South Downs Vineyard & Wine Tasting Walks Holiday
Combine walking and vineyard visits in the South Downs
Code: AWWWN
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Food & drink
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Meadows & hills
Level
Choosing the level of your walks
Our easy grading system shows whether a region offer gentle strolls or more challenging routes to help you choose the right holiday for you. Difficulty is measured on many factors such as distance, ascent/descent, terrain, weather and more. There's no magic formula, but from our experience we grade our walks 1 to 5 (where 1 is easy and 5 hard). Our challenger holidays require a high level of fitness and stamina.
Holiday overview
Though England is not yet known for its wines, ask an enthusiast and they’ll let you into a secret - Sussex wines have been quietly winning awards and converting many over the last few years with both taste and quality. These vineyards provide not only pretty scenery for walking, but some fantastic opportunities for sampling and speaking to the local producers themselves. Join us for stunning walks, enjoy sampling some of the wines, and share our passion for Sussex wines.
Holiday highlights
- Relaxed walks explore this beautiful South Downs countryside
- Find out what Sussex has in common with the Champagne region of France, and why local vineyards are award winning
- Sample some of the local wines en route and learn about their production from the local experts
Great reasons to join us
- Great value: all prices include Full Board en-suite accommodation, a full programme of walks with all transport to and from the walks, plus evening activities
- Great walking in the company of our experienced leader
- Accommodation: our Country House is equipped with all the essentials – a welcoming and relaxing lounge and dining area, a drying room for your boots and kit, and comfortable en-suite rooms
In pictures...
Accommodation
Nestled at the foot of the South Downs, Abingworth Hall is ideally located for a short break or a longer holiday. A peaceful ambiance and excellent facilities make it a relaxing place to stay. It offers great viewing for short or long strolls in the beautiful surrounding meadows.
Rooms
'Good' RoomsThese rooms are all ensuite and furnished to a good standard. They include:
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'Better' RoomsThese rooms are slightly larger and/or have a better view. They include:
Only an extra £15 per person per night |
Choose Your Room: Our new “Choose Your Room” service is available at our UK country houses, providing the option to choose and confirm a specific room for an extra £30 per room. Supplement to upgrade to 'Better' rooms still apply. The choice of room number must be of the same room type as originally booked and is subject to availability.
At the house
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Choose Your Room: Our new “Choose Your Room” service is available at our UK country houses, providing the option to choose and confirm a specific room for an extra £30 per room. Supplement to upgrade to 'Better' rooms still apply. The choice of room number must be of the same room type as originally booked and is subject to availability.
Dining
 All holidays at our Country Houses are full board accommodation including evening meal on arrival to breakfast on the day of your departure. All of our Country Houses have a well-stocked bar serving local beers, wine and spirits.√ Start your day with our extensive breakfast. |
Your evenings
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All of our bars are stocked with locally sourced drinks so you can really soak up your surroundings. |
Just relax and take it easy, or if you'd like to continue to chat with our guides and fellow guests then why not grab a drink or take part in one of our optional evening activities.Accessibility
Abingworth Hall is generally accessible to wheelchair users and has a bedroom specifically designed for wheelchair access.
More details on Abingworth accessibility
Additional information
- Fire procedure is displayed in each room and explained to guests on arrival. Guests requiring assistance at an evacuation are identified at this time and door hanger cards are issued
- Mobile phone reception is generally good from the main building
- Assistance dogs accompanying visually or hearing impaired guests are welcome; dogs must be kept on a lead or harness at all times
- Information can be provided in large print
- Staff have received disability awareness training
- Special diets can be catered for. Specialist food can be obtained with prior notice
- Fridge for medication can be supplied
Holiday itinerary
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We have 3night and 4night itineraries available. Please see below for details of both: 3 night itineraryFriday: Arrival day |
Saturday: Nutbourne
We walk from Abingworth Hall, across country and through picturesque local villages to Nutbourne Vineyard for a tasting and tour, which will include being introduced to their alpacas. We will then be collected by our coach and return to Abingworth Hall. 4 miles (6.5km) |
Sunday: Ridgeview
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We are taken to the top of the South Downs and start our walk from the highest point in Sussex, with views of the sea and coast. We walk to Ditchling where we’ll explore briefly before continuing North on the Sussex Border Path to the Ridgeview Winery. 6 miles (9.5km)
4 night itineraryMonday: Arrival day |
Tuesday: Ridgeview
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Wednesday: Hepworth’s Craft Brewery
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Thursday: Nutbourne
We walk from Abingworth Hall, across country and through picturesque local villages to Nutbourne Vineyard for a tasting and tour, which will include being introduced to their alpacas. We will then be collected by our coach and return to Abingworth Hall. 4 miles (6.5km) |
For a change of beverage, we walk from Stopham Bridge heading generally North, across undulating country, to visit the Hepworth’s Brewery and its shop. After our tasting, the coach will collect us and take us back to Abingworth Hall. 4.5 miles (7.2 km)
Local area
Discover Sussex and the South Downs
Abingworth Hall is situated amidst gentle rolling farmland at the foot of the South Downs.
