South Downs (East)
This South Downs golf tour brings together four clubs, one base and well over a century of golf on the chalk. It takes in the eastern half of the South Downs National Park, from the clifftop course above Lewes and the chalk downland above Seaford to the high ground of the Dyke and the Colt courses beneath Cissbury Ring at Worthing. Brighton, with its seafront, restaurants and lively Lanes, is never far from the first tee.
What is downland golf?
The word “down” comes from the Old English dūn, meaning hill, and downland golf is played over the rolling chalk hills of southern England. Chalk drains superbly, so the turf stays firm and fast-running even after rain and the ball runs out in a way more often associated with links golf. Expect real changes in elevation, from climbing fairways to plunging tee shots and greens perched on ridges, along with some of the finest views in English golf. Add the wind on the high ground and you have golf that rewards imagination and a good ground game as much as power.
- Four clubsSeaford, The Dyke, Worthing and Lewes
- BaseBrighton, with every course within about 30 minutes
- Suggested length5 nights and 4 rounds, with a 36-hole option at Worthing
- Golf styleClassic chalk downland, with views over the Downs and the sea
Drive times from Brighton
Approximate, by road from central Brighton.
Seaford Golf Club
The oldest club in Sussex, on the chalk ridge above Seaford
Founded in 1887, Seaford lays claim to being the oldest golf club in Sussex; its first course was at Seaford Head, now home to the separate Seaford Head Golf Club. In 1907 the club moved inland to Bullock Down at East Blatchington, where five-time Open Champion J.H. Taylor built a new course around the natural undulations of the land, working the old dew ponds and flint quarries into the play.
The result is archetypal downland golf: firm, fast-running turf and views from Firle Beacon to Beachy Head, with the Seven Sisters and the English Channel in the distance. Unusually for the Downs, it is also an easy walk. The club has a Dormy House at the clubhouse, so a group can sleep a few steps from the first tee if they would rather stay out of town for a night.
Off the course: the Seven Sisters cliffs and Birling Gap, the village of Alfriston and the vineyards of the Cuckmere Valley are all close by.
The Dyke Golf Club
High on the Downs above Brighton, where the wind does the defending
The Dyke is one of the highest courses in southern England, and on a clear day the view stretches along the coast to the Isle of Wight. Its extended course was opened in July 1908 with an exhibition match between J.H. Taylor and Harry Vardon. Tanks training on the Downs during the Second World War destroyed much of the original layout, and the course was rebuilt afterwards by Fred G. Hawtree and his son Fred W.
The fairways can look generous, but with the wind blowing straightforward par fours turn into real tests, and the greens reward a links-style running approach. Golf writer Frank Pennink rated it the best course around Brighton, and many visitors still agree.
Off the course: the course sits beside Devil’s Dyke, the deepest dry valley in Britain, which is well worth a short walk after the round.
Worthing Golf Club
Two Harry Colt courses on the slopes beneath Cissbury Ring
Harry Vardon laid out Worthing’s first course, but after the club bought its land in 1921 Harry Colt was called in to design two new ones. He routed the Lower course mostly along the valley and the Upper course across the ridges above. Today they are called the Colt and the Vardon courses in honour of their heritage.
The Colt (par 71) is the stronger test and the one to prioritise. Its run of holes before the turn, in a sheltered valley known as Deep Bottom beneath the Iron Age hillfort of Cissbury Ring, is the highlight of the day. With two courses on site, Worthing is the natural place for a 36-hole day, and the club is currently restoring the Colt course’s bunkering with architects Mackenzie & Ebert.
Off the course: Arundel, with its castle and cathedral, is a short drive west along the coast.
Lewes Golf Club
Views over a Norman castle town from every hole
The arrival is half the fun. A narrow lane climbs Chapel Hill out of the town, and at the top the course opens out on the chalk cliffs with Lewes and its Norman castle spread out below. The 8th green is the highest point, with views north to the North Downs and south to the sea.
