YHA South Downs - Hostel

The coffee shop was a real help on the walk, with great coffee and a good place to get breakfast or refuel afterward. The YHA South Downs is also close to Southease station, so arriving and leaving by train was easy. It sits right by the South Downs Way, making it simple to start and finish a day’s hike. The facilities were clean, comfortable, and welcoming, and the staff were friendly. Great atmosphere and location. I’d happily stay here again while hiking the trail.

We were a group of eight and found the hostel comfortable, with everything we needed. The staff were welcoming, friendly, and helpful. Thanks for a lovely stay. We’d certainly recommend it and will no doubt come back.

We paid £100 for a cabin, and there were wood lice in it. One even fell on me during the night. The staff were nice, but when we raised it, they just said there shouldn’t have been any. The linens were clean. Sharing two showers with a building full of school-aged children seemed odd at that price. We also found the location was far from everything, which we hadn’t realized. The closest pub was quoted at £60 return by cab, especially with the roads closed. When we went for dinner, there wasn’t much else around, and they hadn’t defrosted the fish for fish and chips. I’ve stayed in lots of YHA places over the years and wish I didn’t have to leave such a poor review, but I wouldn’t recommend it.

The bell tent was spacious, large, and well maintained, with lots of room outside for children to run around and explore. There are also lovely walks straight from the YHA. Inside, there’s a big lounge, a quiet room, and a well-stocked kitchen. Breakfast was plentiful and really tasty, and the staff were wonderful and friendly. The train is a three-minute walk away and takes ten minutes to reach the seafront, though there’s only one train an hour, so plan the timing.