Ride, wine and dine!

Nestling in the heart of the South Downs National Park, The Wiston Estate covers 6,000 acres of rolling downland and forest. Under careful stewardship, this ancient land supports wildlife, farming, winemaking and, of course, plenty of enjoyment for walkers and off-road cyclists. The estate’s own ‘Chalk’ restaurant offers a sophisticated venue where you can enjoy seasonal produce and local wines, making it a perfect start and finish point for a private guided off-road ride that explores the best of the South Downs. We can arrange hire of high-quality mountain bikes – either electric or conventional. Meet your Marmalade guide at Chalk, or ask us to arrange transport from a nearby rail station or hotel.

Location

This Ride and Dine experience is based at the Wiston vineyard and estate, and this is where the recipients meet their local Marmalade guide (and hire bikes) before heading out on the car-free bridleways to explore the Downs in West Sussex.

How to get here

By train – The nearest stations are Worthing Central and West Worthing, both of which provide easy connections of just over a hour from London.

By road – From London or from further afield you’ll probably use the A24, A27, or the A259 coast road.

This unique experience includes the following:

• A three hour tailored mountain bike ride of the Wiston Estate with one of our professional and local guides
• An exquisite two-course lunch at the Chalk restaurant. Why not check out their sample menu which celebrates Sussex’s seasonal produce from the heart of the South Downs

Stay, ride and fine dine! 

The eastern Downs are where the South Downs National Park meets the sea. The Seven Sisters Country Park, Cuckmere Haven and the medieval village of Alfriston are all steeped in ancient history. This Ride and Dine package offers the perfect way to experience it all.

The Star is a 15th century inn and award-winning restaurant in Alfriston. It offers a cosy and rustic setting where the recipients will enjoy seasonal produce and local wines, making it the ideal place to start and finish their tailored off-road guided ride amid the South Downs.

Location

This Ride and Dine experience is based from The Star in Alfriston, and this is where the recipients meet their local Marmalade guide (and hire bikes) before heading out on the car-free bridleways to explore the eastern Downs.

How to get here

By train – The nearest stations are Seaford and Berwick (Sussex), both of which provide easy connections of just over a hour from London.

By road – From London or from further afield you’ll probably use the A23, A27, or the A259 coast road.

The Star, Ride and Dine includes the following:

• A three hour tailored mountain bike ride of the easten downs with one of our professional and local guides
• An exquisite two course lunch at the Star’s fine dining restuarant. Why not check out their sample menu which celebrates East Sussex’s seasonal produce from the heart of the South Downs

Stay, ride and fine dine! 

This Ride and Dine experience take places in the breathtaking embrace of the South Downs National Park, centered around the prestigious Goodwood Estate. Discover a hidden network of bridleways, intimately known by our Marmalade team, offering exhilarating cross-country (XC) and gravel riding.

Our carefully curated route unveils the diverse and dramatic landscapes of the estate, rewarding you with challenging ascents and thrilling descents, all while immersing the riders in the unparalleled beauty of the South Downs. This is more than a ride; it’s an exclusive journey through a truly special place, offering panoramic vistas and unforgettable scenery for cyclists of all abilities.

Location

This Ride and Dine experience is based from the Goodwood Hotel which is also home to their superb Farmer, Butcher, Chef restaurant, and this is where the recipients of this gift will meet their local Marmalade guide and bikes if they’ve hired before heading out on the car-free bridleways to explore the estate.

How to get here

By train – The nearest station is Chichester which provides easy connections of just over a hour from London.

By road – From London and the south you’ll likely use the A29, A24, A27, M23 and M27.

Farmer, Butcher, Chef

On purchasing one of our package vouchers, you will receive an automated email with the personalised gift attached. This provides maximum flexibility to suit your needs – whether to forward on to a loved one by email for their special day, or print out and give in person. Take a look at the sample below:

Give now, ride later

When you – or your gift recipient – are ready to choose a date for the experience, riders can simply go to our Ride and Dine product page, pick a date, then add the voucher code. This is also where they can book whichever hire bikes (electric or conventional) are needed.

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What’s included

• Depending on your selection, the voucher covers two, three or four people
• Fully guided by one of our local and professional mountain bike leaders
• Two or three course meal at the Chalk restaurant on the Wiston Estate or at the Star in Alfriston

What’s not included

• • Drinks during the meal*
  • Bike hire
    • This can be added by the recipients when they book and redeem their gift experience via our website, using the ‘Extras’ option
  • Travel to and from the experience location
•  *paid separately on the day

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• The voucher is valid for 6 months from date of purchase
• We do allow the experience to take place after the expiry date, providing it is booked before the deadline and is within the same calendar year
• A minimum of ONE weeks notice is required but this cannot be guaranteed during the busiest times (e.g. most summer weekends and public holidays)
• Click on our Terms and Conditions page for full details

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E-bikes, non-electric and gravel bikes are all welcome, whether the recipient brings their own or hires from one of our trusted local partners.

The terrain for both venues typical open downland riding and ideal for all levels especially active people looking to do their first mountain bike ride. There will be fun bumpy descents, rooty forest trails and wide-open double tracks.

We are very happy to discuss prior to their booking to advise on their choice of bike.

• The Ride and Dine’s are aimed at the novice off-road cyclist and the regular beginner mountain biker looking for a sociable, informative and immersive active experience. As part of the package we will share with you the basics and fundamentals of mountain biking
• To take part, the participants need to be active people who have the personal fitness to ride for up to 3 hours at a social and comfortable pace
  • Electric mountain bikes are available to hire to provide that extra bit of assistance
• The participants should be confident riding a bike on roads or smooth terrain and able to operate it safely
• The trails may include features such as roots and loose rocks, along with small rollable steps – all of which can be easily ridden or avoided
• This ride may contain undulating trails – and in places, climbs that may be challenging
• This ride requires a suitable mountain bike (Hybrid and budget bicycles are not suitable)
  • Bike hire options are available at both venues and we are very happy to discuss prior to the voucher redemption
• Riders should be aged 18 and over
• If this ride sounds a little beyond their current skill and fitness level, please contact us and we’ll help you with all the options