Let’s go to … the South Downs, Sussex

http://www.theguardian.com/travel/2014/sep/13/south-downs-sussex-walking-festival

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Tell me about it. Lace up your hiking boots and get stomping through the South Downs national park. A new walking festival launches on 27 September (sussexwalkingfestival.org.uk), with 50 events over two weekends … Nordic walking, anyone? The park was declared a Unesco biosphere reserve in June (which must mean it’s pretty special) and is rich in ancient woodland and rolling farmland – perfect for an early autumn walk.

Sounds like I’ll need a drink. Handily, one of the walks is a breweries tour: sup the wares of Long Man Brewery near Eastbourne and stop at the Plough and Harrow at Litlington. The whole area is a pub-lover’s dream: try the 200-year-old Cricketers Arms near Berwick or the Snowdrop Inn in Lewes, with its huge range of craft beers.

And a bite to eat? Tuck into a burger or locally farmed rib-eye steak at the Pelham Arms in Lewes, or enjoy stately grandeur, fine food and reasonable prices at Stanmer House, a Grade-I-listed mansion near Brighton.

Anywhere to stay for under £100? Twytten House is a rather special B&B in Wilmington, which just sneaks in with three doubles at £100: one self-contained in the walled garden and the French owner cooks up a never-ending breakfast a night. The Griffin Inn in historic Fletching is a good bet (rooms from £70), with tasty fodder for tired walkers.

Anything else I should know? Vines love Sussex’s chalky soil, and several vineyards are open to visitors, such as the new Rathfinny estate near Alfriston.

Do I need a car? Train’s your best bet. Southern Rail runs from London to Brighton, Eastbourne, Chichester and Lewes – and the buses are good. • See southdowns.gov.uk for bus, cycling and walking routes