Added: 06/23/2007 |
Visiting The Downs, National Park In The MakingThe newest place in England tourists are heading to is the South Downs. National Park it isn't quite yet - as of this writing (20 June 2007), the English Government still has not officially declared South Downs a National Park. But it is a national park in everything except the name. South Downs "National Park" has been declared an Area Of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs), and deservedly so. The English Government agency that manages land, DEFRA, says they should make an official announcement in July; however, they failed to mention July of what year.
You can get to South Downs by rail, bus or ferry over from Deippe in Europe. You would need the Deippe to Newhaven ferry. Check with your favorite travel agent to see if there might be any specials run by local bus services, rail from London to the Downs or from the Eurostar Train.
There are many places to stay around the area of the Downs National Park. The Downs also hosts many events which change often. You or your travel agent could contact the local tourist boards or England’s National Tourist Information Centre, which can send you information by snail mail or email.
One of the unique features which sets the South Downs National Park from other parks is that is has a chalk downland. That means there are many chalk cliffs. “Downs” used to be an old name for hill or cliff and it has stuck ever since. They are basically the same as the White Cliffs of Cover, which are the most famous of England’s chalk downlands. Southern England has a lot of chalk cliffs, which has helped keep a lot of grazing and development away. Chalk cliffs erode easily and are only covered by thin topsoil, too poor for growing crops.
Farming’s loss is the vacationer’s gain. In the Downs, you can hike, cycle, go horse riding, go paragliding or hand gliding , go up in a hot air balloon, play golf, go fishing, fly a kite or check out the towns and villages to a visit to the charming pubs. Hey, even nature lovers like a good pub crawl now and then! There are also many arts festivals that take place on the Downs, such as the Petworth Park Open Air Concert Series in June, the Brighton Film Festival and the Chichester Real Ale and Jazz Festival in July.
The South Downs incorporates many towns and seaside resorts such as Brighton and Chichester, which have many fine museums, hotels and places of historical interest. In Hampshire, you can visit the home of author Jane Austin.
The Downs also has themed events, trails and tourist packages, such as “Downy Duckling Days” in late May when the ducklings hatch and peep perpetually. If you are into butterflies, the Downs is one of the best places to still find many of England’s vanishing butterfly species. The Downs also is home to many birds besides ducklings, including the lapwing, skylark, corn bunting, stonechat and grey partridge.
Most of the land in the Downs National Park is designated Open Access land. You are free to walk, run, picnic, walk dogs and sightsee. They ask that any other sport or activity please be kept in only designated areas, due to the environmental fragility of the area. There are some sheep and cattle that do graze the common lands, so keep an eye out for them and leave them alone.
Article comments:
No comments for this article yet. Post your comment now!
