The glamping pods of The Downs Stables Holidays are situated between the South Downs and the sea, on the outskirts of the village of Findon. They offer a grown-up glamping experience in the heart of a historic racing yard. It’s a peaceful place in the West Sussex countryside with a vineyard, a choice of pubs, and a fine-dining restaurant all within walking distance. And that’s not to mention the South Downs themselves. These chalky hills are the highlight of the UK’s newest national park and form the backdrop to your stay. They're perfect for long walks and challenging cycle rides with views towards the sea at Worthing.
It’s walkers, cyclists, and those who love the countryside who will get the most out of a stay here. And it goes without saying that if you’re interested in horse racing you’ll get a particular kick out of waking up to the sound of hooves thundering by and the chance to tour the stables with trainer, Nick. Wife, Ruth, your Hipcamp host, will welcome you to the yard and show you to your private pad. Each of the two pods offers a kind of hotel-room-in-the-outdoors, with a bed, towels, and tea and coffee-making provisions. There’s a private space to sit outside and a barbecue to cook on. Toilets and a proper tiled bathroom are a few steps away—and there’s a well-equipped indoor kitchen too.
It’s tempting to use all these excellent facilities to cook a proper meal but, to be honest, in this location, there’s not much need. Findon has more than its fair share of places to eat and drink. Book The Sylvan Oak for a special occasion, head for The Village House for good food and real ales, or go a little further to the Wiston vineyard for a glass of sparkling English wine to celebrate your holiday in the South Downs. The best use of the kitchen is for warming breakfast pastries from the community-owned shop that’s a few minutes’ walk down the road. A lovely bonus in such a peaceful spot.
The Downs Stables Holidays is a good place for walkers, cyclists and horseriders as it’s positioned in the countryside of the South Downs National Park with good access to country lanes, bridleways and footpaths. The walk up to Cissbury Ring, the site of an iron age hillfort, is a 20-minute stomp from Findon village, less than half a mile down the road, which affords good views. For longer hikes, perhaps head out on The Monarch Way which passes through the village or on the South Downs Way National Trail which runs along the ridge of hills just over a mile to the north. And, if being around horses, gives you the urge to get in the saddle – head for the riding stable, Cissbury Barns, down in Findon. The seaside at Worthing is just over five miles to the south, Chichester is 20 miles west and Brighton is 20 miles east. Goodwood with its calendar of motor racing and horse racing events, is also about 20 miles from here. Tours of the stables with the chance to see some of the horses can be arranged (at an extra cost) by booking directly with host, Ruth.
It’s a short walk from the pods at The Downs Stables Holidays into the village of Findon. There, you’ll find a choice of pubs – perhaps most appropriate for you to visit is The Black Horse but there’s also The Village House and The Gun Inn – all recommended by your hosts. There’s also an Indian restaurant, Tadjar, and a fine-dining restaurant, The Sylvan Oak, if you’re looking for a really special meal. There’s a community-owned village shop and a butchers too if you want to cook in the on-site kitchen or the barbecue and it’s a five-minute drive (two miles) to the nearest small supermarkets if you can’t find what you need there. The centre of Worthing is only five miles away if you want a bigger supermarket, fish and chips by the sea and more choices of places to eat out. Don’t miss the Wiston Vineyard and winery, just two miles up the road, where you can have a tour and tasting and pick up a bottle of local fizz.
