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The world's oldest operating aquarium is right on the sea-front! With amazing exhibits, you can see how fish and marine creatures live beneath the waves, plus there are plenty of opportunities t
YHA South Downs
Lewes, East Sussex, BN8 6JS
Hot deal
20% off
HOTDEAL-199
This hostel is part of our hot deal. Offer subject to availability and cannot be used with any other discount. Valid for stays at selected hostels between 4th September - 20th October 2022. Exclusive Hire stays not included. Use the above promotional code at the checkout. Book via yha.org.uk before midnight 18th August 2022. YHA members can save an extra 5% with our members only code. Terms and conditions apply.
Overview
Opened officially by HRH the Queen in 2013, YHA South Downs is a uniquely refurbished Sussex farmhouse in an enviable location right on the South Downs Way. Perfect for anyone wanting to walk in the rolling Sussex countryside, the hostel is surrounded by the hills of the South Downs National Park, and enjoys substantial grounds of its own.
The lively town of Brighton is just a 25-minute train journey away too, with Southease station literally on the hostel’s doorstep, meaning visitors can easily enjoy the best of both worlds.
Why guests love YHA South Downs
Accommodation at YHA South Downs
Food and drink at YHA South Downs
Things to do around YHA South 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
Climbing in the South Downs
High Rocks, with its world class Southern sandstone climbing, is about 40 minutes drive from YHA South Downs, near Tunbridge Wells.
Lewes in South Downs
Just 8 minutes away on the train is Lewes, County Town of Sussex with a Norman Castle and cobbled streets. Visit the imposing, 1000- year-old Lewes Castle to enjoy panoramic views across the sur
Walking and Rambling in the South Downs
YHA South Downs is right on the South Downs Way, ideal for either long distance walkers wishing to tackle the whole thing or for those wishing just to cherry pick the sections with the stunning views,
Mountain Biking in the South Downs
The entire 100 mile length of the South Downs Way is open to cyclists, from Eastbourne to Winchester.
Cycling in the South Downs
YHA South Downs is great for mountain bikers and road cyclists alike.
Watersports in the South Downs
Various watersports are available from Newhaven Marina or from Piddinghoe Pond, both a short distance from the hostel.
Stargazing in South Downs National Park
Stargazing – a simple yet intriguing and inspiring evening activity.
Hostel facilities
- 24-hour access
- Ambulant accessible
- Café
- Classroom(s)
- Coach parking on premises
- Contactless payments
- Cycle store
- Dining room
- Evening meals
- Free parking on premises
- Games
- Garden/grounds
- Group meals
- Highchair
- Intermittent mobile coverage
- Large garden/grounds
- Library
- Licensed bar
- Lift
- Meeting rooms
- Minibus parking on premises
- Near bus stop
- Near ferry port
- Near train station
- Outdoor play area
- Outdoor seating
- Packed lunch
- Restaurant
- Self-catering kitchen
- Shared drying room
- Shared lounge
- Shared TV
- Unlimited breakfast
- Vending machines
- Water refill station
- Wheelchair accessible
- WiFi
Hostel need to know
Reception opening hours: From 07:30 - 10:00 and 17:00 - 22:00.
Food and drink: Breakfast is served to guests from 07:30 – 09:00 on weekdays and 07:30 – 10:00 at weekends. Meals are also available from 11:00 – 20:30.
Self-catering: Guests have access to a self-catering kitchen.
Parking: There is free parking onsite for cars and coaches a short distance from the hostel entrance. There is parking on the central courtyard, closer to the hostel, for disabled guests.
WiFi: Free WiFi is available in shared social spaces.
Dogs: Dogs can stay on our campsite and in our camping pods, Landpods and bell tents. There is a £5 charge per dog per night for our camping pod, Landpod and bell tent accommodation which is payable upon arrival. You can bring your dog for free if you are camping in your own tent. Pets are not permitted in the hostel accommodation at YHA South Downs. Assistance dogs are welcome throughout.
YHA South Downs - Access Statement
(PDF download - 55.26 KB)
YHA School Trips
YHA South Downs has state of the art facilities for schools in a traditional Sussex farmhouse and associated buildings with acres of land for on-site activities. The hostel provides delicious meals as well as a library and classroom.
Visit the YHA School Trips website for more information.
Meeting rooms
At YHA South Downs we have one meeting room available for hire.
Capacity: Up to 40 delegates depending on seating configuration.
Available Equipment: Phone, projector, flipchart, pens, extension lead, data cables, clock, coat rack
Parking: Yes
Wi-Fi: Yes
Accessibility: The meeting room is on the first floor and has step-free access via a platform lift. The closest accessible WC is located on the ground floor of the same building. There are marked accessible bays available in the car park. For more information please see our access statement.
Air conditioning: There is no air conditioning in this meeting room. There is central heating and windows in the roof which can be opened.
Meeting rooms available from: £75
Volunteering
Volunteering with YHA is a fantastic way to have fun, learn new skills, boost your CV and travel to different places. We have a variety of different opportunities to choose from and volunteering roles to suit everyone.
The tasks are varied and in return you will meet some great people, who both work and stay in our hostels, as well as enjoying your time off discovering the local area and attractions.
You can find out more and apply to volunteer at this hostel on the volunteering website.
History
Originally opened as YHA South Downs in 2013, the farmhouses and outbuildings can be dated all the way back to the 1300's. Previous farms have been known to be on the same grounds for over 1000 years.
The buildings have been converted into modern and stylish accommodation in a prime spot along the South Downs Way. The unique design and layout of the buildings give this hostel a distinctive look and feel.
Meet the team
Manager recommends:
The circular walk from YHA South Downs along the river Ouse encompassing Rodmell and Southease is a great walk for all ages. In Rodmell you can visit Monk’s house, the home of famous author Virginia Woolf and swing into the lovely Abergavenny Pub for refreshments and food. Continuing the walk from Rodmell, you will pass through Southease village and its 12th Century Church, one of only 3 round tower churches in Sussex. The village is mentioned in the Doomsday book as a thriving community with one of the largest Herring fisheries in the district at the time. Modern day Southease has a population of around 50 and the fishery is long gone but you can chill out on the village green and catch some sun if you like. From Southease, it is a short walk back across the river over the Grade II listed cast iron bridge built in 1880 to the hostel. Stop into the Courtyard Café for a coffee and cake ... you deserve it.
