The Best South East England Attractions & Activities

Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. This grand Baroque estate features lavish interiors, vast landscaped gardens, and parkland designed by Capability Brown.

Canterbury Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of England’s oldest and most famous Christian structures. Known for its stunning Gothic architecture, it is the seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury and a centre of pilgrimage for centuries.

Hampton Court Palace, by the River Thames, is a magnificent Tudor and Baroque royal residence. Once home to Henry VIII, it features grand halls, exquisite gardens, and the famous hedge maze, rich in royal history.

Windsor Castle, in Berkshire, is the world’s oldest and largest inhabited castle. A royal residence for over 900 years, it features grand State Apartments, St George’s Chapel, and stunning grounds, offering a glimpse into Britain’s living history.

Battle Abbey in East Sussex stands on the site of the 1066 Battle of Hastings. Founded by William the Conqueror, it features atmospheric ruins, a gatehouse, and battlefield views, bringing England’s most famous battle vividly to life.

Bletchley Park, once the top-secret home of WWII codebreakers, reveals the stories behind Enigma and Colossus. Visitors can explore historic huts, exhibits, and interactive displays that highlight its role in shaping modern computing and cryptography.

The Bluebell Railway in Sussex is a heritage steam line running through the scenic Weald. With restored stations, vintage carriages, and classic engines, it offers a nostalgic journey through English countryside charm and railway history.

Chiltern Open Air Museum, in Buckinghamshire, preserves historic buildings from the region’s past. Set in beautiful countryside, it features reconstructed homes, farmsteads, and workshops that bring rural life through the ages vividly to life.

Dover Castle in Kent is a mighty fortress overlooking the English Channel, known as the “Key to England.” With medieval towers, wartime tunnels, and sweeping views, it tells centuries of history from Norman conquest to WWII.

Highclere Castle in Hampshire is a grand Victorian mansion, famed as the filming location for *Downton Abbey*. Surrounded by parkland designed by Capability Brown, it showcases opulent state rooms, Egyptian artefacts, and rich family history.

Hughenden Manor, near High Wycombe, was the home of Victorian Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli. Set amid scenic parkland, it features richly decorated interiors, wartime history exhibits, and beautiful gardens to explore.

Jane Austen’s House in Chawton, Hampshire, is the charming cottage where the author lived and wrote her famous novels. Today it’s a museum with personal items, manuscripts, and exhibits that bring her life and literary world vividly to life.

Leeds Castle in Kent is a fairytale fortress set on islands in a lake. With origins dating to the 12th century, it has royal ties, elegant interiors, gardens, and a maze, making it one of England’s most picturesque historic sites.

Legoland Windsor is a family theme park packed with rides, live shows, and millions of Lego bricks. Highlights include Miniland’s miniature landmarks, creative building zones, and themed adventures perfect for younger visitors.

The National Motor Museum at Beaulieu in Hampshire showcases over 250 vehicles, from early motoring pioneers to Formula 1 cars. Set within the Beaulieu estate, it combines automotive history with the abbey, gardens, and palace house.

Osborne House on the Isle of Wight was Queen Victoria’s seaside retreat. Designed in Italianate style, it boasts lavish interiors, formal gardens, and private beaches, offering a glimpse into royal family life and Victorian splendour.

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is a maritime heritage site home to HMS Victory, HMS Warrior, and the Mary Rose. With museums, exhibitions, and harbour tours, it showcases Britain’s naval history in an immersive waterfront setting.

The Royal Pavilion in Brighton is a dazzling former royal palace with Indian-style domes and Chinese-inspired interiors. Built for George IV, it’s famed for its exotic architecture, lavish décor, and landscaped gardens at the heart of the city.

Stowe Gardens in Buckinghamshire is a masterpiece of 18th-century landscape design. Sweeping lawns, lakes, and classical temples create a harmonious vision of nature and art, reflecting the ideals of the English landscape movement.

Stowe House, in Buckinghamshire, is a grand neoclassical mansion surrounded by world-famous landscaped gardens. Once a symbol of aristocratic grandeur, it now offers guided tours revealing its opulent interiors and rich history.

