Enjoy a family day out this spring at the South Downs National Park
To encourage more visitors to travel by bus and train, 13 attractions are offering 2-for-1 entrance fees for people arriving by bus or train under the ‘Discover More of the South Downs for Less’ initiative which runs until the end of April.
The South Downs is one of the South East’s most popular tourist destinations, attracting some 44 million visits every year, the vast majority by car.
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Hide AdHowever, the amount of traffic within the National Park can threaten the very qualities that attract people in the first place, as well as causing congestion at some sites.
Nick Stewart, from the South Downs National Park Authority, said: “We want visitors to not only enjoy the many attractions that are located in the South Downs National Park, but to enjoy the journey there as well.
“Children in particular can find travelling by bus or train a bit of an adventure, adults often find that leaving the car at home can be much more relaxing; you can watch the scenery unfold without having to keep your eyes on the road.”
High numbers of visitors are expected over the next couple of months as research commissioned by the National Park last year shows spring is the favourite season to visit the South Downs.
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Hide AdNick Stewart added: “There is so much to see at this time of year as the South Downs bursts into life - lambs in the fields, butterflies emerging, trees and flowers blossoming on the roadside and the return of migrating birds like swallows and swifts. As well as enjoying the scenic views, bus and train passengers will leave a smaller carbon footprint on the countryside they love.”
Get 2-for-1 entry at the following attractions:
lRSPB Pulborough Brooks Nature Reserve
l Bignor Roman Villa
l Weald and Downland Museum
l WWT Arundel Wetland Centre
l Amberley Museum
l Seven Sisters Sheep Centre
l National Trust Petworth House
l National Trust Alfriston Clergy House
l Adur Outdoor Activities Centre
l National Trust Uppark House and Garden
l Jane Austen’s House
l Gilbert White’s House
l National Trust Hinton Ampner
For further information about the attractions and how to get to them by bus and train, please visit www.southdowns.gov.uk/discover. Individual terms and conditions apply to each attraction; visitors are advised to check entry requirements before travelling.
Report and picture contributed by Angela Cobb PR.