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Each month we will highlight our top picks to inspire you to explore South East England. We will provide a wealth of attractions, events and places to visit and eat at to ensure you are never stuck for ideas.

• Escape to the South East

  Discover the excited buzz of historic Oxford, the space and tranquillity of the Surrey Hills and Royal Windsor with it's castle, LEGOLAND (R) Windsor and Eton College, the South East is basking in sunshine. Spend a leisurely day beside the River Thames stopping off at Windsor, or enjoy the charms of England's most wooded county - the real Surrey.

  • A Windsor welcome

    Windsor and the Royal Borough are very much open for visitors with almost all of the attractions, including Windsor Castle, Eton College and Legoland, fully open with no restrictions. Whether it’s the arts and culture or designer clothes shopping; history and heritage or handsome hotels; the area is ripe for relaxation, exploration and enjoyment. Discover the wonders of Windsor

  • Discover the real Surrey

    Wander through miles of beautiful countryside including the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Beauty or enjoy family fun and thrills at attractions like Chessington World of Adventures and Thorpe Park - fully open for business. Shop and relax in delightful market towns, or witness the wonder of RHS Wisley’s stunning new glasshouse - this is the real Surrey!

  • Oxfordshire & The River Thames

    Explore the history and heritage of Oxford City or visit one of Oxfordshire’s market towns and its surrounding countryside making sure you don’t miss out on the charms of the River Thames

• Online Brochures

  With so much to choose from, let us help you with our online brochures view online or downloadthese brochures full of ideas in the South East... ...we know just the place

• Tourism Awards

  The South East England's best visitor attractions and places to stay have been recognised in the "Tourism ExSEllence Awards 2007"

• Competition

  Competition

  • Terms and Conditions

    Terms and Conditions

• Culture Sussex

• Family Fun

  Family Fun

• Portsmouth

  Portsmouth

The next time you take a holiday or short break in the South East, go green! Visit South East England endorses the Green Tourism Business Scheme (GTBS), which encourages tourism businesses to be environmentally friendly.

Groups

• Animal Attractions

  Animal Attractions

• Bond Connections

• Castles and Gardens

  Castles and Gardens

• Coach Parking

  Coach Parking

• Great for Groups

  Great For Groups

• Useful Contacts

  Useful Contacts

Visit South East England is constantly improving and we welcome your feedback and comments as this site is for you to use. To help us plan our future marketing, please assist us by completing a few simple questions. Please note – any information provided as part of this survey will be treated in the strictest confidence. It will not be shared with a third party or used for any purposes other than research. All people completing this survey will be entered into our competition to win £100 of John Lewis vouchers.

• Events and Festivals

• Explore

• Great Eats

• Shopping

The South East is a region awash with History and Heritage. From England's second oldest Cathedral the awe-inspiring Rochester, to the plantsman's paradise of Borde Hill. Explore the Timeless Treasures of the region.

Home

Find out all the latest news from the South East Region.

Places to Eat

• Cafes

  Discover the liveliness and variety of the food and drink on offer on the high streets of the South East of England. Sit back, relax, enjoy a tea or coffee and watch the world go by from one of the region’s many delightful cafes.

• Dine

  Dining well is an art form and like the dishes themselves, it requires carefully chosen ingredients as well as good company. Discover the region's wide range of fine dinning and atmospheric pubs.

• Hampshire Hospitality Awards

  A new quality assessment scheme for restaurants, tea rooms, pubs, cafés and other eateries has recently been launched in Hampshire on behalf of the regional tourist board, Tourism South East.

• Local Produce

  Whether it's freshly baked bread, prime cuts of the finest meat, a pint of traditional ale or a bottle of one of the region's increasingly popular wines, local producers offer a huge range of goods for you to sample.

• Pubs and Clubs

  A visit to a traditional English pub is to many as important as seeing the Changing of the Guard at Windsor Castle or sailing past the White Cliffs of Dover.

• Wine

  With the region situated less than 90 miles north of the French champagne region, it is no surprise that the South East of England is becoming increasingly well renowned for it's wine-making.

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South East Destinations

• Brighton

  England’s favourite seaside city, Brighton is historic, elegant and offbeat. It’s the perfect place for a break, on the south coast just 49 minutes from London.

• Buckinghamshire

• Canterbury

  Historic cathedral city of Chaucer’s Tales and a UNESCO world heritage site. ‘Pilgrims’ are still welcomed to this walled city for its shopping, restaurants and attractions.

• Chichester

  Chichester

• Eastbourne

  Eastbourne

• Hampshire

• Hastings and 1066 Country

  Hastings and 1066 Country

• Isle of Wight

  The Isle of Wight is the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing break. Boasting unspoilt scenery and a wealth of fascinating attractions, there is something for everyone.

• Kent – Garden of England

  Kent offers quintessentially English countryside with orchards full of blossom, majestic castles and beautiful gardens. Feel its irresistible charm.