Chatham Historic Dockyard in Kent is a maritime heritage site with historic warships, Victorian ropery, and naval exhibits. Once a key Royal Navy dockyard, it now tells 400 years of shipbuilding history in an immersive setting.

The Roald Dahl Museum, in Great Missenden, celebrates the beloved author’s life and stories. Interactive exhibits, original manuscripts, and creative spaces inspire visitors to explore the magic behind his famous tales.

Waddesdon Manor in Buckinghamshire is a French Renaissance-style château built by Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild. Surrounded by landscaped gardens, it houses fine art, decorative treasures, and seasonal exhibitions, with woodland trails and family-friendly

West Wycombe Park, in Buckinghamshire, is an elegant 18th-century Palladian mansion set amid ornamental lakes and temples. Its landscaped gardens and artistic interiors reflect the grandeur of Georgian society and design.

Winchester Cathedral is one of Europe’s largest, famed for its stunning Gothic architecture, medieval carvings and Jane Austen’s resting place. Visitors can explore its vast nave, crypt, historic library and serene grounds steeped in history.

over 70 exciting rides and attractions, set within 140 acres of beautiful parkland on the edge of the New Forest National Park

rescuing and conserving historic buildings, teaching traditional trades and crafts to ensure their preservation and sharing the untold stories of rural life

museum of art and archeology, founded in 1683, with world famous collections from Egyptian mummies to contemporary art

with full size replicas of aircraft such as the Spitfire, this museum has one of the largest collection of Battle of Britain relics. All the exhibits are housed in war damaged 1940s buildings

bringing the downland landscape & vegetation to life through a series of displays & an audio-visual show

opened originally as a Victorian garden in 1843, with modern attractions including a water coaster, maze and themed areas

little changed since completion in 1583 - wide variety of paintings - tapestries - porcelain - 17th century needlework - rare James I carpet - period furniture - tea barn

dating back to the sixteenth century with a sympathetic extension designed by Lutyens and a stunning garden, the work of the gardening expert, Christopher Lloyd

Beautifully situated on the banks of the Thames. Step back in time, walking on the original marble floors and admiring the re-imagined 17th Century garden

perfectly preserved, medieval, moated manor with a deep sense of history, with tranquil gardens where the streams and lakes are fed by natural springs

home of the Hart Dykes since the 15th Century, the historic mansion boasts a great hall, grand staircase and library. The gardens have recently been updated to include thousands of rare, unusual and beautiful plants from around the world

step into this 125 acre oasis with peaceful tree lined riverside paths, picnic spots, a wetland boardwalk, and open air theatre and cinema in the summer months

a lovely 18th Century house with an unusual drawing room pained by Rex Whistler, a permanent 20th Century art collection and magnificent gardens

covering 2500 acres, escape to the great outdoors with wide open spaces, grasslands and deer herds, just a stone’s throw from central London

discover the world of science behind the botanical collections, with over 50,000 living plants to be found in a variety of settings

housing one of the finest collections of fully restored motorcycles in the world, including factory racers and exotic prototypes

extensive garden of varied colour, perfume and sound with winding paths, majestic trees with self led family activities

lose yourself along the 200ft long herbaceous border, formal knot and rose garden, waterlily canal or riverside walk. Has a wide range of year round events, including arts and crafts and gardening courses

beautifully preserved railway with Victorian and Edwardian steam engines. There is also a children's playground and woodland walks

collection of large cats and venomous snakes on display. Various shows, talks and demonstrations

20th Century gardens with hidden pathways and colourful borders using Mediterranean style planting, which takes advantage of the southerly location

built in 1862 and used during both world wars, with the original gun barrels in place all brought to life with vivid displays and cartoons

the inspiration of the talented Messel family with Rose Garden with many old fashioned, scented blooms and elegant, yet comfortable house

with a nature trail and waterfalls, which is illuminated during the summer evenings, this gorge has been a popular visitor attraction for over 200 years

be taken on a tour of these old smuggling caves guided by Hairy Jack. He pops up all over the place to tell tales of how the excise men tried to catch smugglers & what they did when they caught them!

