Views for Miles
The South East may not have mountains, but the South Downs, the Surrey Hills and the North Wessex Downs can still reward walkers with some spectacular views. In this collection we share what we believe to be the TEN BEST VIEWS from our walks in these landscapes.
You would expect the highest point in the South Downs National Park to have impressive views, and it certainly does. Alfred Lord Tennyson loved this view and used it to inspire his poetry.
What we love about the views from Butser are that you can see in so many different directions; over towards the Meon Valley, Petersfield and Hindhead beyond, the ridge of the South Downs disappearing into Sussex and across the coast to the Isle of Wight.
The good news is that the car park is near the top of St. Roche’s Hill, so it is only a short walk to the top of the iron age hill fort known as The Trundle. You can see across the whole of the flood plain of southern West Sussex, Chichester Cathedral, the Spinnaker Tower and a grandstand view of Goodwood race circuit.
This iron age hill fort is not actually in Winchester, although on a clear day you can see that far, as well as Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight. An all-access trail will lead you there.
On a clear day, you can see as far as London from the rim of The Devil’s Punchbowl and if you follow our walk, you can also see far into Sussex and Hampshire from Gibbet Hill.
Enjoy a picnic on Beacon Hill with far reaching views across the North Wessex Downs National Landscape as well as a bird’s eye view of the Highclere Estate, otherwise known as Downton Abbey.
It is a steep climb up, but so worth it for views across lower West Sussex and to the sea beyond. Make sure to go the extra few metres to the top of the Devil’s Humps for the ultimate view.
The views down the valley over the village of East Meon are about as delightful as English country scenes can get. After you have taken it all in from above, the walk then leads you down to the church, river and pubs for closer inspection.
Park up, grab a coffee and enjoy the views of the Surrey Hills! Then follow this walking route and be sure to check out the diversion for more views and the sculpture that is part of the Inspiring Views collection.
The views from the monument are spectacular, but we also like the rolling hills and farmland that can be viewed on a walk to see the bluebells in Parnholt Wood.