The nearest facilities are in the village of Storrington, about two miles away. Here you’ll find a small supermarket, post office, newsagent, pubs and a bank.
During your stay at Abingworth Hall you may enjoy visiting the following places of interest:
Arundel
The quaint town of Arundel, about 30 minutes' drive away, is dominated by its castle, the home of the Duke and Duchess of Norfolk. During your visit you may enjoy a walk in the Castle's extensive grounds, or beside the river Arun. www.arundelcastle.org
Uppark House
Completely restored after an extensive fire, this stately National Trust property has ornate rooms and gardens. Uppark is around 50 minutes' drive from Abingworth. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/uppark
Brighton
The cosmopolitan seaside city of Brighton is about 40 minutes' drive from Abingworth Hall and has an excellent range of specialist shops, entertainment, and its famous beach. You may also enjoy a visit to the Royal Pavilion, built in the early 19th century by George IV. www.brighton-hove-rpml.org.uk
Amberley Working Museum
Just 15 minutes' drive from Abingworth Hall, this large open-air museum tells the industrial story of the downs, complete with a steam railway, vintage buses and restored quarry machinery. www.amberleymuseum.co.uk
Parham House
Just 10 to 15 minutes' drive away, Elizabethan Parham House is surrounded by an extensive deer park. www.parhaminsussex.co.uk
Chichester
The historic cathedral city of Chichester, about 45 minutes' drive away, has plenty of interest. Just a couple of miles away is the fascinating Fishbourne Roman Palace, uncovered in 1960, which has many superb mosaics. www.chichestercathedral.org.uk or www.sussexpast.co.uk/fishbourne
Petworth House
A large late 17th century mansion, now run by the National Trust with extensive grounds that were landscaped by ‘Capability’ Brown. Around 30 minutes' drive from Abingworth. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/petworth-house
Weald & Downland Museum
Located on the Downs, near the village of Singleton, this excellent open-air museum contains many restored buildings that bring the history of Sussex to life. These include a working watermill and a re-creation of a typical downland village. The museum is around 45 minutes' drive from Abingworth. www.wealddown.co.uk
Bluebell Railway
One of Britain’s premier steam railways with an impressive collection of 50 locomotives, representing the Southern Railway and its predecessors. The line runs through rolling countryside from Sheffield Park to East Grinstead, about 40 minutes' drive from Abingworth. www.bluebell-railway.co.uk
Uppark House and Petworth House image ©National Trust Images/John Miller
Travel
Travel to Abingworth
Our address is: Abingworth Hall, Storrington Road, Thakeham, West Sussex, RH20 3EF
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By train:The nearest railway station is at Pulborough. For train times and general rail enquiries visit www.nationalrail.co.uk or call 03457 484950 (from outside the UK call +44 20 7278 5240). |
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By taxi:The 6 mile journey from Pulborough railway station takes approximately 15 minutes. Pre-booked taxis cost approx £14. 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. Details of our current recommended taxi company and rates will be sent to you with your booking. The return taxi journey can be arranged on your behalf by the Abingworth Hall Manager. |
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By car:For those with satellite navigation, enter the postcode RH20 3EF and Storrington Road if required. 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. |
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Travelling from overseasAbingworth is particularly convenient from London Gatwick Airport, which is served by a large range of long-haul and European flights. From Gatwick Airport station there are trains every 30 minutes to Pulborough - journey time 40 minutes. See www.nationalrail.co.uk for train times. From Pulborough station complete your journey to Abingworth by taxi (see above) London Heathrow airport is a little further away, so you'll need to travel via the centre of London. Allow 2½ hours to get to Pulborough. |
Leaders
Richard Turner
Richard has been a walking holiday leader for HF Holidays since 2003. He has developed a healthy interest in wine generally and walking around Sussex has prompted a particular interest in the wines of the area. Over the last twenty or so years the English wine industry has expanded at an astonishing rate and Sussex has been leading the way in producing award winning wines – particularly sparkling wines. Now retired, Richard combines his HFH leading with voluntary work for the National Trust and also takes part in courses on subjects as diverse as archaeology, tractor driving and philosophy.
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Dates & Prices
We're sorry, there are no dates available for this holiday at the moment. Please check out our other tours and breaks or call our team on 0345 470 8558 to be notified of new dates as soon as they become available.
Prices are per person
Information
- Non-member associate fee: £10 per person
