Welcome to the South Downs
The South Downs National Park is near the south coast of England and is home to the South Downs Chalk Hills, a stretch of hills extending 260 square miles across the coast. It's the perfect place for your next walking or cycling adventure and camping in the South Downs would just top this off.
If you prefer your adventures on the water, the South Downs runs along many major coastlines including Brighton Beach, home to the famous Brighton Palace Pier. Or take the kids on a trip to Drusilla's Zoo Park, a small 10-acre zoo famous for its Hello Kitty themed attraction.
Why guests love YHA campsites
- Stunning gardens and grounds
- 24-hour access to hostel facilities
- Perfect for activity breaks
- Beautiful views
YHA hostels with camping in the South Downs
YHA Truleigh Hill
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Large garden/grounds
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Free parking on premises
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Cycle store
Things to do in the South Downs
1066 Country Battle in Hastings
1066 Country is the kind of place where you don't just learn about history, you live it. Visit the 1066 Country website
Arundel Wetland Centre
26 hectares of naturalised landscapes and wetland habitats, Arundel Wetlands is home to kingfishers, water voles and many hundreds of wildfowl.
Beachy Head and the Seven Sisters
Visit Beachy Head and the Seven Sisters with their dramatic white cliffs and gently undulating downs.
Bluebell Railway
Take a journey back in time, this heritage steam railway runs through the glorious Sussex countryside - a great day out. Visit the Bluebell Railway website
Brighton i360
Enjoy a sky-high perspective of Brighton with a trip to the world’s tallest moving observation tower, the i360! With sweeping 360 degree views from a futuristic glass pod, you’ll be able to admire the...
Cycling in the South Downs
YHA South Downs is great for mountain bikers and road cyclists alike. The hostel benefits from a cycle rack and repair equipment to keep your bike in excellent condition while you're cycling the...
Fort Fun
Enjoy the thrill of the outdoor rides, or visit Rocky's Adventure Land, a huge indoor soft play area. Take your swimming costumes for the water slides and the other wet areas. Visit the Fort Fun...
Goodwood Estate
Something for everyone. Enjoy horse racing at Glorious Goodwood. Thrill to the motorsport at the Festival of Speed or the Goodwood Revival. Admire the Goodwood House over afternoon tea and wander...
Harbour Park Littlehampton
Enjoy a selection of family rides and attractions at one of the finest beach amusement parks on the South Coast. Visit the Harbour Park website
SEA LIFE Brighton
The world's oldest operating aquarium is right on the seafront! With amazing exhibits, you can see how fish and marine creatures live beneath the waves, plus there are plenty of opportunities to get...
Walking and Rambling in Littlehampton
The sweeping coast line is great for anyone wanting a leisurely stroll along the beaches. On the edge of South Downs National Park, the coastal walk has lovely sand dunes and amazing natural beauty.
Walking and Rambling in Truleigh Hill
If you're planning on staying at YHA Truleigh Hill, why not download a free map and get out exploring? All our self-guided walks start and end at a YHA hostel and are graded so that you can explore...
Watersports in Littlehampton
There's a whole host of watersports available nearby including surfing, sea kayaking, a windsurfing and kite surfing school and a yacht club offering sailing tuition for all abilities.
Worthing
Stroll five miles of promenade with it's art deco pier, or visit Brooklands Park with its boating lake and miniature railway.
Also available in the South Downs
Camping pods
Stay in our quirky wooden camping pods and enjoy all the great things about sleeping under the stars while you're fully protected from the outdoor elements. All our camping pods come with futon beds and bedding, so you don't have to worry about bringing your camping gear.
Bell tents
Bell tent glamping offers a luxury upgrade from the regular camping experience. Our spacious premium bell tents each sleep up to 5 people. They include a double bed, two single futon beds and a single futon that can be folded into a chair. All bedding is provided.
Land pods
Enjoy the camping experience with some upgrades. Staying in a Landpod is like camping with a few added extras: all bedding is included, plus duvets, LED lighting and a cosy seating area. Perfect for getting closer to nature
Safari tent
Go wild glamping in one of our luxury African safari inspired tents, available at selected sites. Designed for families that like to move about, each safari tent has two bedrooms and sleeps up to six guests comfortably.
View some of our popular South Downs blog posts
Things to do in Sussex
With miles of breath-taking coastline and acres of countryside, there are plenty of things to do in Sussex. Whether you love the outdoors, nightlife, culture and history or all things food, you’re sure to be in for a treat...
Cycling the South Downs
The sun glimpsed over the Georgian townhouses and lit the face of King Alfred the Great. Well, his statue. The sun was to guide us east for exactly 100 miles, to Eastbourne along the South Downs Way...
Carless and carefree trips to our national park properties
National parks are just brilliant, aren’t they? They’re the great breathing spaces, full of fresh air, cool water and green things. We’re lucky enough to have more than 60 properties in national parks across England and Wales....