South Downs Roads - Visiting area & seeking advice

[rgv250ads]

Hi All, spending a long weekend in the south downs area shortly with a 4 day 3 night base in Brighton.

We've not been to the area before - we are coming from the home counties beds/bucks.

Rather than just 'get there' via M25/M23/A23 have you got some ideas for us to make our way via a good driving route?

We have time on our hands for the journey and are not in a rush, was thinking A3>A272 then some of the roads from Midworth/Petworth down to Chichester? What about M25>A22>A26 via Uckfield? I am sure there are many combo's. Was just thinking last night some local knowledge would be good as we could pick a route(s) not knowing that 10 miles to the east/west of where we are is a cracking well known local road 10 times better.

When we are there we might make a start and end drive from Brighton on one of the days. Again any ideas on suggestions. We want to avoid busy dual carriageways - and on the other end of the scale - not end up down farm tracks! the car is suited to sweepy roads.

Thanks in advance for any reccomends, cheers!

[FUBAR]

Depending how much time you want to use up, try getting on the A331/A31 down to almost Winschester (A3 is mostly dual/3 lanes) then pick up the A272 and follow it all the way across to the A23, then either down there or keep on to Maresfield, then down through the back of Lewes, A27 back into Brighton.

As for days out from Brighton, you're only really left with either going back up to Lewes then A267 up to Tunbridge Wells and then back down the A21 and back along the A259, or do the reverse. Don't forget to pop up to Beachy Head when in and around Eastbourne

Let me know if you need any dining recommendations in Brighton

[rgv250ads]

Thanks for first reply!

Yes dining reccom's welcome.

[FUBAR]

Whereabouts are you staying? What type of food do you like/don't like? Romantic or 'with the lads'? Price...cheap/middle/high?

[rgv250ads]

Staying in Brighton. 10 Yr anniversary with Mrs RGV.
Like quality food but not into £100 a head 'fine dining'. If that makes sense.

[FUBAR]

Fish:

Either GB1 at The Grand http://www.grandbrighton.co.uk/dining_1-en.html

or

Riddle & Finn, in The Lanes http://www.riddleandfinns.co.uk/#riddleandfinns

Steak etc:

The Coal Shed (bit of a back street find, but very good) http://www.coalshed-restaurant.co.uk/

Chinese:

Gars (again, in the Lanes) http://www.gars.co.uk/

A trip to Brighton should always include fish and chips on the pier at The Palm Court, which while being all 'Chas & Dave' is a decent eat http://www.brightonpier.co.uk/palm-court-restauran...

TBH there are reportedly over 400 eateries in Brighton, most decent

[Oi U]

If you like Italian, try:

Cafe All'Angolo

We had a lovely meal in this Brighton restaurant. It's listed on Trip Advisor.

[rgv250ads]

Thanks for taking the time to add. Appreciated

[Hoonigan]

Try 64 degrees, amazing food, funnily enough I was recommended it by someone on here and now can't wait to go again.

http://www.64degrees.co.uk/#!brighton-home/c1d74

[HenrysDad]

Chilli Pickle for an amazing curry experience.

[dcb]

rgv250ads said:

When we are there we might make a start and end drive from
Brighton on one of the days.

Brighton is virulently anti-car. Home of the UK's only Green MP,
and boy does it show.

Roads to / from Brighton nothing special, except possibly
for going over the South Downs can be quite scenic on the right day.

Personally, I'd be tempted to leave the car behind and go by rail.

[16vKarlos]

Hey RGV,

I'm a Sussex lad and know a lot of the roads around the area.
I don't know your exact location, so i'm not sure which way you'll come around the M25.

Here are my suggested routes

M25 - A3
A3 - Petersfield A272
A272 - A24 (Worthing Road)
A24 - A27 Roundabout.
At this point you can either head along the quick A27 route or continue on your scenic route
Follow A27 Roundabout over to A2031 heading toward Worthing
then follow A259 into Brighton

another option

M25 - A22
A22 - Uckfield A26 OR Lewes Road A275

Depending on your decision here

Either A26 - Lewes
OR
A275 Lewes road - Lewes

Then if time is a factor here, you can follow A27 into Brighton (It's the next junction 2 minutes drive)
OR
A26 into Newhaven
OR
Follow Winterbourne Hollow, then Bell Lane, then Kingston road, then follow Piddinghoe Road into Newhaven.

All of these roads will lead you to the A259 and you'll get some great scenery on the way.


If I knew the location of your hotel, I'd direct you straight there via A259 also.
Feel free to ask any more questions.

I can advise on which roads on certain times of the day etc and your best way into Brightonif you wish.

All the best

[Samjeev]

dcb said:

rgv250ads said:

When we are there we might make a start and end drive from
Brighton on one of the days.

Brighton is virulently anti-car. Home of the UK's only Green MP,
and boy does it show.

Roads to / from Brighton nothing special, except possibly
for going over the South Downs can be quite scenic on the right day.

Personally, I'd be tempted to leave the car behind and go by rail.

Just to echo this driving in an around Brighton is a headache, Taxi's are expensive, buses are buses so walking about might be your best bet once you're here.
Parking is a bit easier in Hove where it is also a bit quieter in general and it still has some very good dining options

[rgv250ads]

16vKarlos said:

Hey RGV,

I'm a Sussex lad and know a lot of the roads around the area.
I don't know your exact location, so i'm not sure which way you'll come around the M25.

Here are my suggested routes

M25 - A3
A3 - Petersfield A272
A272 - A24 (Worthing Road)
A24 - A27 Roundabout.
At this point you can either head along the quick A27 route or continue on your scenic route
Follow A27 Roundabout over to A2031 heading toward Worthing
then follow A259 into Brighton

another option

M25 - A22
A22 - Uckfield A26 OR Lewes Road A275

Depending on your decision here

Either A26 - Lewes
OR
A275 Lewes road - Lewes

Then if time is a factor here, you can follow A27 into Brighton (It's the next junction 2 minutes drive)
OR
A26 into Newhaven
OR
Follow Winterbourne Hollow, then Bell Lane, then Kingston road, then follow Piddinghoe Road into Newhaven.

All of these roads will lead you to the A259 and you'll get some great scenery on the way.


If I knew the location of your hotel, I'd direct you straight there via A259 also.
Feel free to ask any more questions.

I can advise on which roads on certain times of the day etc and your best way into Brightonif you wish.

All the best

Thankyou very much for this detail.