Spotlight On The YHA South Downs in Sussex
Welcome to YHA South Downs! This family friendly YHA in Lewes enjoyed a £3m renovation in 2014 and was re-opened by HRH The Queen. It still retains the character and charm that you’d expect from the YHA, but has extra facilities which make it ideal for family holidays, including camping pods and bell tents! Plus, the famous Brighton beach is just 25 mins away by train. If you click on a link in this piece, we may earn affiliate revenue.
The YHA is a charitable organisation which celebrates its 90th anniversary this year. Since then this British institution has spent hundreds of millions of pounds renovating its hostels and building new ones, many of which now include modern luxuries such as private ensuite rooms, licensed bars and cafes making them perfect for family holidays.
Read on to find out why YHA South Downs is great for families with young children.
YHA South Downs Highlights
- Range of accommodation including private ensuite rooms sleeping up to 5 people, bell tents and camping pods.
- Located within the South Downs National Park in an idyllic farmstead.
- Fully licensed bar, and brand-new Courtyard Café serving delicious food.
- 4 camping pods with heating and bedding
- Bell tents available between Easter and September.
- 25 mins from Brighton and the south coast.
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Accommodation At YHA South Downs
YHA South Downs is set in a refurbished Sussex farmhouse and farm buildings with a range of accommodation options for families. The private ensuite rooms sleep up to 5 people and have double beds, bunk beds and ensuite bathrooms.
For something a bit different, there are 2 large wooden Camping Pods which start from £60 per family per night. They have heating, bedding, a private deck and access to bathrooms in the main YHA building. Families can also make use of the shared cooking and laundry facilities.
The Bell Tents are spacious tipi like tents with a double futon bed and 2 single futons with bedding. They also have eco friendly solar lighting, a log burner and comfy bean bags to chill out on plus soft flooring, a coffee table and rugs.
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Reasons Why Babies & Toddlers Will Love YHA South Downs!
- Letting off steam in the extensive grounds and gardens at the YHA
- Toasting marshmallows whilst staying at the Bell Tents or Camping Pods.
- Tucking into the delicious food at the hostel café (kids staying at the hostel can eat for free with every adult dining)
- Making new friends in the family friendly lounge
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Other Family Friendly YHAs in Sussex
YHA Littlehampton is a great choice for families looking for a YHA near a beach. It’s just a 5 minutes’ walk from a Blue Flag beach in the newly redeveloped Fisherman’s Wharf. This 4* hostel has ensuite family rooms, a self-catering kitchen and a TV lounge.
YHA Truleigh Hill is a modern YHA surrounded by beautiful West Sussex countryside and is just a 10-minute drive from Shoreham-by-Sea. There are gorgeous gardens to explore and the hostel is located well away from busy roads, so is ideal for young families. The hostel has private rooms with shared bathrooms, and fab bell tents.
YHA Eastbourne is a modern wood faced building surrounded by trees and gardens just 1 mile from the centre of Eastbourne and beach. Private ensuite family rooms are available.
Fab Things To Do Around YHA South Downs With Babies And Toddlers
- Visiting the Norman Castle at Lewes which is just an 8 min train ride away
- A day out at Brighton – just 25 mins away by train
- Visit Drusillas Zoo
- Have a day out at Marwell Zoo
- Take a trip out on the South Downs Light Railway – a must for train fans!
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