Experience the great outdoors your way
A staycation here in the heart of the South Downs not only offers an opportunity to escape our busy everyday lives, but also a chance to get active and explore the beautiful scenery and landscapes for which this area is renowned.
Whether it’s walking trails, cycling or adrenaline-fuelled family activities you have in mind, there’s sure to be something that fits the bill...
Go electric at Queen Elizabeth Country Park
Six miles from Woodlands Retreat B&B
Set against the striking backdrop of Butser Hill, Queen Elizabeth Country Park is the very definition of the great outdoors, with more than 2,000 acres of woodland and downland to see and explore.
There are so many different ways to explore the park, it can be tough to know where to start, but the addition of electric mountain bikes to hire from Southern EBike Rentals (April to October – weekends and holidays) presents an ideal opportunity to try something new during your South Downs staycation.
If walking is more your thing, there are three different short routes to try, ranging between 2.7km and 8km, along with a short interactive walk – the dragon of Butser Hill – to give the younger ones a chance to get active.
Take the trail at Staunton Country Park
Seven miles from Woodlands Retreat B&B
Further south, there’s the chance to experience the natural history, sights and sounds of the historic estate at Staunton Country Park with seasonal routes and long-distance walking trails.
Visitors can follow the Tree Trail around the park to discover the wide variety of trees and plants collected by Sir George Staunton throughout his life, or experience the regency landscape on the Folly Trail.
For those looking to really stretch their legs, the park links up with the Staunton Way and Shipwrights Way, and you can also explore Staunton Country Park via pedal power with the Green Mountain Bike Trail - a 9km circular, family-friendly cycle route.
Family fun at Fort Purbrook and Fort Widley
Seven miles from Woodlands Retreat B&B
If you’re looking for something new to do as a family during your stay at Woodlands Retreat B&B, a short trip down towards the coast takes you to the Peter Ashley Activity Centres at Fort Purbrook and Fort Widley - a registered charity providing a range of sports and activities for children and adults.
From assault courses to archery, and bouldering to bush craft, there’s a whole host of group activities on offer at these activity centres set in the striking surroundings of these forts, which are steeped in history.
The activity centres’ Family Adventure Days offer a great day out for kids and big kids alike, with a choice of four action-packed activities for the whole family to enjoy.
Bike storage at Woodlands Retreat B&B
For anyone wanting to explore the local area on two wheels, a reminder that we offer our guests a secure area for bike storage and a bike wash down facility.
Book your stay at Woodlands Retreat B&B