The ultimate sustainable road trip through The South Downs

Explore the heart of Hampshire with your electric vehicle

Winchester City Mill gateway to South Downs credit National Trust John Miller smaller
Stretching from the dramatic cliffs of Eastbourne to the historic heart of Winchester, the South Downs National Park offers one of England’s most scenic and sustainable road trip routes. Along the way, charming towns like Arundel and Chichester invite you to pause, explore, and recharge. But what makes the South Downs the ultimate destination for an electric road trip?
A recent study reveals that the South Downs National Park boasts the highest number of EV charging locations in the UK, alongside a growing network of eco-friendly accommodations and unforgettable attractions, making it the perfect choice for your next EV adventure. Read  our itinerary for the final leg of your journey into the Winchester district. Get swept away by the breath-taking scenery of the Meon Valley and explore the ancient capital with a modern, eco-friendly twist. The only question left to ask is: “Who’s driving?”
Stop 1: The Meon Valley
Where to stay & charge

In the heart of the Meon Valley, you’ll find Wallops Wood Cottages. These award-winning self-catered holiday lets, with an indoor swimming pool and private hot tubs, are the perfect way to unwind after a long journey. Not only are the cottages an idyllic countryside retreat, they also put sustainable practices at the forefront, for which they were awarded a Green Tourism Gold Award in 2020. Plus, you can spot an abundance of local wildlife that call the estate their home, from hooting owls to elusive South Downs Hares.

Just a few miles away is Rushmere Farm, which offers yurts, cottages and camping pitches on their carbon negative family farm in Hambledon. They run workshops and tours, there are miles of amazing footpaths and bridlepaths from which to explore the South Downs National Park, and plenty more activities nearby. Meanwhile, the working organic cereal farm is entirely carbon negative, creating a thriving ecosystem and the highest quality produce; just pop into a local coffee shop to try their oat milk for yourself!

Wallops Wood Cottages and Rushmere Farm are both ideal options for your EV road trip as they both offer stress-free on-site charging! At Wallops Wood, simply follow the instructions on the EV charging notice in the car park. Their EV charger has been professionally installed with 22 kWh three-phase supply and kWh units are charged at 50 pence. You can book Rushmere Farm’s on-site charger through the Monta app. Plus, they offer 20% off for all guests travelling with a fully electric vehicle; use the code CARBONFREE when you book to redeem the discount.

Image: Wallops Wood Cottages

01 Silver Birch at Wallops Wood 1024x800 1
Where to eat

With sweeping views across the vineyard and nestled in the heart of the South Downs National Park, The Restaurant at Hambledon Wine Estate offers exceptional, seasonal cuisine in a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere. Each dish is crafted to highlight the best of British produce,  perfectly paired with Hambledon's award-winning sparkling wines. Why not make a day of it? Begin with a guided tour of the vineyard and winery, where you’ll learn about the estate’s rich winemaking heritage, followed by a tasting session, before indulging in a delicious meal of British classics, reimagined with a modern twist.

Just a short drive away, you’ll find The Bat & Ball, a beloved local gem steeped in history. Named for the village’s rich history as the ‘Cradle of Cricket’, this characterful Fuller’s pub is known for fabulous food, fine cask ales and warm, friendly welcome. In the winter, the whole family (and dogs!) are welcome to curl up by the roaring fire, while in the warmer months, the spacious pub garden is perfect for soaking up the sun and enjoying the peaceful surroundings.

Further along the Meon Valley, in the picturesque village of Exton, lies The Shoe Inn: a charming riverside pub that’s a favourite among locals and visitors. Set against the stunning backdrop of Old Winchester Hill, The Shoe Inn serves comforting, home-cooked food made from locally sourced ingredients, alongside a selection of real ales, good wines, and excellent coffee brewed with Hampshire Pantry beans. Whether you’re enjoying a quiet morning coffee, a relaxed lunch, or a sunset dinner in the riverside garden, this tranquil spot offers a true taste of Hampshire.

Image: The Restaurant at Hambledon Wine Estate

The restaurant at hambledon
What to do

Located in the heart of the South Downs National Park, Old Winchester Hill spans 150 acres and offers visitors wildlife, history, and breathtaking views. Seasoned ramblers can explore the circular path through ancient woodlands, Meanwhile, history lovers should take the route to the Iron Age hill fort and Bronze Age barrows, remarkable archaeological features that crown the hilltop. From here, enjoy panoramic views stretching across the rolling countryside all the way to the south coast. Just a short drive away, you’ll find Wallops Wood Cottages (5 minutes) and Rushmere Farm (10 minutes), making it an easy journey with your EV.

