Southern Network Downlander Suggestions

[impfreely]

Morning all

I'm considering spending a day in the near future visiting some places on the Southern network using their Downlander (!) ticket. I wondered if anyone could recommend any particular routes or towns I should visit and why they'd be of interest? I don't really know this area that well having only moved here recently. I have however already been to Portsmouth and Brighton.

As far as I can tell, I can travel anywhere within the Southern network bounded by Southampton, Ashford, London and Milton Keynes (ish) I'll be starting my journey from Worthing.

Thanks in advance!

(This is the ticket in question, http://www.southernrailwaytickets.com/main.php?page_id=281 )

 

[swt_passenger]

It's 'Downlander' - after the South Downs.

Even if you do book it online...

 

[impfreely]

It's 'Downlander' - after the South Downs.

Even if you do book it online...

Whoops!

 

[paul1609]

Morning all

I'm considering spending a day in the near future visiting some places on the Southern network using their Downlander (!) ticket. I wondered if anyone could recommend any particular routes or towns I should visit and why they'd be of interest? I don't really know this area that well having only moved here recently. I have however already been to Portsmouth and Brighton.

As far as I can tell, I can travel anywhere within the Southern network bounded by Southampton, Ashford, London and Milton Keynes (ish) I'll be starting my journey from Worthing.

Thanks in advance!

(This is the ticket in question, http://www.southernrailwaytickets.com/main.php?page_id=281 )

The area East of Hastings (the Marshlink) is closed for the next 8 weeks for Engineering Works with very long replacement bus and taxi services.

 

[bangor-toad]

Hi there,
Do you want to visit towns and cities or do as much (interesting) route mileage as possible?

If towns visits then Southampton, Chichester, Eastbourne and Hastings are good examples of coastal towns. Further inland there Crawley, Horsham and Croydon. You can also go to Gatwick and watch the planes.

If you're new to the area then you might want to have a good ride around looking at the scenery. If so, here's an itinerary that gives a good sampler of the south east:
Worthing -> Brighton
Brighton -> Seaford
Seaford -> Eastbourne (On the bus)
Eastbourne -> Lewes
Lewes -> Uckfield (On the bus)
Uckfield -> East Croydon
East Croydon -> Victoria
Victoria -> Bognor Regis (via Horsham)
Bognor Regis -> Worthing

The first section takes you to Seaford via Newhaven and the port. The bus ride to Eastbourne takes you along the coast road past the Seven Sisters Country park and then Beachy Head.
The train to Lewes provides great view of the South Downs.
The bus to Uckfield isn't particularly exciting but it's short
Uckfield to East Croydon is an island of DMU operation in the South East and has some single track working. Check out the Spa Valley Railway at Eridge.
The East Croydon to Victoria run is 4 track intensive working. Maybe stop at Clapham Junction and watch the sheer number of trains.
Victoria to Horsham goes down the main line as far as Three Bridges. This is nice fast run.
Horsham to Bognor Regis is quite scenic.


Hope that's of some help - others may have rather different suggestions.
Enjoy your day out whatever you choose,
Cheers,
Jason

 

[Mutant Lemming]

The bus ride to Eastbourne takes you along the coast road past the Seven Sisters Country park and then Beachy Head.
,
,

The service that runs past Beachy Head (the 13X) only runs hourly and only on Sundays during the Winter months.