If you’re seeking the best of Britain’s celestial views, South Downs National Park is your ideal destination for a weekend escape or day trip.

This park, stretching from Winchester to Eastbourne through Hampshire and both West and East Sussex, boasts some of the UK’s most pristine night skies.

As England’s newest national park, established in 2010, it was awarded International Dark Skies Reserve status six years later.

Every year between 13th and 23rd February, it hosts the annual Dark Skies Festival.

Prime stargazing spots within the park include Old Winchester Hill, Butser Hill, Birling Gap, and Bignor Hill.

Beyond its starry allure, the park spans over 1600 square kilometres, offering a plethora of activities such as kayaking, fishing, nature walks, and picnic spots.

Known as one of Britain’s ‘breathing spaces’, it’s perfect for a leisurely stroll amidst nature.

After a day of fresh air and exploration, hop on the 167 Village Rider bus from Hassocks train station towards Lewes, making a pit stop at the picturesque village of Ditchling.

Here, you can indulge in some of England’s finest sparkling wine at not one, but two stunning vineyards.

There’s also plenty of mouth-watering food on offer – one iconic location is the Ditchling Bull pub in the heart of the village. Crowned as the Best Freehouse at the 2019 Great British Pub Awards, the Ditchling Bull serves up traditional British pub grub with locally-sourced ingredients.

To reach the National Park and its surrounding villages, you can catch a train from London’s Victoria station to Hassocks Train Station. The journey by rail takes just under three hours.