Local Area
Green rolling pastures, ancient woodlands, winding river valleys and dramatic coastlines define the South Downs — truly one of Britain’s Breathing Spaces. With over 3,300 km of rights of way, this National Park offers a landscape as varied as it is breathtaking.
Whether you’re seeking stillness, adventure, or inspiration, there’s something here for everyone — and The Lookout Retreat sits right at the foot of one of these scenic trails. We highly recommend stepping out and exploring it.
Things to do
Walk
Walk the South Downs - we offer maps of some the best routes from the house. There are also countless public footpaths to follow right from the doorstep of The Lookout Retreat.
Eat and Drink
Cycle, walk or drive to one of the many pubs or restaurants in the immediate local area or Lewes and Brighton. We can provide a list of recommendations upon request.
Swim
Whether it’s swimming in the sea at Saltdean Beach, wild swimming at Hope Gap or the river in Piddinghoe; there’s plenty of choices to enjoy the benefits of getting into water. accessible from the retreat.
Relax
Visit a spa in Brighton, let us arrange a meditation, yoga or breath work session or simply sit back in the garden with a book or get in the hot tub; there’s plenty of options for relaxation.
Cycle
Bring your bike and cycle down to the sea or along the South Downs Way; these routes and more are accessible from the retreat. Stop off at the sea for a post cycle swim or the pub for a pint.
Visit
Lewes and Brighton are within a thirty minute drive from the retreat, offering independent shops, unique sites, activities and great pubs.
Beaches
Just a forty minute walk away is a lovely countryside walk to a local beach, while a seven minute drive takes you to Saltdean beach and a twenty minute drive to Brighton beach.
See the Sites
Seven Sisters, Birling Gap, Ashdown Forest, Bluebell Railway and many more sites are right on the doorstep ready to be explored.