a hospital in the medieval sense of a hospice for the elderly. Set in a magnificent Tudor building and still in use today. Visitors can take guided tours round this splendid building

enjoy a walk through this beautiful setting with free wine tastings and staff willing to answer questions.

creating the story of the rainforest, this exotic wildlife park has many unusual and rare animals. Conservation is the driving force behind the zoo, participating in breeding programmes and public education

Amberley Museum in West Sussex is a 36-acre open-air site dedicated to industrial heritage. It features vintage transport, crafts, working machinery, and narrow-gauge railways, offering an interactive glimpse into the region’s working past.

beautiful medieval house is part of the story of King Henry VIII and his divorce settlement with his fourth wife, Anne of Cleves. Highlights include atmospheric furnished rooms and a Tudor garden with traditional plants

Arundel Castle in West Sussex is a restored medieval fortress and stately home, seat of the Dukes of Norfolk for centuries. Visitors can explore grand interiors, extensive gardens, and towers offering sweeping views over the River Arun and South Downs.

Arundel Cathedral, built in 1873 in French Gothic style, crowns the skyline of Arundel. Dedicated to Our Lady and St Philip Howard, it features stunning stained glass, soaring arches, and serves as a centre of Catholic worship in West Sussex.

Ascot Racecourse, one of the UK’s most prestigious racing venues, is famed for Royal Ascot each June. Blending tradition and glamour, it hosts world-class flat and jump racing, alongside stylish events and fine hospitality.

Basildon Park, near Reading, is a Georgian mansion set in rolling parkland. Restored by the Iliffe family, it features elegant interiors, fine art, and scenic walks, offering a glimpse of refined 18th-century country living.

lauded as "Britain's most beautiful waterway", the canal runs through unspoilt countryside in the heart of North Hampshire. The Visitor Centre provides a history exhibition & information point

The Battle of Britain Memorial at Capel-le-Ferne, Kent, overlooks the Channel and honours “The Few” who fought in 1940. With a central statue, commemorative wall, and visitor centre, it offers reflection and striking coastal views.

Beale Park, set beside the Thames in Berkshire, is a family-friendly wildlife and adventure park. It features exotic animals, landscaped gardens, play areas, and a railway, offering a relaxed blend of nature, conservation, and fun.

with something for everyone and boasting an outstanding collection of conifers, this large pinetum is a beautiful setting for family picnics

beautiful grounds surround this 18C house which is home to a wonderful collection of clocks, paintings & much family memorabilia

Bembridge Windmill on the Isle of Wight is a charming 18th-century tower mill, the island’s only surviving one. Restored and preserved by the National Trust, it offers insight into traditional milling and lovely countryside views.

the South East's largest lake which offers activities all year round from water sports in summer to interactive exhibitions in winter

Bexhill Museum on the Sussex coast features exhibits on local history, fashion and motoring heritage. Its eclectic collections and seafront setting make it an engaging stop for visitors exploring Bexhill-on-Sea.

a wide variety of birds in wonderful surroundings. Discover the Forest Lodge Garden Centre and children's farm

Working farm with farm animals tractor and pony rides. Other activities include lambing, shearing & brass-rubbing

Bodiam Castle in East Sussex is a striking 14th-century moated fortress. With its towers, battlements, and picturesque reflection in the water, it blends medieval history with fairytale charm, offering scenic grounds and family-friendly exploration.

The main research library of the University of Oxford, and one of the oldest of its kind in Europe

Bognor Regis Museum celebrates the seaside town’s rich heritage. Exhibits explore its holiday past, local history, and vintage photography, offering a nostalgic glimpse into the charm of classic British coastal life.

visit these beautiful gardens featuring a raised lily pool leading into a walled garden

The Brighton i360 is a 162-metre observation tower on the seafront. Its futuristic glass pod glides up to reveal panoramic views of Brighton, the South Downs, and the coastline, offering a unique modern landmark beside the historic West Pier.

Brighton Museum & Art Gallery, set in the Royal Pavilion Gardens, features art, fashion, design and world cultures. Its diverse collections and vibrant displays make it a cultural highlight in the heart of the city.

Brighton Palace Pier, opened in 1899, is a classic seaside attraction stretching into the Channel. It features fairground rides, arcades, food stalls, and deckchairs, blending traditional charm with lively entertainment on the Brighton seafront.

