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Back by Lunch Tour
The fully air-conditioned South Downs Tours minibus will pick you up at 9.00am from the reception of The Langham or The Lansdowne and we’ll drive along the seafront before climbing up on to the South Downs. Thus it begins!
Just minutes in, our first stop is world famous landmark, Beachy Head, formed when the last ice age ended, more recently featuring in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Bond and Potter films! We will walk along this, England’s highest chalk cliff measuring a gargantuan 530 ft taking in panoramic views across both the rolling chalk hills, the iconic lighthouse and across The English Channel.
Next on our itinerary is Birling Gap where steps take us down to the beach. From the beach you will have a close-up view of the vertical cliffs and see the effects of coastal erosion which make this coastline so dramatic and which have claimed four of the terraced cottages you will see at its top. At Birling Gap you will have time to visit the delightful National Trust Tea rooms and shop.
Onwards West along the coast road! See the meanders at Cuckmere Haven before arriving at our next destination Seaford Head. I‘ll will then take you on a ten minute walk along the lane to the coastguard cottages and it is from here that you will be able to see that classic view of the Seven Sisters, in all its glory.
From here, our downland tour heads toward the historic Sussex village of Alfriston. A picture postcard village nestled in the Cuckmere valley with an array of pubs, galleries, boutiques and the National Trust’s very first property acquired back in 1896 for the princely sum of £10. It also has a lovely church, the ‘Cathedral of the Downs’ built in the 1360s, and a quintessential village green which sits a few yards from the banks of the River Cuckmere. You will have time to wander around the village and enjoy a cup of tea.
Our tour of The South Downs now takes us up the windy Bo Peep Lane, back to the top of the Downs. From this vantage point you have more panoramic views towards the sea and across The Weald.
Our homeward journey back to Eastbourne takes us a leisurely route along country lanes, stopping briefly to take in The long Man of Wilmington, a mysterious Neolithic figure on the side of the Downs.
Cannot make these dates? - Explore Privately
If our advertised tour dates don’t align with your schedule, don’t worry! We’re happy to arrange a private tour just for you with a minimum of two people. Simply get in touch with us to discuss your preferred dates, and we’ll tailor a tour to make your experience unforgettable.
Contact us today to start planning your private adventure!
