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UK TRAVEL // exploring THE SOUTH DOWNS

Nestled in the heart of the South Downs, our family trip to Little Whispers was an experience we still talk about more than a year later, even though I am only getting round to post about it (also this is not an ad, we booked it on our own). This immaculately decorated Airbnb, featured in Condé Nast, became our cosy retreat during our adventure-filled weekend. With two bedrooms and enough space for our family of four – a lovely garden, 2 adorable dogs (so many discussions about dogs still happening here), Little Whispers was everything we hoped for—stylish, serene, and perfectly situated for exploring the stunning landscapes and cultural gems of the South Downs. And Rachel is just the perfect host. 

girl at table writing with feather pen
Green and blue Modern English kitchen
lifestyle sourdough bread and jam breakfast
look through cosy country kitchen inspiration
bedroom view across landscape
bedroom inspiration

As soon as we arrived, we could see why Little Whispers has caught the eye of travel insiders. The décor is modern yet welcoming, with jewel tones, a vibrant but warm tones, and thoughtful touches throughout – including a homemade cake by Rachael, who is herself an amazing cooking. The two bedrooms provided ample space for us and the kids, and the open-plan kitchen and separate living area became the hub of our downtime, where we shared meals and relived the day’s adventures. With large windows letting in plenty of natural light, it felt like our own tranquil haven. The patio area outside, perfect for a morning coffee or a family BBQ, was just the cherry on top.

welcome sign on black slate
corner living room interiors in England
office English interiors
England Landscape Photography
colourful patio chair outside
night time patio

One of our first stops was food. Always food, if you follow my instagram. I managed to book us for some lunch at The Pig in Madehurst – at the time, it was their latest addition to the Pig. This stylish restaurant is known for its “25-mile menu,” meaning the majority of the produce is sourced from within 25 miles. I was slightly concerned about the kids, stylish restaurant – kids, my kids… But it was so lovely, for the kids and us. The service was great. The food lovely. And Louise had the biggest plate of all of us (on the children menu – you see her picture for reference…). We enjoyed a delicious farm-to-table lunch, complete with desert – no we did not run away before that. The kitchen garden setting of the restaurant was gorgeous, and we loved exploring the grounds after our lunch – and I might have indulged into a bit (too much) of garden photography. 

the pig hotel building in South Downs
girls surprised in front of pasta dish
Hotel Entrance with green
Door to the kitchen garden in countryside lane
Victorian Greenhouse in kitchen garden
Rustic wooden pallets
Rustic Wicker Trolley
Outdoor Wooden Chairs with house behind
Garden fire pits and wooden chairs

After lunch, we headed to Arundel Castle, a medieval fortress that’s straight out of a fairy tale. This beautifully preserved castle, perched above the River Arun, was a huge hit with the whole family. The kids were fascinated by the castle’s rich history, while we were blown away by the opulent interiors and stunning views of the South Downs from the battlements.

 

Exploring the gardens here was a highlight. From the perfectly manicured grounds to the rose gardens and even a charming kitchen garden, Arundel Castle’s gardens are a delight. We also learned about the long history of the Dukes of Norfolk, who have lived in the castle for over 400 years, adding an extra layer of intrigue to our visit.

English Medieval Castle
dark and wooden English library
Castle interiors with turquoise chair

As you probably know, I do love visiting gardens -and of course love them too, not. But as it was Easter, there was an Easter trail and potenntially chocolate. And chocolate holds the greatest bargain power. West Dean Gardens, just a short drive from Little Whispers. These gardens are a true hidden gem, offering everything from a Victorian walled garden to a stunning arboretum. For the kids, the topiary-lined pathways and glasshouses were a magical experience, while we admired the creative garden design and rare plant collections. It’s a peaceful oasis that blends history with horticulture, and it was the perfect way to round off our trip.

Rustic gardeners house in garden
Blackboard with Garden
Pergola in South Deans
South Downs landscape with sheep

Our last stop was the magnificent Petworth House, owned by the National Trust. Just a short drive from Little Whispers, Petworth House is a treasure trove of art and history. Home to one of the finest art collections in the country, the gallery here features works by Turner, Reynolds, and Van Dyck, making it a must-see for art lovers. Walking through the stately rooms filled with classical paintings, we felt like we had stepped back in time.

 

We went to the grounds of Petworth House, Petworth as well as the House. I cannot recommend all of it enough. The kids had a blast running through the deer park, designed by Capability Brown, while we had a chance to enjoy the beautiful views of the surrounding countryside. It’s the perfect place for a family picnic or an afternoon stroll – and spending that endless energy (might only be my kids).

Estate House interiors
Greenhouse plants
Antique Kitchen
plants

One of the most memorable parts of our South Downs trip was the incredible food – I already talked about the Pig, but the little pubs and delis are also great. Pubs and restaurants that perfectly balance cozy rustic charm with great cuisine – and Rachel at Little Whispers has a great list of recommendations. We enjoyed popping into small village pubs and having a walk around some villages, where the warm service made every stop feel special. 

Rustic Pub Garden sign
Country Pub
Country pub interiors
Rustic Country Pub menu
rustic window with Greenery Pub
Rustic Pub interiors
Village Rustic Pub
Rose bush
Green English country lanes

Our family getaway to the South Downs was nothing short of magical. Little Whispers provided a luxurious and comfortable home base, while the surrounding attractions—from historic castles and gardens to world-class art galleries—kept us exploring every day – and I still feel like we only scratched the surface!. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or just looking for a relaxing countryside retreat with incredible food, the South Downs has something for everyone. This is a trip we are reminiscing about still, and we can’t wait to return.

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