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South Downs Hideaway

100%

· Arundel, England

1 acre hosted by Anna P.

1 glamping pitch

A stylish oak-beamed bolthole for two – just off the South Downs Way

You don’t have to be a keen walker to enjoy a stay at South Downs Hideaway—but it helps. After all, you can see the South Downs Way, one of the UK’s best-loved and most accessible national trails, from the window of this well-equipped garden room. The studio-style accommodation offers stylish, tiny-home living with views of rolling downland scenery. It’s close to the River Arun, within the South Downs National Park, part of a Dark Sky Reserve, and just 300 metres off the national trail. There’s a pub in walking distance to boot. It’s also less than four miles from well-to-do Arundel and less than 10 from south coast beaches so even if you’re not here for the walks, you’ll find plenty to do around here.

The cabin itself is tucked behind host Anna’s house and it’s a lovely garden location. Huge windows and outdoor furniture on the patio both offer vantage points from which to watch horses grazing in fields and walkers winding their way down the hills. If you’re happy right here (and why wouldn’t you be?) you have everything you need to self cater. The cabin has a teeny kitchenette that comes with everything needed to make simple meals and Anna even provides enough in the welcome pack for breakfast. There’s an en suite shower and loo, beds are made, and towels and toiletries are provided. If you’re walking, cycling or arriving by train (there’s a station just up the road with direct 80-minute links to London) these thoughtful inclusions are a real godsend.

Another blessing, if you can’t muster up the energy to make use of the cabin’s microwave, kettle and hob, are the surprising number of good eateries within walking distance. Closest is The George and Dragon, a historic pub with a menu of hearty dishes that’s less than five minutes up the road. It's also only half a mile to the lovely Bridge Inn and riverside restaurant The Boathouse, both at Houghton Bridge. Just over a mile away is the village of Amberley with a great working museum and, in the other direction, it’s a short drive to Arundel with its independent shops, restored medieval castle and over-sized cathedral. Beyond it is the south coast with Littlehampton and Worthing the closest obvious destinations for a day at the seaside.

Located 300 metres from the South Downs Way, the 17sqm studio sleeps 2 very comfortably on a double bed on the ground floor. The kitchenette provides a sink, fridge/freezer box, kettle, toaster, microwave and induction hob. A light breakfast of cereals, bread, butter, jams, tea, coffee and milk is provided but if you have any specific requirements upon arrival we will be more than happy to accommodate your request. The bathroom comprises a WC, sink, shower and heated towel rail which is stocked with shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, towels, hair dryer and mirror allowing for light travelling (essential for you hikers and cyclists out there!). The studio offers free Wi-Fi access, Smart HD Ready LED TV providing access to 15 HD channels, 70 digital channels, a range of radio stations and apps like Netflix and Prime Video. There is also an Alexa-enabled Bluetooth speaker with free access to Spotify digital music service and a wireless charging station for phones, pods and watch. The area benefits from very good mobile reception. Within walking distance** is Amberley Railway Station, two lovely pubs (The Bridge Inn and the George & Dragon) both serving lunch and dinner and a riverside café that caters for breakfast, teas, lunch and pizzas. The George & Dragon, Houghton offers breathtaking views of the South Downs and is reputedly one of the oldest 3 pubs in Sussex. It has a wealth of charm & character and said to have been a stop-off point for King Charles II following his defeat at the Battle of Worcester. The nearby, picturesque village of Amberley with its pretty thatched cottages has a tea rooms, village stores (useful for lunch supplies) and a further two pubs! (**there are no pavements through Houghton so access to the railway station and pubs is a cautious walk along the road or via the walking trails. As the area is in a Dark Skies Reserve it is very, very dark! If you do intend to walk at night, we would recommend bringing a head torch and hiking boots/wellies in the winter months). For an extra special dining experience you may also wish to explore the newly opened - ‘The Pig - in the South Downs’ tucked away in the small hamlet of Madehurst - just 4 miles from the Hideaway. During the colder months the South Downs can get rather muddy in places so if you intend to explore the area we would highly recommend bringing suitable footwear. A unique attraction of the area is its International Dark Sky Reserve status making our location the ideal place for a spot of stargazing (on a clear night, of course!). Dark Skies are areas where you can look at the night sky without the light pollution created by street lights etc. so if you are checking in at night the drive and garden lights are on a sensor but the surrounding area will be dark, very dark! For those walking or cycling the South Downs Way we can provide a baggage transfer service up to 20 miles in an Easterly or Westerly direction for a set fee of £20. Please enquire at the time of booking. If you fancy a little more outdoor adventure, ‘Riverside South Downs’ is just along the road at Houghton Bridge offering bike, boat, kayak and paddle board hire. Arundel, Chichester and Petworth are all within easy driving distance. Perfectly located for Goodwood events such as the Festival of Speed, Revival and Glorious Goodwood. The Hideaway is located 300 metres from the South Downs Way national trail. There are no pavements in Houghton so guests need to be mindful of this when walking in the area. We provide a head torch for guests to use. Houghton Bridge, Amberley railway station and Amberley village are accessible via the South Downs Way/public footpaths but do keep in mind that some routes can be a little muddy in places so we would advise bringing suitable footwear especially in the colder months, a head torch (although we do provide one) and a sense of adventure! Amberley Railway Station is just under a 1 mile walk along the river. Pulborough and Arundel Railway Station are both approx. 5 miles. All stations are served by a direct train line from London Victoria which takes approx 1.5hrs. If you fancy exploring the South Downs on two wheels, Chalkpit Trails based at Amberley Riverside Tearooms provides a mountain bike hire service. A stunning area of West Sussex. Houghton is a hamlet in the South Downs National Park making it perfect for hikers and cyclists keen to complete the breath-taking 100 mile stretch of national trail running from Winchester to Eastbourne. It is on the River Arun, where it has a bridge to a rural part of Amberley, 3 miles (5 km) north of Arundel. The Monarch’s Way long-distance footpath (which follows Charles's supposed route from Worcester to Shoreham-by-Sea) descends from the Downs to the west into the village, before heading south along the river towards Arundel. In May 2016 the South Downs National Park became the world’s newest International Dark Sky Reserve, only the 2nd in England and 12th in the world! Across the South Downs International Dark Sky Reserve, some of the best locations for stargazing are already designated as Dark Skies Discovery Sites, offering sweeping views of the starry skies. One of the darkest locations in the South Downs International Dark Sky Reserve is at Bignor Hill (3.5 miles from The Hideaway) between Arundel and Petworth. This remote hilltop location offers extensive views of the night sky in all directions and delivers exquisite views of the Milky Way on a moonless night in late summer and mid-winter.