Built on chalk, the course plays well all year round. Rolling fairways, changes in elevation and the prevailing wind make accuracy more valuable than length, and the clubhouse terrace is one of the best spots in Sussex for a drink after the round.
Off the course: Lewes Castle, the antique shops of Cliffe High Street and Harvey’s, the town’s historic brewery, are all ten minutes away.
Optional add-on: Mannings Heath. Although not strictly part of the South Downs, Mannings Heath near Horsham has all the hallmarks of downland golf, with dramatic changes in elevation, sloping fairways and long views across the Sussex countryside, so it makes a natural extra round on this tour.
Mannings Heath Golf & Wine Estate
Downland character, with its own vineyard
Mannings Heath sits just north of the Downs, but the golf has much of the same character. The Waterfall course, influenced by Harry Colt, winds through mature woodland and across streams, and takes its name from the waterfall on one of its most photographed holes. It has long been regarded as one of the best courses in Sussex.
What makes it special for a group is what happens after the round. Part of the estate has been planted as a vineyard, and guests can take a self-drive buggy tour through the vines, sit down for a tutored wine tasting and stay on for lunch in the Vineyard Kitchen. It is the ideal last day of a trip, and one the non-golfers will enjoy just as much.
Off the course: vineyard tours and tastings on the estate and the gardens at nearby Leonardslee.
South Downs golf tour itinerary: 5 nights, 4 rounds
- Day 1Arrive in Brighton
Gatwick is around 35 minutes away and Heathrow about 90. Check in, then an evening stroll along the seafront and dinner in the Lanes.
- Day 2The Dyke
A morning round high on the Downs, a walk along Devil’s Dyke, then the Royal Pavilion back in town.
- Day 3Lewes
Golf above the town, followed by an afternoon at Lewes Castle and a pint of the local ale.
- Day 4Seaford
J.H. Taylor’s downland classic, then the Seven Sisters, Alfriston and a Sussex sparkling wine tasting on the way home.
- Day 5Worthing
The Colt course in the morning and, for the keen, the Vardon course after lunch. Non-golfers can spend the day in Arundel.
- Day 6Depart
Transfer to Gatwick or Heathrow, or continue west on our South Downs (West) tour.
South Downs golf tour (East): frequently asked questions
What is the best base for a golf tour of the eastern South Downs?
Brighton. All four courses on this tour are within about 30 minutes of the city, and it offers the widest choice of hotels, restaurants and evening entertainment. Groups who prefer to stay at a club can use the Dormy House at Seaford Golf Club.
Which is the oldest golf club in Sussex?
Seaford Golf Club, founded in 1887. Its present course at East Blatchington was designed by five-time Open Champion J.H. Taylor in 1907.
When is the best time to play downland golf in Sussex?
The courses are built on free-draining chalk, so they play well all year. May to September offers the longest days and firmest conditions, while spring and autumn are quieter and still very playable.
What is there for non-golfers on this tour?
Brighton’s Royal Pavilion and the Lanes, the Seven Sisters cliffs, Lewes Castle, Arundel and Sussex sparkling wine tastings.
Which airports are closest?
London Gatwick is around 35 minutes from Brighton and London Heathrow is about 90 minutes.
Good to know
- The lane up to Lewes Golf Club is steep and single-track. Check access before sending a large coach, as a smaller vehicle may be needed for the last stretch.
- Prefer to stay outside the city? Seaford has its own Dormy House at the club.
- Chalk downland drains quickly, so these courses are a good choice in the shoulder seasons as well as summer.
Make it the complete South Downs golf tour. Pair this tour with South Downs (West), with Hockley, Goodwood and Cowdray Park, for seven rounds along the length of the South Downs National Park.
Plan your South Downs golf tour (East)
We can tailor the itinerary, accommodation and tee times to your group, and add the experiences that make a trip memorable.
Enquire about this tour