Useful Information
Whether you choose to attempt the 100 miles stretch of the South Downs Way all at once, break it up over several weekends, or prefer to tackle it one small section at a time, completing the South Downs Way is an accomplishment to be proud of.
Below we have compiled an assemblage of essential information and emergency contacts to support you in your pursuit through the beautiful South Downs countryside. From forest authorities and hospitals, to useful shops and stops along the way, we have you covered.
Forest Authorities
During your walk through the South Downs Way, should you encounter any environmental problems within the park such as rights of way, flooding or have another concern please get in touch with the relevant County Council within the National Park.
Hampshire County Council: 0300 555 1391
West Sussex County Council: 01243 777100
East Sussex County Council: 0345 608 0193
Brighton & Hove County Council: 01273 292229
Coast Guards
With a part of the South Downs Way encountering Coastal areas it is important to remember that in order to reach a Coast Guard in the case of an emergency you should dial 999.
Hospitals
In the event that you require medical attention and are not in need of the emergency services; there are a number of hospitals located along the South Downs Way.
Royal Hampshire County Hospital (Winchester): Romsey Rd, Winchester SO22 5DG, 01962 863535
Petersfield Community Hospital (Petersfield): Swan St, Petersfield GU32 3LB, 023 8231 9000 (minor injuries only)
St Richard’s Hospital (Chichester): Spitalfield Ln, Chichester PO19 6SE, 01243 788122
Worthing Hospital (Worthing): Lyndhurst Rd, Worthing BN11 2DH, 01903 205111
Royal Sussex County Hospital (Brighton): Barry Building, Eastern Rd, Brighton BN2 5BE, 01273 696955
Eastbourne District General Hospital (Eastbourne): Kings Dr, Eastbourne BN21 2UD, 01323 417400
Pharmacies
If you should need a pharmacy on your journey through the South Downs Way, we suggest using this helpful NHS pharmacy locating tool.
Emergency Out of Hours Vets (Small Animals)
In the event that your pet has an accident while walking on the South Downs Way, a number of emergency, out of hours small animal practices are available along the way.
Vets Now (Winchester): Easton Lane, Winchester, SO23 7RU, 01962 808306
St Peters Vets (Petersfield): St Peter’s Rd, Petersfield, GU31 4AA, 01730 266431
Vets 4 Pets (Chichester): Portfield Way, Chichester, PO19 7YH, 01243 785348
Grove Lodge Vets (Worthing): 18 Upper Brighton Rd, Worthing BN14 9DL, 01903 234866
Coastway Vets - VetCall (Brighton): Freshfield Business Park, Freshfield Way, Brighton, BN2 0DF, 01273 621 682
Vets Now (Eastbourne): St. Annes Road, Eastbourne, BN21 2DJ, 01323 301292
Equine Hospitals
Should your horse sustain an injury at any point on your journey through the South Downs Way, both Liphook and Sussex Equine Hospitals are nationally renowned practices, available in the area.
Liphook Equine Hospital (Liphook): Forest Mere, Liphook GU30 7JG, 01428 723594
Sussex Equine Hospital (Ashington): Billingshurst Rd, Ashington, RH20 3BB, 01903 883050
Supermarkets
If you require a supermarket at any point during your walk, we suggest using Yell to locate the supermarkets in closest proximity to wherever you may end up.
Camping Supplies
Mountain Warehouse (Winchester): 21 High St, Winchester SO23 9JX, 01962 866332
Cotswold Outdoor (Chichester): 51 East St, Chichester PO19 1JG, 01243 788167
Mountain Warehouse (Worthing): 35 Montague St, Worthing BN11 3BE, 01903 230187
Cotswold Outdoor (Brighton): 186 Western Rd, Brighton BN1 2BA, 01273 821452
Mountain Warehouse (Brighton): 126 Queens Rd, Brighton BN1 3WB, 01273 727580
Trespass (Eastbourne): 106-108 Terminus Rd, Eastbourne BN21 3AJ, 01323 725516
Bike Mechanics
Bespoke Biking CIC (Winchester): 4a Middle Brook St, Winchester SO23 8AD, 01962 441962
Owens Cycles (Petersfield): Stoner Hill, Steep, Petersfield GU32 1AG, 01730 260446
Geared Bikes & Wear (Chichester): 70 Stockbridge Rd, Chichester PO19 8QJ, 01243 784479
South Downs Bikes (Worthing): 301 Goring Rd, Worthing BN12 4NX, 01903 244644
Southover Cycles (Brighton): 157 Queen's Park Rd, Brighton BN2 0GH, 07847 209487
Black Bikes (Eastbourne): Station Parade, Eastbourne BN21 1BD, 07873 126093