Activities

Biking

Boating

Fishing

Hiking

Natural features

Field

100%

3 Ratings · 3 reviews

June F.recommends

June 7, 2024

Cosy Cabin on the South Downs

Perfect Break

We had a perfect break in this lovely cabin. It’s beautifully decorated, very comfortable and had everything we could possibly need. Really peaceful with a stunning view and very handy for the Southdowns Way and walking into Amberley where we had great meals in The Black Horse and The Bridge Inn. Anna is a lovely host, we arrived to freshly baked bread, and plenty of supplies for breakfast and teas and coffees. Hoping to return soon. Thank you!

Clarice H.recommends

November 26, 2023

Cosy Cabin on the South Downs

Wonderful stay

Gorgeous stay!! Such a perfect cabin in a beautiful location, short drive to all the areas we wanted to explore. Comfortable bed and cosy cabin. Thank you so much!

Emma H.recommends

January 30, 2023

Cosy Cabin on the South Downs

Puppies first holiday 😊

Lovely little cabin with everything we needed in a beautiful quiet location. We got lucky and had some lovely clear nights allowing for a lovely view of the stars. Dogs welcomed and Aubrie had a lovely time in some of the local pubs and cafe. Was a great little test run to see how she was in strange new places 😊🐶 thank you!

Location

Arundel, England, United KingdomTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking

Hosted by Anna P.

Joined in April 2022

From the host

The Hideaway is situated in Houghton, very close to the point at which the South Downs Way crosses the River Arun. The oak framed garden room offers studio style open plan living space with double bed, well equipped kitchenette and separate bathroom. The doors open onto a garden area to enjoy a spot of al fresco dining or simply just to soak up the sun and offer beautiful panoramic views of the South Downs. Houghton is also a mid-way point on the South Downs.

Nearby attractions

South Downs Hideaway is 300 metres off The South Downs Way making it a fantastic place for walking, cycling and horseriding. If you’ve come without bikes and want to hire them, there’s bike hire from Chalk Pit Trails at Amberley Riverside Tearooms just half a mile up the road at Houghton Bridge on the River Arun. You can also hire bikes, kayaks and paddleboards from here if you want to get on the water. The Monarch’s Way is another long-distance footpath that passes close by for an alternative route to tread. Amberley Museum is just over a mile away and where you can see the history of this part of the world brought to life. Arundel is four miles away with a castle, cathedral and lots of independent shops. Arundel Wetland Centre on its outskirts is a good place for anyone who likes birds and wildlife. A little further afield, Chichester is 11 miles away. Littlehampton and Worthing are the closest places to reach the beach—both with plenty of facilities and attractions beyond their shingle shores.

Food and drink

A little welcome pack at South Downs Hideaway provides enough for tea, coffee and a basic breakfast but, for more than that, there are two pubs serving food within walking distance. The closest is the George and Dragon, less than a five-minute walk away. The Bridge Inn at Houghton Bridge is the other option, just half a mile up the road (though using footpaths is preferable if you’re walking as it’s a busy road with no pavements). It has a lovely relaxed atmosphere and is recommended by your hosts. There’s also a riverside restaurant, The Boathouse, serving a menu of Mediterranean dishes in a stylish riverside setting and a tea room at Houghton Bridge. There’s a small village shop and another tea room in Amberley. For more than that, head to Charlie's Farm Shop in nearby Bury (two miles) for local produce or to Arundel, four miles away, which has both independent shops and a Co-op. Littlehampton (nine miles) has the usual choice of supermarkets. For a special meal out, head to The Pig in the South Downs, less than three miles away, at Madehurst, and perhaps try the homegrown and locally-sourced dishes on their 25-mile menu.

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