Pilgrimage social walk from YHA South Downs
Friday 12th September 2025 Distance: 9 miles (14.4 km) Duration: 7 hours Led by: British Pilgrimage Trust Discovery and connection This mini pilgrimage is a ‘Bring Your Own Beliefs’ journey for anyone...
YHA South Downs
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. This hostel enjoys substantial grounds of its own and is surrounded by the hills of the South Downs National Park – perfect for anyone wanting to walk in the rolling Sussex countryside.
Guests can make full use of shared spaces in the hostel’s main building – Farmhouse – including a self-catering kitchen and cosy lounge. A café and dining room is available in the Interpretation Centre building, plus a meeting room on the first floor (access also via a platform lift).
YHA South Downs offers bedrooms of varying sizes as well as bell tents, camping pods and Landpods in the grounds. Bedrooms are split across three buildings, with some ground floor bedrooms available in the Granary and Long Barn including an accessible en-suite room with its own entrance. All other bedrooms are located on the first floors of the Granary and Farmhouse buildings. A kitchenette is also available in the Granary for late night cups of tea.
The lively town of Brighton is just a 25-minute train journey away, with Southease station literally on the hostel's doorstep, so guests can easily enjoy the best of both worlds.
Accommodation at this hostel
- Bed in a shared room is offered here
- Private room is offered here
- Camping & Cabins is offered here
- Entire place is offered here
Why guests love this hostel
- Courtyard Café located directly on the South Downs Way
- Just 25 minutes on the train from Brighton
- Within the South Downs National Park
Accommodation at YHA South Downs
Group booking
Serviced group stays for 16 to 60 people
YHA South Downs makes a great base for all types of schools, educational groups and other organised groups. The train station is only 300m from the hostel with regular services to Lewes, London and Brighton, and the South Downs Way runs almost through the hostel.
For schools and groups looking for activities, YHA works with a local activity providers offering guided walks, team challenges, bushcrafts, environmental art, bug hunts and more.
For non-educational and social groups, the area offers a wealth of walking and cycling opportunities right from the door. Groups can also visit historical sites like Lewes which is full of literary intrigue, medieval buildings and cobbled streets.
Group-friendly facilities
Sleeping arrangements
Most of our bedrooms are dormitory style rooms with bunk beds. We always try to allocate bedrooms close together and will never ask your group to share bedrooms with anyone not in your group.
Upgrades are available for sole use of an area, floor or the entire place.
Shared spaces
With a meeting room and social spaces with free Wi-Fi, YHA South Downs can accommodate groups of all ages. The grounds surrounding the hostel ensure there is plenty of space for everyone.
Group catering
With tasty breakfasts, packed lunches and evening meals, groups are sure to find something delicious to eat at YHA South Downs (see sample menu).
Meal plans range from bed and breakfast up to full-board catering. Vegetarian options are available and we aim to cater for any special dietary requests.
Parking
There is free on-site parking for cars and coaches a short distance from the hostel entrance. There are Blue Badge parking spaces on the central courtyard (closer to the hostel).
Packages and bolt-ons
Our packages include activities, accommodation and catering – everything you need for a real outdoor adventure.
Looking to fill some free time? Our bolt-on activities can easily be added to your stay.
Accredited site
YHA South Downs holds a Learning Outside the Classroom Quality Badge (105547).
This accreditation means that this hostel has externally audited risk assessments, verified insurance provision, quality checked safety logs and delivery observed by national reviewers.
Hostel facilities
- 24-hour access after check-in
- 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 room(s)
- 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
- Sole use available
- 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 10:00 – 20:30.
Licensed bar: This hostel has a licensed bar offering a range of alcohol and soft drinks. It is not possible for guests to bring their own alcohol, except when hiring the whole hostel through YHA Exclusive Hire.
Café opening hours: The Courtyard Cafe is open to the public from 10:00 - 17:00, Monday to Sunday.
Self-catering: Guests have access to a self-catering kitchen.
Parking: There is free on-site parking for cars and coaches a short distance from the hostel entrance. There are Blue Badge parking spaces on the central courtyard (closer to the hostel).
WiFi: Free WiFi is available in shared social spaces.
Dogs: Dogs can stay in our camping pods, Landpods and bell tents. There is a £10 charge per dog per night for our camping pod, Landpod and bell tent accommodation which is payable upon arrival. Dogs are permitted in the public areas within the hostel. Dogs are not permitted in hostel bedrooms. Assistance dogs are welcome throughout.
Guest access: YHA South Downs is split across four buildings – Farmhouse, Granary, Interpretation Centre and Long Barn. Bedrooms are located on the ground floors of the Long Barn and Granary buildings and on the first floors of the Farmhouse and Granary buildings (access via stairs only). A platform lift is available for the first floor meeting room in the Interpretation Centre.
YHA South Downs - Access Statement
(PDF download - 129.13 KB)
Food and drink at YHA South Downs
Things to do around YHA South Downs
Mindfulness social walk from YHA South Downs
Sunday 14th September 2025 Distance: 6 miles (9.9 km) Duration: 3 hours Led by: Stuart McLeod, RUN-ZEN Health and wellbeing We will spend up to 3 hours walking, with time at the hostel before and...
Map and navigation skills social walk from YHA South Downs
Sunday 12th October 2025 Distance: 5.2 miles (8.5 km) Duration: 5 hours Led by: Cathy Ford, Heads Up Adventures Skills and confidence This fabulous walk will give you the opportunity to learn or...
Beachy Head and the Seven Sisters
Visit Beachy Head and the Seven Sisters with their dramatic white cliffs and gently undulating downs.
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...
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...
Brighton Museum & Art Gallery
Set at the heart of Brighton's cultural quarter (in the garden of the Royal Pavilion!) this museum and gallery is home to a huge collection of amazing objects. From Ancient Egyptian artifacts to...
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.
Brighton Bike Tours
Soak up the history and culture of this vibrant city by pedalling between Brighton's iconic landmarks. We now sell tours at reception for groups of two or more people. Suitable for ages 13 and up.
The Lanes
A true shopper's paradise jam packed with independent shops and boutiques, this maze of twisting alleyways, twittens and catcreeps has everything you need for unique gifts and fashion.
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
Stargazing in South Downs National Park
Stargazing – a simple yet intriguing and inspiring evening activity. The hope that a shooting star might pass, or that there will be a full moon, or seeing who can spot the biggest star – there’s so...
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...
Alcotraz – Brighton's speakeasy cocktail bar prison experience
Alcotraz Cell Block One three promises to be one of the most unique cocktail bars in Brighton. Once convicted, inmates are taken into an exciting world of mischief as they are instructed by a...
Brighton Toy and Model Museum
Revisit your childhood at one of the finest toy museums in the world! Families and the young at heart will gaze in wonder at over 10,000 toys and models. Look out for working train sets, penny arcade...
Brighton Pavilion
One of Brighton’s best known and most recognisable attractions, Brighton pavilion is a symbol of regency grandeur and a representation of Britain’s strong ties with India. Built as a seaside pleasure...
Brighton Pier and seafront
Packed full of video games, thrill rides and shops - if you're looking for the very best of English seaside entertainment, you'll find it here! Bars, food kiosks, amusement arcades and seaside stalls...
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...
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...
Watersports in the South Downs
Various watersports are available from Newhaven Marina or from Piddinghoe Pond, both a short distance from the hostel.
More about this hostel
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.
Find out more and apply to volunteer.
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.
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