South Downs National Park

The South Downs National Park is England's newest national park, designated in 2010. It covers 1,627 sq km of rolling chalk downland, ancient woodland, heath and river valleys across Hampshire, West Sussex and East Sussex, stretching 140 km from Winchester in the west to Eastbourne in the east. It is a free-access landscape made for family days out: the 100-mile South Downs Way National Trail runs the full length of the park, there are family-friendly cycle routes and bike hire, and iconic viewpoints such as Devil's Dyke near Brighton are famous for kite flying and picnics with far-reaching views. Kids can enjoy wildlife spotting (Adonis blue butterflies, Exmoor ponies, skylarks), accessible 'Miles Without Stiles' routes, stargazing under the park's International Dark Sky Reserve status, and ranger-led family events. There is no single entrance, ticket or gate - the park is open countryside managed by the South Downs National Park Authority. Free to enter; parking charges may apply at some car parks.