Location and Travel
Location & Travel
A secluded retreat location in the South Downs — easy to reach, hard to leave
The Lookout Retreat is tucked away in the heart of the South Downs National Park, offering sweeping countryside views, deep quiet and a strong sense of retreat — while remaining surprisingly accessible.
Just 3 minutes from the beach and 20 minutes from Brighton, this unique setting allows guests to enjoy the grounding calm of nature alongside the energy of the coast.
Where we are
The Lookout Retreat sits within the rolling hills of the South Downs, surrounded by open landscapes, walking trails and wide skies. The location is ideal for retreats, group gatherings and celebrations that value privacy, beauty and space — without feeling remote or difficult to reach.
This balance makes it especially popular for multi-day residential retreats, where ease of arrival helps guests settle quickly.
Getting here
We recommend sharing travel guidance with your group ahead of arrival. Full directions are provided once a booking is confirmed.
By car
The retreat is easily accessible by road, with parking available on site. Driving allows flexibility for group arrivals and is often the simplest option for retreat organisers.
By train
The nearest train stations are Brighton and Lewes, both well-connected to London and the South East. From either station, the retreat is a short taxi journey.
From London
The Lookout Retreat is approximately 1–1.5 hours from London, depending on route and transport choice — making it ideal for weekend and long-weekend retreats.
By air
London Gatwick is the closest airport, with onward connections by train or car.
Exploring the local area
While many guests choose to stay within the retreat grounds, the surrounding area offers plenty to explore during free time.
Nearby highlights include:
Scenic South Downs walks directly from the doorstep
Coastal paths and sea swims just minutes away
Independent cafés, pubs and markets in nearby villages
The historic town of Lewes
The creative, vibrant city of Brighton
This combination of countryside and coast gives guests freedom to slow down or explore, depending on the rhythm of the retreat.
Why this location works for retreats
The Lookout Retreat offers a rare blend of:
Seclusion without isolation
Nature without remoteness
Stillness with easy access
For retreat organisers, this means fewer logistical worries and a smoother arrival experience for guests — setting the tone for a grounded, nourishing retreat from the moment people arrive.
Plan your journey
If you have questions about travel, accessibility or group logistics, we’re always happy to help.
For directions, availability and bookings, please get in touch and we’ll be glad to support you.
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.