Brighton Toy & Model Museum, beneath Brighton Station, houses over 10,000 vintage toys, model trains and tinplate treasures. It offers a nostalgic journey through childhood and toy-making history.

Buckler’s Hard, on the Beaulieu River in the New Forest, is a historic shipbuilding village where Royal Navy vessels were built in the 18th century. Today it offers a museum, riverside walks, and insight into maritime heritage.

the quintessential romantic castle, Carisbrooke has been an Elizabethan artillery fortress, a king's prison and a royal summer residence

Chartwell in Kent was the family home of Sir Winston Churchill. Surrounded by gardens and lakes, it preserves his personal belongings, paintings, and study, offering insight into the life of Britain’s wartime leader.

Chawton House, once home to Jane Austen’s brother, is a historic manor housing a unique library of women’s writing. Visitors can explore the atmospheric rooms, tranquil gardens and literary exhibitions in this Hampshire setting.

Claydon House in Buckinghamshire is an elegant 18th-century mansion famed for its lavish Rococo interiors. Once home to the Verney family and linked to Florence Nightingale, it blends grandeur with intimate countryside charm.

Cliveden, overlooking the Thames in Buckinghamshire, is a grand Italianate mansion surrounded by formal gardens and woodland. Once a hub of high society, it now offers stunning views, elegant terraces, and rich historic charm.

Cotswold Wildlife Park near Burford combines a stately home setting with diverse animal habitats. Giraffes, rhinos, lemurs, and lions roam spacious enclosures amid landscaped gardens and parkland.

Diddly Squat Farm Shop in Chadlington, Oxfordshire, offers produce from Jeremy Clarkson’s farm. Its shelves brim with local food, seasonal goods, and quirky farm-themed items celebrating British countryside life.

Dorney Court, near Windsor, is a Tudor manor renowned for its gabled façade, oak panelling, and historic charm. Still family-owned, it offers tours, gardens, and a glimpse into centuries of English heritage and architecture.

Exbury Gardens in Hampshire is a renowned 200-acre woodland garden, famous for its vibrant rhododendrons, azaleas, and camellias. Set by the Beaulieu River, it offers scenic walks, a miniature steam railway, and seasonal displays of colour.

Hinton Ampner, a graceful National Trust property in Hampshire, features a Georgian-style country house, elegant interiors and stunning formal gardens. Surrounded by parkland and woodland, it offers sweeping views across the South Downs.

a private collection with over 2000 exhibits dating back to 2000BC including a bisque doll presented to Queen Victoria

Mapledurham House, near Reading, is a fine Elizabethan manor on the River Thames. Surrounded by parkland, it features a working watermill and has appeared in films and novels, offering a charming glimpse of historic English country life.

Marwell Zoo in Hampshire is a 140-acre wildlife park home to hundreds of exotic and endangered species, from giraffes and tigers to snow leopards. With spacious enclosures, conservation focus, and family activities, it’s a leading UK zoo.

The Mary Rose Museum in Portsmouth displays Henry VIII’s warship, raised from the Solent after over 400 years. Showcasing the preserved hull and thousands of Tudor artefacts, it offers a fascinating glimpse into 16th-century naval life and history.

The Watercress Line, also known as the Mid Hants Railway, is a preserved heritage steam railway running 10 miles between Alresford and Alton in Hampshire. It offers nostalgic rides, vintage stations, and links to the region’s history of watercress farming

The Museum of English Rural Life in Reading explores the countryside’s history and traditions. Its engaging displays feature farming tools, crafts, and rural stories, offering insight into how rural life shaped modern England.

New Forest Wildlife Park in Hampshire is home to native and endangered species, including otters, wolves, bison, and wild boar. Set in woodland, it offers spacious enclosures, conservation focus, and family-friendly trails through nature.

Palace House at Beaulieu in Hampshire is a former medieval abbey gatehouse transformed into a grand family home. Still lived in by the Montagu family, it features Victorian interiors, treasured collections, and beautiful riverside gardens.

