
SEA LIFE Brighton
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
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.
Dorm rooms have multiple beds and are shared with other people who may not be travelling together. They are usually more affordable than private rooms as you'll be booking a bed rather than the whole room.
A typical shared dorm room includes bunk beds, a reading light and a storage cupboard for each guest.
Children aged between 12 and 15 can stay in dorm rooms as long as an adult of the same gender accompanies them.
Shared shower and toilet facilities are located near to the room. Some of our shared dorm rooms are en-suites, meaning that they have a bathroom that you would share with other guests who are also staying in the room.
Want some privacy? With a private room, you'll be booking the whole room for your stay.
Private rooms typically include a storage cupboard and reading light for each bed, plus a wash hand basin.
Shared shower and toilet facilities are located near to the room.
For added privacy, relax with your family, friends or by yourself in a private en-suite room.
Private en-suite rooms typically include a storage cupboard and reading light for each bed, plus shower and toilet facilities solely for the people in your room.
If you like camping, you'll love these wooden camping pods! A stay in them will includes all the fun of camping plus protection from the elements - they even have heaters.
Bring all your usual camping gear, apart from sleeping bags and mats. Our standard pods sleep up to 2 people on two single beds, while our large pods sleep up to 4 people on a double bed and two single beds. Each pod also has its own individual decking area.
Three are four camping pods at YHA South Downs. Guests have full use of the hostel's facilities including the self-catering kitchen, showers and toilets.
Like camping but with a few added extras! Our Landpods sleep up to 4 people, on two double mattresses and a single futon mattress, which doubles up as the seating area. All bedding is included, plus duvets and LED lighting.
Landpods don't have heating, so are more suited to the those who like a traditional camping experience. Even in the colder months, it’s nothing a couple of warm, cosy blankets can’t fix! There is a bench and BBQ firepit outside, so make the most of the great outdoors and dine al fresco.
Our spacious bell tents are fully kitted out with a double bed and three single futons and can sleep up to 5 people with all bedding included.
There is eco-friendly solar lighting and comfy bean bags for you to chill out on during the day, plus a coffee table and rugs. Premium bell tents also have the addition of a woodburner to keep you cosy.
There are two premium bell tents at YHA South Downs, available to book for stays from May to September. Guests have full use of the hostel's facilities including the self-catering kitchen, showers and toilets.
Camping is sold per person and not per pitch. During the booking process, you will need to select the number of people who you wish to camp.
YHA South Downs offers camping facilities on a limited number of dates. Guests have full use of the hostel's facilities including the self-catering kitchen, showers and toilets.
Planning an overdue get-together or celebrating a birthday/anniversary? Looking for a base for your group's next adventure? Make your special occasion extra special with YHA Exclusive Hire.
You can hire the whole building at YHA South Downs and, with sole use of the property, come and go as you please. This property is a great hub for walking and cycling holidays with family and friends. Dogs are welcome too!
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.
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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.
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 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.
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.
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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.