Winter Walks in Sussex: Scenic Routes Around Artelium Wine Estate
Discover some of the most beautiful winter walks in Sussex, right on the doorstep of Artelium Wine Estate. Set at the foot of the South Downs, Artelium is surrounded by gently rolling countryside and wonderfully atmospheric walking route: perfect for a crisp winter stroll, followed by a warming Sunday roast and a glass (or two) of English wine by the fire.
Snowy view from Ditchling Beacon.
While getting outdoors in winter can feel like a challenge, it remains one of the most powerful ways to support both physical and mental wellbeing. Walking in nature is proven to improve sleep, reduce stress, boost mood, and enhance cognitive function. A major UK study even found that people who spend at least 120 minutes a week outdoors are significantly more likely to report good health and higher psychological wellbeing.
During the darker winter months, when daylight is limited, temperatures drop, and motivation can wane, heading out for a countryside walk is an excellent antidote to the winter blues. And few weekend pleasures compare to an elemental walk across the Sussex landscape, finished with a hearty meal in front of a roaring fire, shared with friends, family, or loved ones.
Nestled in the heart of the Sussex countryside, Artelium is ideally placed for exploring the South Downs on foot. After your walk, our tasting room awaits with a welcoming glass of wine and a delicious seasonal menu. On Sundays, join us for a traditional Sunday roast, complete with crispy roast potatoes, pillowy Yorkshire puddings, and generous lashings of gravy.
Below, we share four of our favourite winter walking routes, all easily accessible from Artelium Wine Estate. Most walks start directly from the estate, though they can also be joined from Plumpton Train Station, just a 30-minute walk across the fields.
If starting from the estate, please park only during our opening hours. Some routes cross working farmland, so dogs should be kept under close control, and winter conditions can mean muddy paths: sturdy footwear is recommended (leave your stilettos at home!)
Sussex Winelands Route
Length: ~ 3hrs
Walk from Artelium - via Plumpton Station - onto the South Downs Way and then back to Artelium in this fantastic circular walk that takes in the glorious views across the Sussex Winelands. The perfect walk for those looking to fill a morning or afternoon. Can start the route at either Artelium or the Train Station. Route instructions.
Sussex Woodland Walk
Length: ~ 30mins
An easy woodland walk, perfect for the family. Discover this ancient Sussex woods on the edge of the estate. But watch out! It can get a bit muddy. Route Instructions.
Streat Church Walk
Length: ~ 1hr 20mins
A gentle circular walk on the with a stop for cake at Suzy’s Streat Food. Head south towards ‘The Ridge’, before taking in the beautiful old church in Streat. Route instructions.
Plumpton Station to Artelium (Long Route)
Length: ~ 2hr (not including a glass of wine at Artelium)
Coming from London or elsewhere by train? No problem. Our friends at Sussex Modern pulled a walk together that starts and finishes at Plumpton Train Station.
There is also a shorter, more direct route from the station to Artelium.
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Although the Bluebells only come out in April, this is still a beautiful woodland walk at any time of year. Great for the family and dogs.
Park at the Artelium car park and say hi to us in the tasting room.
Follow the footpath West alongside the paddock, towards the vineyard, turning right towards a wooden gate.
Once through the gate turn right at the footpath, alongside the vineyard heading North.
You will come across fork in the path, please take the left-hand turn and a step onto the bridleway, and follow the path through the woodlands.
The path continues alongside Gallops Wood across a bridge and then through Blackbrook Wood, towards Middleton Common lane.
When you’ve walked far enough (or start to get thirsty), turn around and head back towards Artelium, following the bridle path eastward and then southward towards the vineyard.
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Instructions start from Artelium Wine Estate, but you can also start from Plumpton Station if travelling by train.
NOTE: Komoot route starts at Plumpton Station.
Starting from Artelium Wine Estate:
Turn right out of Artelium on to Streat Lane, before taking the next left towards Shergolds Farm.
When you reach the farm entrance turn right down the footpath that runs alongside the hedge.
After ~200m take a left and head over the stile across the fields.
Cross three fields until you reach Riddens Lane. Turn right and follow lane into Plumpton.
Turn right at the village stores and walk to Plumpton Station.
Enter the station and cross pedestrian bridge, exiting from Platform 1, heading south towards the racecourse.
Keeping the Racecourse to your right walk south, past the main entrance until you reach a junction
Turn right and then immediately left along a footpath.
Follow the footpath for ~20mins until you reach the main road.
Cross the mainr oad and take the footpath up on the South Downs.
The route now links up with the South Downs Ways. On your left in ~500m you will see the Pink Pit Stop - great place to have a refreshment and enjoy the view.
Keep following the South Downs way. 500m before Ditchling Beacon car park, a footpath arcs down to the right, cut deep into the chalk. Follow this foopath.
Footpath takes you off the Downs and into the picturesque village of Westmeston.
Walk through the churchyard and spot some of the rare flowers that call it home.
Head out of the village eastwards along the lane before turning left at small foothpath which takes you through a field.
Walk through the field and aroundOld Middleton house before hitting another footpath.
Turn left and head north. Stay on this footpath for ~45mins all the way back t Artelium. You will go under railway bridge and then pop out at the bottom of the vineyard.
Track up the right handside of the vineyard before turning right at the estate. We will see you there!
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Turn right out of the Artelium driveway, heading south down Streat Lane.
After ~200 meters, turn left down Riddles Lane towards Shergolds Farm, Continue along that road until you reach a bridleway turning to the right in front of Shergolds Farm.
Turn right through the gate and down the wide gallops. At the bottom is a stream.
Go through the gate and cross the footbridge over the stream and through the railway tunnel.
Carry on along until you reach a T-junction with a bridleway. Turn left, and follow the bridleway until you see a raised wooden footpath through the hedges to the right.
Go through the copse on the wooden footpath, over a bridge and out into the fields, hugging the hedge to your right.
Follow the footpath through the fields until you reach a road called “The Ridge” at the corner of Streat Lane. Turn right and the left towards the church and follow the footpath alongside the left of the church overlooking the graveyard.
Look out for Suzy’s Streat Food stand sign -yummy cakes and an honesty box!
Continue along this lane for ~500m until you reach the farm at the T-junction at the end.
Turn right. You are now on a lane that goes all the way back to the Artelium vineyard. Follow it until you reach the bridge and the railway at the bottom of the vineyard.
Turn right into Artelium and back to the Tasting Room or a glass or two and a bite to eat!
Winter Walks Around Artelium Wine Estate – FAQs
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Artelium Wine Estate is located on Streat Lane in Sussex at the foot of the South Downs, offering easy access to some of the region’s most scenic countryside walking routes.
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Yes. The South Downs offers excellent winter walking routes, with rolling hills, open views, and well-marked footpaths that are especially atmospheric during the colder months.
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Yes. Many of the walks can be started from Plumpton Train Station, which is approximately a 30-minute walk across the fields to Artelium Wine Estate.
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Dogs are welcome on these routes, but some paths cross fields with livestock, so dogs should be kept under close control at all times. Dogs are also very welcome at Artelium - we love muddy boots & paws!
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Footpaths can become muddy during winter months, particularly after rainfall. Waterproof footwear or walking boots are recommended.
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Yes. After your walk, Artelium’s tasting room welcomes walkers with a warming glass of wine, seasonal dishes, and on Sundays, a traditional Sunday roast.
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Winter walking supports both physical and mental health by improving mood, reducing stress, and increasing exposure to natural light—an important factor during darker months.