The South Downs Rambler returns for Summer 2023. Buses will run every Sunday and on Bank Holiday Mondays for 10 weeks from 23rd July 2023.
South Downs Rambler - A glorious run through the South Downs from the historic city of Winchester to the delightful market town of Petersfield passing several quaint villages & Old Winchester Hill en route.
Winchester ➤
Very popular!
Discover Winchester: historic cathedral, King Arthur’s Round Table, scenic River Itchen, Jane Austen’s legacy, charming markets, and delightful cuisine.
Welcome to Winchester, a captivating city steeped in history and brimming with charm, nestled in the heart of Hampshire. As you step off the bus, you’ll find yourself transported into a world where the past and present blend seamlessly.
Your adventure begins at the magnificent Winchester Cathedral, an architectural marvel that dominates the skyline with its stunning Gothic design. Inside, you’ll discover a treasure trove of history, including the final resting place of the renowned author Jane Austen and the beautifully illuminated Winchester Bible.
Wander through the cobbled streets to the iconic Great Hall, where you can marvel at King Arthur’s legendary Round Table, a symbol of medieval lore and chivalry.
Nearby, the picturesque River Itchen offers a serene escape. Enjoy a leisurely walk along its banks, soaking in the scenic views, and perhaps stop for a relaxing picnic in one of the verdant parks.
For literary enthusiasts, a short journey to the village of Chawton will bring you to Jane Austen’s House, now a museum dedicated to her life and works. Here, you can explore the rooms where she penned some of her most beloved novels, gaining a deeper insight into her world.
Winchester is also a haven for food lovers. The city boasts an array of charming pubs, quaint cafes, and fine dining restaurants, offering everything from traditional English fare to contemporary cuisine. Don’t miss the chance to sample local delicacies at the weekly farmers’ market, where you’ll find an array of fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, and homemade goodies.
Throughout the year, Winchester hosts a variety of festivals and events, from the bustling Christmas Market set against the backdrop of the Cathedral to vibrant music and arts festivals. Each visit promises something new and exciting. With its rich history, beautiful landscapes, and warm hospitality, Winchester invites you to explore, experience, and enjoy all it has to offer.
Winchester Science Centre ➤
An exciting family destination, Winchester Science Centre is the South of England’s interactive science and technology centre with the largest standalone planetarium in the UK. Open 7 days a week, they provide exciting, hands-on science experiences to spark curiosity and inspire the next generation of great scientists!
With two floors of fascinating, interactive science exhibits, stunning South Downs National Park surroundings and a vibrant events programme, the Science Centre makes for a brilliant action-packed family day out whatever the weather!
Cheesefoot Head ➤
Hinton Ampner ➤
Best known for its fine garden, Hinton Ampner is an elegant country house with an outstanding collection of furniture, paintings and objets d’art.
The Hinton Ampner garden is widely acknowledged as a masterpiece of 20th century design. The five hectare garden unites a formal layout with varied and informal plantings in pastel shades.
Set in superb Hampshire countryside, there are magnificent vistas across parkland and the South Downs. Highlights of the garden include the dell, a sunken garden with fine topiary, and the recently restored walled garden.
Bramdean ➤
Set in the beautiful countryside, Bramdean’s Fox Inn was already 200 years old when the Prince of Wales (crowned George IV) came for refreshment with his entourage.
The Fox is a warm, atmospheric country pub, serving a wide variety of delicious meals and award winning traditional ales. With open-plan bar, black beams, real log fires, traditional pub food, award winning ales from our local brewers, children and dogs welcome, walled-in terraced area and spacious lawn under fruit trees, good surrounding walks.
Open on Sundays with food served from 11:30.
West Meon ➤
A quaint village in the South Downs with bus links to Winchester, Alresford and Petersfield.
The village has a few family-friendly local pubs, including The West Meon; and The Thomas Lord, where you can enjoy Sunday lunch with the family, a cosy dinner with your other half, or pints and banter with friends.
Exton ➤
The small village of Exton lies in the South Downs National Park, on the west bank of the River Meon and immediately north of Corhampton.
Follow the South Downs Trail to Winchester or eastward towards Old Winchester Hill, Petersfield & on to Eastbourne.
The Shoe Inn, the village pub, is a friendly welcome on the South Down’s Way. They provide comforting home cooked food, good wine, real ales and excellent coffee made using their own Hampshire Pantry coffee beans.
Old Winchester Hill ➤
Very popular!
Clanfield ➤
QE Country Park ➤
Very popular!
Buriton ➤
Petersfield ➤
Set in the glorious countryside of the South Downs National Park, Petersfield is an ancient market town originally built as a Norman ‘new town’ at the end of the 11th Century. It is now a vibrant place for shopping and eating out.
The main square is an attractive focal point providing the perfect venue for twice weekly markets on Saturdays and Wednesdays. There is a Farmers’ Market on the first Sunday of every month.
Petersfield has a vibrant musical and artistic scene. Music, art and drama can be enjoyed at Bedales Arts in nearby Steep.
This listing was last updated on 2nd July 2025
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