Palace House in Beaulieu, Hampshire, is a grand country house and former abbey gatehouse. Surrounded by beautiful grounds and the Beaulieu River, it features historic interiors, family treasures, and is part of the wider Beaulieu attraction.

Petworth House in West Sussex is a grand 17th-century mansion set in landscaped deer parkland by Capability Brown. Inside, it holds an outstanding art collection, including works by Turner, Van Dyck and Gainsborough, alongside lavish state rooms.

Reading Museum showcases the town’s rich history, from the Roman era to the industrial age. Highlights include the Bayeux Tapestry replica, local archaeology, and art collections housed in a striking Victorian building.

The Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Light Railway in Kent runs miniature versions of full-size steam and diesel locomotives. This historic narrow-gauge line stretches 13.5 miles across Romney Marsh, offering scenic coastal rides and nostalgic charm.

Runnymede, beside the Thames in Surrey, is famed as the site where Magna Carta was sealed in 1215. Today, its meadows, memorials, and riverside paths commemorate freedom, democracy, and centuries of English history.

Sea Life Brighton, the world’s oldest operating aquarium, opened in 1872. Set in a striking Victorian arcade, it showcases marine life from local waters to tropical seas, with highlights including a glass-bottom boat and walk-through ocean tunnel.

The Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth is a 170-metre landmark shaped like a sail, offering panoramic views across the Solent, Isle of Wight, and city. With glass floor panels and sky-high experiences, it’s a highlight of the waterfront skyline.

Stratfield Saye House in Hampshire has been the home of the Dukes of Wellington since 1817. The elegant estate displays military artefacts, portraits, and memorabilia of the Iron Duke, set amid tranquil gardens and parkland.

The D-Day Story in Portsmouth is a museum dedicated to the Normandy landings of 1944. Featuring personal accounts, artefacts, and the 83-metre Overlord Embroidery, it tells the story of courage, planning, and sacrifice behind D-Day.

The Riverside Museum at Blakes Lock in Reading explores the town’s industrial and waterway heritage. Set in restored Victorian buildings, it features exhibits on river life, local trades, and Reading’s connection to the Thames and Kennet.

The Vyne, a Tudor mansion near Basingstoke, is a National Trust property with grand state rooms, a chapel and a rich collection of art and furniture. Its landscaped gardens, lake and woodland walks offer a peaceful historic escape.

Turner Contemporary in Margate is a striking seafront gallery celebrating the legacy of artist J.M.W. Turner. With ever-changing exhibitions of contemporary and historic art, it’s a cultural landmark bringing modern creativity to the Kent coast.

West Wycombe Village, in Buckinghamshire, is a charming historic village with Georgian façades, quaint shops, and cosy pubs. Overlooked by West Wycombe Hill and its iconic mausoleum, it offers timeless beauty and a rich heritage.

The Westgate Towers in Canterbury, England's largest surviving medieval gatehouse, offer panoramic city views, a museum, and a rich historical atmosphere.

Windsor Great Park in Berkshire encompasses vast landscapes, ancient woodland, historical monuments, and the Long Walk, offering picturesque views and royal connections.

Chichester Cathedral, founded in 1075, blends Norman and Gothic architecture. Famous for its medieval carvings, unique detached bell tower, and modern artworks, it stands as a spiritual and cultural landmark in the heart of Chichester.

Down House was Charles Darwin's home, showcasing his study, extensive gardens, and insights into his groundbreaking scientific discoveries.

11 acres if gardens landscaped by Capability Brown. The history of the ruined 18th Century house is depicted in the Gate House Museum

located in part of the old Norman castle, one of Britain's oldest caves and the oldest surviving medieval feature of the town

impressive ruins set in attractive grounds designed by Humphry Repton

in a superb rural setting, this stunning Roman villa has impressive mosaics and a small collection of Roman artefacts

consisting mainly of buildings surrounding a moat. The Great Hall is a three story building & Dower House is furnished as a 19C farmhouse

botanical heritage and stunning landscapes make Borde Hill the perfect day out for horticultural enthusiasts, country lovers and families alike

with exhibits ranging from prehistoric times to the modern day ,the permanent displays and regular exhibitions illustrate every aspect of local life and have something to interest all members of the family

replica village shops - steam-powered farm machinery - tractors - barn machinery - agricultural tools - maze - adventure playground - shop - tea barn

over 40 different species, from tiny field mice to magnificent red deer including badgers and hedgehogs. All the natural wild life to be found in Britain, with informative displays and a conservation project to visit

the history of motor racing and aviation is displayed in thirty acres with interactive displays and events being held most weekends

Chichester Festival Theatre in West Sussex is a renowned modernist venue opened in 1962. Known for its innovative stage design and acclaimed productions, it hosts a vibrant mix of drama, musicals, and new writing, drawing audiences nationwide.