The Meon Valley Trail is the perfect way to explore the villages and market towns in the heart of the South Downs. The trail begins at West Meon, and follows the course of the River Meon, a chalk stream which provides a vital habitat to Hampshire's wildlife. Finish the route at Wickham, a charming village which combines ancient history and beautiful countryside. You can make your way back to West Meon via regular bus services. Visit Stagecoach to plan your journey (67 from Petersfield to Winchester).

Visit Marwell Zoo, just beyond the Meon Valley, for an eco-friendly adventure the whole family will love. Their 140-acre park is home to 100s of animals from giraffes, tigers and rhinos to meerkats, penguins and lemurs. They also have 5 adventure play areas, cafes and a gift shop. Marwell Zoo is also a hub for conservation and education, where visitors can learn about the zoo’s global efforts to protect endangered species and promote sustainable living. A visit here is not only fun, but also a meaningful way to connect with nature and support a better future for wildlife.

Image: Marwell Zoo

Marwell Zoo Credit Paul Collins Tashi the red panda
Stop 2: Winchester
Where to stay & charge

From the rolling hills of the Meon Valley, road-trippers can wind their way to Winchester, the ancient capital of England, for a perfect finale to their South Downs adventure. For those staying in the city centre, the InstaVolt Winchester Superhub offers a seamless charging experience with 44 ultra-rapid, fully accessible EV chargers, available 24/7. This summer, enjoy a special rate of 54p/kWh for contactless and roaming partners, or just 50p/kWh when using the InstaVolt app. While your vehicle recharges, you can relax at the on-site Starbucks, let the kids enjoy the play area, or take the dog for a stroll in the dedicated walking park. Alternatively, hop on a bus from Three Maids Hill and explore Winchester on foot; This compact, walkable city is safe and full of charm, making it easy to go car-free.

For eco-conscious travellers, The Wykeham Arms is a standout city-centre stay. Just steps from Winchester College and the Cathedral, this historic pub with rooms blends heritage with sustainability. Guests are offered refillable bottles of chilled still or sparkling filtered water, reducing single-use plastics, and the kitchen proudly sources local Hampshire ingredients for its seasonal menus—supporting nearby farmers and ensuring every dish is fresh and flavourful.

Another excellent choice is Hotel du Vin, set in a grand Georgian building in the heart of the city. The hotel has made significant strides in sustainability, including a 56% reduction in CO₂ emissions since 2019, the use of 100% renewable electricity, and a commitment to reach Net Zero by 2050. Their supplier engagement programme ensures emissions are tracked and reduced across the supply chain, meaning that every meal enjoyed in the Bistro is crafted with locally and responsibly sourced ingredients.

Just beyond the city is Lainston House, perfect for those wanting to enjoy a luxury sustainable stay and convenient on-site charging. This 17th-century country house hotel is B Corp certified, a testament to their renewable energy use, recycling efforts and sustainable water management. Recharge your EV in the hotel car park, available to hotel guests on a first come, first serve basis and priced at 50p per kWh + £1 connection fee.

Image: InstaVolt Winchester Superhub

Family in front
Where to eat

Open House Deli is a vibrant independent kitchen and eco-store. They make everything from scratch, with a focus on celebrating seasonal produce and zero-waste. The menu is perfect for vegans, vegetarians and anyone looking for fresh, local food. Sit down in their trendy Middle Brook Street café while browsing eco-friendly gifts and homewares or order takeaway in one of their recyclable boxes. This is a great pitstop for breakfast, lunch or a snack-to-go.

Choosing a spot amongst Winchester’s wide and wonderful array of restaurants can be tough, but you can’t go wrong with the Chesil Rectory. Housed in a 600-year-old Tudor building, The Chesil Rectory serves modern British cuisine crafted from seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. The kitchen team works closely with Hampshire suppliers to ensure freshness and reduce food miles, while ensuring excellent flavour and quality with every bite. It’s no surprise this restaurant has been on Michelin’s radar since 2014!

Just outside Winchester, Hampshire Pantry is a haven for lovers of sustainable food and local makers. Based on a working farm, Hampshire Pantry is made up of a collection of like-minded and eco-conscious businesses, including a farm shop, café, coffee roastery, gelateria, and seasonal pot shop! Visitors can pick their own produce, browse vintage homewares, and enjoy meals made with ingredients from just around the corner. All the businesses here are united by a shared passion for high quality, zero-waste produce.

Image: Chesil Rectory

Chesil rectory

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