21st July - 15th September

True to its name, the South Downs Rambler takes the scenic route from Winchester to Petersfield and back again via the Winchester Science Centre and Planetarium, the views at Cheesefoot Head, the gardens of Hinton Ampner, the Iron Age fort at Old Winchester Hill and many traditional village pubs. Plus new for this year, Butser Hill, the second highest point in the South Downs National Park and Queen Elizabeth Country Park.

The South Downs Rambler is a summer route, created in partnership by the South Downs National Park Authority, Hampshire County Council, Three Rivers Rail, South Western Railway and Bluestar, to offer visitors the chance to explore rural Hampshire in a relaxed and sustainable way.

If you are looking for breathtaking views, visible prehistory, fine pubs and pretty villages with easy access to the South Downs Way and rail links at Winchester and Petersfield the South Downs Rambler is the Sunday bus route for you.

Drivers on the South Downs Rambler have considerable local knowledge and will be delighted to offer guidance.

The South Down's Rambler runs only on Sundays between 21 July and 15 September and will run 3 trips per day. It will also run on Bank Holiday Monday 26th August.

Connect with the South Downs Rambler in Winchester with Bluestar 1.

This route is included under the £2 fare cap. 

PDF map/timetable available to download here. Leaflets will soon be available to collect from our travel shop.

To help you plan your journey, here's a breakdown of what you can expect to come across on this route:

Winchester Science Centre

The South's leading science and discovery centre is perfect for kids from ages 3-12 with their families to embark on an exciting journey through the world of science. Fly through the stars in the planetarium, get hands on with their interactive exhibits, enjoy live science in their science theatre shows, get up close to nature in natural science activities inspired by the South Downs National Park and much more!

Winchester science centre

Cheesefoot Head

This landmark is a large, natural ampitheatre just outside of Winchester. With a peak of 176m, it has incredible views of the countryside. There are lots of walking opportunities here and you can even walk from Winchester, following the Itchen onto the Downs, arrive here and pick up the rambler bus on the way back!

Hinton Ampner Gardens

Best known for its fine garden, Hinton Ampner is an elegant country house with an outstanding collection of furniture, paintings and objets d'art. You can also explore 1,600 acres of the Hinton Ampner wider estate, with dog-friendly walks through glorious woodland beech avenues, and stunning views over the South Downs. This is also an excellent starting point for other routes such as the Wayfarer’s Walk.

Hinton Ampner House

Old Winchester Hill Iron Age Fort

Old Winchester Hill nature reserve covers some 140 acres of grassland, woods, and open fields, ideal for a day out walking. At its peak, an iron age hill fort where enjoy views across the rolling hills as far as Portsmouth, Southampton and on a clear day, the Isle of Wight. 

Butser Hill

Butser Hill is a hill and nature reserve and the second highest point in the South Downs, providing some exceptional views across Hampshire. Accessible from Queen Elizabeth country park, you can attempt the steep ascent from there or there are flatter routes to get you up the climb to enjoy the views all the same.

View from Butser Hill

Queen Elizabeth Country Park

With over 2,000 acres of downland and woodland, Queen Elizabeth Country Park is the ideal place to explore, keep fit and enjoy the great outdoors. Enjoy walking, cycling, nature, play areas, an assault course, a dog activity course, events, and food and drink. Pop into the visitor centre to shop for local produce, park maps, trails, gifts and information. (Free to enter).

Queen Elizabeth Country Park Visitor centre

Plan a journey here