Oxford's largest and grandest college, the backdrop to many Harry Potter scenes

unique collection of Great Western Railway steam engines, rolling stock and artefacts based around original 1930s engine shed

Fishbourne Roman Palace in West Sussex is the largest Roman residence discovered in Britain. Dating from the 1st century AD, it showcases intricate mosaic floors, recreated gardens, and museum exhibits revealing life in Roman Britain.

set in Kent's last remaining medieval deer park with an exceptional collection of Jacobean furniture and fine Flemish tapestries

four exhibition galleries covering local maritime history, including shipwrecks on the notorious Goodwin Sands

home of an indomitable Edwardian socialite with fine collections of artworks and a famed walled garden filled with roses in the summer months

the home of the Stonor family for over 850 years is closely associated with the religious struggles during Henry Vlllth's reign, with art and artefacts covering its long history

founded in 1619 as a home for elderly residents and is open to the public for tours. The chapel and walled garden are of particular interest

range of medieval buildings, the surviving part of the sixth wealthiest monastery in Britain comprising the former bakehouse, the Checker Hall (now converted into the Unicorn Theatre), the Checker and the Long Gallery

Abingdon County Hall, a grand 17th-century building designed by Christopher Kempster, stands proudly in the market square. Now a museum, it tells the story of Abingdon’s rich history.

Aldershot Military Museum explores the town’s role as the “Home of the British Army.” Housed in Victorian barracks, it features historic vehicles, uniforms, weapons and interactive displays, bringing Britain’s military heritage vividly to life.

Andover Museum explores the town’s history from prehistoric times to today. Exhibits include archaeology, local industries and community life, while the adjoining Museum of the Iron Age brings ancient hillforts and Iron Age culture vividly to life.

Arundel Museum tells the story of this historic Sussex town, from Roman times through medieval trade to the present day. With interactive displays, local artefacts and family-friendly exhibits, it offers a lively introduction to Arundel’s rich heritage.

Arundel Wetland Centre, run by the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, offers lakes, reedbeds and lagoons teeming with birdlife. Visitors can enjoy boat safaris, family trails and birdwatching, all set against the backdrop of Arundel Castle.

Ashford Museum, set in a 17th-century building in the town centre, explores local history through archaeology, wartime exhibits, railway heritage and community life. Its collections showcase the growth and character of Ashford across the centuries.

Banbury Museum, beside the Oxford Canal, explores the town’s history from the Civil War to modern industry. Exhibits include local trades, costume, fine art and the story of the famous Banbury Cross, with family-friendly interactive displays.

Basing House in Hampshire was once the country’s grandest Tudor mansion, later destroyed in the Civil War. Visitors can explore its earthworks, ruins, museum and gardens, uncovering stories of wealth, power and dramatic downfall.

Battle Museum of Local History, in the East Sussex town of Battle, explores heritage from prehistoric finds to the world wars. Highlights include artefacts from the Battle of Hastings site and displays on local crafts and culture.

The Beaney House of Art & Knowledge in Canterbury is a museum, gallery, and library in one. Housed in a Victorian building, it showcases art, archaeology, and local history, offering a creative and cultural hub in the heart of the city.

Beech Court Gardens in Kent is a charming mix of formal borders, woodland walks and tranquil ponds. Known for its azaleas, rhododendrons and roses, it offers seasonal colour, a tearoom and views of the resident rare-breed poultry.

Bekonscot Model Village in Beaconsfield is the world’s oldest model village, opened in 1929. It features detailed miniature towns, railways and landscapes, offering a nostalgic and family-friendly glimpse of 1930s England.