and probably the best collection of Roman mosaics in the country, plus there’s a good tea shop too! (B, L, D)
Accommodation: Abingworth Hall
Distance: 4 miles (6.5km)
Total ascent: 450 feet (140m)
We begin our walk near the village of Lodsworth, taking us through rolling countryside to Upperton, where we enter Petworth Park. Created by Capability Brown, we take one of the various routes through this beautiful park, looking out for fallow deer as we make our way to magnificent Petworth House. (B, L, D)
Accommodation: Abingworth Hall
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home. (B)
| Departure Dates | Per person (single or twin) | Single in a double room |
|---|---|---|
| 2025: May 30 | $2,930 | $3,210 |
| 2025: September 5 | $2,930 | $3,210 |
| 2025: October 10 | $2,630 | $2,910 |
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.
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.
