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EXPLORE

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THE SOUTH DOWNS NATIONAL PARK

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The South Downs National Park has a lot to offer - ancient woodland, diverse archaeology, glorious heathland, listed buildings, river valleys, rolling hills, thriving villages and market towns and the iconic white cliffs of the Heritage Coast. It is hard not to find an inspiring view in The South Downs. The National park covers over 1600 km2 of England's most valued lowland landscapes. 

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It also has a very rich mosaic of habitats that support many rare and internationally important wildlife species. You might spot some of our atypical species such as burnt orchids, round-headed rampions, otters, skylarks, barn owls, brown trout and fallow deer.  You might also see some of our rarer species such as a greater mouse â€‹eared bat, a Duke of Burgundy butterfly and a sliver spotted skipper butterfly.

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South Downs National Park

INTERNATIONAL DARK SKY RESERVE

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In May 2016, The South Downs National Park became an International Dark Sky Reserve. It is the second reserve in England and one of only 13 in the world. With 2 million people living within 5km of the National park, our reserve is one of the most accessible in the world. 

 

There are approximately 2,700 streetlights in the National Park. Local lighting authorities are replacing these over time to comply with the Dark Sky standards.  

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Come and stargaze in the South Downs !

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LOCAL WALKS
These are a few walks you can explore from the hotel.
 

THE SOUTH DOWNS WAY

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The Nest Hotel, Buriton is no more than a mile from the South Downs Way, but be prepared for a steep climb to get back on the path!

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Buriton is situated around 24 miles along the South Downs Way from Winchester, almost a quarter of the way to Eastbourne.

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The South Downs Way was Britain's first long distance bridleway. It stretches for 100 miles.

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Experience some of the finest countryside between Winchester, the first capital of England, and the white chalk cliffs at Eastbourne. If you're looking for attractive wildlife, visible prehistory, fine restaurants and pretty villages, or if you just fancy a challenge, the 100 miles of the South Downs Way awaits you.

HANGERS WAY

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The Hangers Way is a 21-mile long-distance walking route that will take you from its start at Alton Railway Station, out into the lush Hampshire countryside, along a series of steep-sided wooded hills, known as "The Hangers", through the pretty market town of Petersfield to finish at Queen Elizabeth Country Park, owned and managed by Hampshire County Council and the Forestry Commission.

 

This is the largest of Hampshire's parks and sits at the foot of the dramatic Butser Hill, the highest point of the chalky South Downs.

SHIPWRIGHTS WAY

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Shipwrights Way is a new long distance route which links villages and towns in East Hampshire through some beautiful countryside. The name reflects the use of oak grown at Alice Holt Forest for Tudor shipbuilding, linking the site with Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, howe of the Mary Rose and HMS Victory.

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Starting from Alice Holt Forest, the route passes though Bordon, Liphook, Liss, Petersfield, Queen Elizabeth Country Park, Staunton Country Park, Havant, Hayling Island and continues to Portsmouth via the ferry, finishing at the Historic Dockyard - around 50 miles in all, and including seven rail stations.

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