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We are passionate about you exploring South East England and enjoying the many indoor and outdoor attractions on offer within the region. Whether you choose to visit those must-see royal palaces and castles, or the award-winning animal parks and gardens, discover somewhere new or re-visit a firm favourite, you'll find some of the most popular tourist attractions in England here in the South East, so you will never be stuck for ideas on places to visit and things to do whatever your interest.
With over 185 million years of history to discover the South East is littered with historic houses, enchanting castles, impressive cathedrals and inspiring museums, allowing you to delve into stories of a time long since past. Explore famous battles, smuggling adventures and stories of individuals that have changed the course of English history, you'll find them all here in the South East.
For starters there is Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire and Portsmouth Historic Dockyard in Hampshire - these attractions have a host of awards between them!
Bekonscot Model Village & Railway delights visitors of all ages and is perfect for family adventures with lots to keep your mini explorers entertained. Book online at least 48 hours in advance & enjoy 10% off the standard ticket price.
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If you are out with the family, and looking for some family fun, check out the exciting theme parks, popular zoos and farm parks – all of which are sure to provide that next memorable day out in South East England. You'll also find a whole host of steam railways offering the chance to sit back and enjoy the beautiful South East countryside and kid friendly museums to discover, learn and inspire.
Don't miss a ride on the Bluebell Steam Railway in East Sussex, and the all-weather Beaulieu, Home of the National Motor Museum in the New Forest.
Learn how local food and drink is made on one of the many distillery and brewery tours on offer, or join in one of the 'Made in South East' workshops where you can make, do and create your own holiday experience.There are over 140+ vineyards scattered across the South East for you to explore, offering the chance to enjoy a tour and tasting, a delicious lunch, or a wander around their glorious estates. Make a stop at Balfour Winery, Kent for a wine tasting mastercalss or a self guided tour, or head along to one of the regions great Country Pubs for a pint, great company and the chance to try an array of local brews - some of the most famous include Bombay Sapphire Distillery in Winchester.
South East England’s climate also makes the area perfect for must-see gardens such Painshill in Surrey or Bates Green Garden in East Sussex. With over 1900 hours of sunshine a year, the South East is one of the sunniest destinations in the UK. Take advantage of this fantastic location and experience a day at the races, enjoy a boat trip along the River Thames, a visit to one of the many award-winning blue flag beaches and dip you toe in the sea. With over 3 million acres of natural beauty and 400 miles of stunning coastline to explore you are sure to find plenty to enjoy here on a sunny day.
Adventure too the 140-acre Marwell Zoo home to hundreds of exotic and endangered species or take to the tree's for a different view with Go Ape with its various sites across the South.
But if the weather changes, that doesn't matter too, as there are plenty of indoor attractions for a rainy day. With beautiful heritage theatres full of entertainment, comedy, drama, dance and music for you to enjoy, along with great places to shop and eat, you can stay warm and dry inside. The South East and all its diversity is ideal place to visit whatever the time of year, whatever the weather and with some great free things to do, it doesn't have to cost the earth either to get out and about on your next visit, staycation or holiday.
Browse the below list featuring some of the best attractions in the South East or for a list of local attractions near you, select map view to search geographically.
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Number of results: 245
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Nature Reserve
Hill Head
Titchfield Haven National Nature Reserve is home to various habitats including river, marshland, and scrapes.
Church / Chapel
Leighton Buzzard
An unspoilt Medieval atmosphere
St Mary’s is set on a hillside, below the Chiltern escarpment but above the new village stretching along the valley floor. The building dates from the 13th- and 15th-centuries.
It has a tall tower, a long nave…
Boat Tours
MAIDSTONE
The Kentish Lady River boat is synonymous with Maidstone and is one of Kent’s premier excursion providers for groups and individuals, between Spring and Autumn we provide a unique experience of the Upper River Medway, we also offer self-drive hire…
Theatre
Chatham
Formerly Chatham Town Hall, The Brook Theatre is a hive of entertainment, activity and learning.
Museum
Greenwich, London
The world’s largest maritime museum, filled with inspirational stories of exploration and adventure at sea. Critically acclaimed temporary exhibitions (ticketed). General admission free.
Trips & Tours
Oxford
Open top bus tours of Oxford and the Historic University. Tickets valid all day. All major sights covered. Live guides.
Arts Centre
Winchester
A vibrant and versatile gallery space hosting a changing programme of exhibits to celebrate the best of Winchester's thriving arts and heritage scene.
Castle / Fort
Deal
Discover a Tudor fortress turned country house with over eight acres of award-winning gardens. Walmer Castle was built by Henry VIII and later became home to the Lords Warden of the Cinque Ports, including the Duke of Wellington and the Queen Mother.
Historic Site
Chatham
The Historic Dockyard Chatham is a unique, award winning maritime heritage destination with a fantastic range of attractions, iconic buildings and historic ships to explore, PLUS a fabulous programme of touring exhibitions at No.1 Smithery.
Walking Tour
Curious About... Explore, Discover & Enjoy!
Curious About offer over 75 self-guided heritage walks with a treasure hunt theme across towns and cities across the UK! Suitable for individuals & groups of all ages, they are great for Family…
Historic House / Palace
Brighton
A delightful manor house which belonged to the Stanford family for over 200 years and which still has the atmosphere of an Edwardian country house.
Historic House / Palace
Windsor
Late 17th-century royal residence, particularly associated with Queen Charlotte and Queen Victoria. Frogmore House is currently closed to visitors.
Theatre
Worthing
The Art Deco Connaught Theatre, Cinema and Studio hosts a wide variety of plays ranging from musicals and thrillers to drama and children’s shows as well as 2D and 3D blockbuster films.
Railway
Hastings
The West Hill Lift retains its original wooden Victorian coaches, and also runs through a tunnel, very unusual for a funicular.
Cathedral / Minister
Chichester
In the heart of Chichester, a magnificent Cathedral with treasures ranging from medieval stone carvings to world famous 20th Century artworks. Free entry and free guided tours. Exhibitions, concerts and special trails for children.
Museum
WINCHESTER
Hampshire Cultural Trust was established as an independent charity in 2014 to promote Hampshire as a county that offers outstanding cultural experiences to both its residents and visitors.
Castle / Fort
Hook
Known locally as ‘King John’s Castle’, Odiham Castle is located within a tranquil site adjacent to the Basingstoke Canal.
Museum
Ramsgate
The Memorial Museum permanently houses splendid examples of two WW11 fighter aircraft, which served the Royal Air Force so well in so many areas of battle, both at home and overseas.
Museum
Gosport
A representational Hampshire village set in the year 1642. Timber and thatched buildings, occupants dressed and speak in 17thC style.
Theatre
Eastbourne
The Winter Garden consists of the Floral Hall, Gold Room and Devonshire Halls, used for functions, music, shows, conferences, exhibitions and comedy clubs.
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