Five nights in Brighton, with four rounds of classic chalk downland golf across the eastern South Downs.
This tour brings together four clubs and well over a century of golf on the chalk, from the clifftop course above Lewes and the ridge above Seaford to the high ground of the Dyke and the Harry Colt courses beneath Cissbury Ring at Worthing. Every course is within about 30 minutes of Brighton, with its seafront, restaurants and lively Lanes.
Tour Highlights
- 4 Golf Courses
- 5 Nights
- 36-hole option at Worthing
What is downland golf?
The word “down” comes from the Old English dūn, meaning hill, and downland golf is played over the rolling chalk hills of southern England. Chalk drains superbly, so the turf stays firm and fast even after rain, and the ball runs out in a way more often associated with links golf. Expect real changes in elevation, greens perched on ridges, wind on the high ground and some of the finest views in English golf.
The Courses
Seaford Golf Club
Founded in 1887, Seaford lays claim to being the oldest golf club in Sussex. Five-time Open champion J.H. Taylor built the present course in 1907 around the natural undulations of the land, working old dew ponds and flint quarries into play. Expect firm, fast turf and views from Firle Beacon to Beachy Head, and unusually for the Downs, it is an easy walk. The club’s Dormy House means you can sleep a few steps from the first tee.
The Dyke Golf Club
One of the highest courses in southern England, The Dyke sits beside Devil’s Dyke, the deepest dry valley in Britain, with views along the coast to the Isle of Wight. It was rebuilt after the Second World War by Fred G. Hawtree and his son, and when the wind blows, straightforward par 4s become real tests.
Worthing Golf Club
Harry Colt designed Worthing’s two courses in the 1920s, one along the valley and one across the ridges above. The Colt course is the one to prioritise, especially the run of holes before the turn in the sheltered valley beneath the Iron Age hillfort of Cissbury Ring. With two courses on site, it is the natural place for a 36-hole day.
Lewes Golf Club
A narrow lane climbs Chapel Hill out of the town, and at the top the course opens out on the chalk cliffs with Lewes and its Norman castle spread out below. The prevailing wind makes accuracy more valuable than length, and the clubhouse terrace is one of the best spots in Sussex for a drink after your round.
Optional extra: Mannings Heath
Just north of the Downs near Horsham, Mannings Heath has the same sweeping changes in elevation. Its Waterfall course winds through woodland and across streams, and the estate’s own vineyard offers tours, tastings and lunch.
Where to stay
Brighton offers the widest choice of hotels, restaurants and evening entertainment, and every course is within about 30 minutes. If you would rather stay at a club, Seaford has its own Dormy House.
Suggested itinerary: 5 nights, 4 rounds
- Day 1: Arrive in Brighton. Gatwick is around 35 minutes away and Heathrow about 90.
- Day 2: The Dyke, a walk along Devil’s Dyke, then the Royal Pavilion.
- Day 3: Lewes, followed by Lewes Castle and a pint of the local ale.
- Day 4: Seaford, then the Seven Sisters, Alfriston and a Sussex sparkling wine tasting.
- Day 5: Worthing’s Colt course and, for the keen, the Vardon course after lunch.
- Day 6: Depart, or continue west on our South Downs (West) tour.
Good to know
- The lane up to Lewes Golf Club is steep and single-track, so a smaller vehicle may be needed than a full-size coach.
- Chalk downland drains quickly, so these courses play well in spring and autumn as well as summer.
- For non-golfers there is Brighton’s Royal Pavilion and the Lanes, the Seven Sisters, Lewes Castle, Arundel and Sussex vineyards.