• Milton Keynes

• New Forest

  The New Forest has changed little since William the Conqueror gave it his special protection over 900 years ago. The unique landscape has been moulded by centuries of grazing by commoner’s animals.

• Oxford

  This ancient university city is both timeless and modern, its 'dreaming spires' and tranquil college quadrangles coexisting with lively arts venues, bustling shops and fashionable restaurants.

• Portsmouth

  Portsmouth

• River Thames

  River Thames

• Search destinations

  More destinations in South East England

• Southampton

• Surrey

  Surrey

• Sussex by the Sea

  Sussex by the Sea

• Winchester

  Winchester

• Windsor

  Windsor and the Royal Borough are very much open for visitors with almost all of the attractions, including Windsor Castle, Eton College and Legoland, fully open with no restrictions. The Windsor Festival takes place as planned between 16 and 30 September and the area is full of great activities, attractions, events and fun for the family. Whether it’s the arts and culture or designer clothes shopping; history and heritage or handsome hotels; the area is ripe for relaxation, exploration and enjoyment. Discover the wonders of Windsor

Special Offers

Terms & Conditions

Whether it is ideas for a family holiday, a romantic break for two or simply information on days out, city breaks, shopping trips, spa days, history and heritage or outdoor activities, you will find it here in South East England.

• A Fine Tradition

  There is probably more history and culture in the South East of England than any other part of the UK. For castles and cathedrals, museums and gardens - we know just the place.

  • Cathedral Crescent

• Countryside Escapes

  The fine countryside of South East England is renowned for its beauty, interest and enduring charm. Here amongst the patchwork of distinctive landscapes like the Cotswolds and the Chilterns, the High Weald and the chalky Downs, the quintessential England captured by Jane Austen's pen still provides a refreshing haven from the fast pace of modern life.

  • Capital Sport

    Capital Sport

  • Countryside Agency

    Countryside Agency

  • Distinctive Country Inns

    Distinctive Country Inns

  • Historic Escapes

    Historic Escapes

    • A Hampshire Pilgrimage

      A Hampshire Pilgrimage

    • Chequers and the Chilterns

      Chequers and the Chilterns

    • Echoes of Roundheads and Cavaliers

      Echoes of Roundheads and Cavaliers

    • Heroes Romans Countrymen

    • History at your feet

      History at your feet

  • National Trails

    National Trails

  • National Trust

    National Trust

  • Rural Ways

    Rural Ways

  • Scenic Escapes

    Scenic Eascapes

    • On Medway's Heron Trail

      On Medway's Heron Trail

    • The Lost Forest of Bernwood

      The Lost Forest of Bernwood

    • Walking the Weald of Kent

      Walking the Weald of Kent

  • The River Thames

    The River Thames

  • Water Escapes

    Water Escapes

    • Exploring the Goring Gap

      Exploring the Goring Gap

    • Nooks and Dells of Paradise

      Nooks and Dells of Paradise

    • The Hidden Highway

      The Hidden Highway

    • The Monarch's River

      The Monarch's River

    • The Pre-Raphaelites' River Thames

      The Pre-Raphaelites' River Thames

• Culture South East

  The South East of England is a region rich in culture, from its gardens, landscaped by Gertrude Jekyll and Capability Brown, Historic Houses and Castles to the literary connections of Roald Dahl and Jane Austen.

• Distinctive Country Inns

  The Distinctive Country Inns page is your first step towards a relaxing break away from the stresses of modern life.

  • Berkshire Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire

    Berkshire Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire

  • East Sussex

    East Sussex

  • Hampshire, Wiltshire and Dorset

    Hampshire, Wiltshire and Dorset

  • Kent

    Kent

  • Lifestyle

    Lifestyle

    • Country Pursuits

      Country Pursuits

    • On Two Wheels

      On Two Wheels

    • Villages and Towns

      Villages and Towns

    • Walking

      Walking

    • Waterways

      Waterways

    • Wildlife

      Wildlife

  • West Sussex and Surrey

    West Sussex and Surrey

• Family Fun

  Learn to kite surf. Explore a medieval castle. Have a picnic in a deer park. Get up close and personal with lions and gorillas. Take the thrill ride of your life. Climb aboard a steam train. Fly a kite on a wide sandy beach

  • Family Days Out
    • Ascot

      Dubai Duty Free Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup - Saturday 11th August Children can take part in a jockeys' competition event, picking one of four teams to support during the day. They can meet with jockeys and have their autograph books signed. After racing, there is a free music concert for racegoers to enjoy.

    • Dickens World

      Dickens World, Chatham, is a brand, new, innovative and exciting indoor visitor complex themed around the life, books and times of one of Britain's best loved authors, Charles Dickens.

    • Family Friendly Museums

      Family Friendly Museums

      • Thames Valley

    • Festival Place

    • Guildford Spectrum

    • LEGOLAND

      Cool down your hot little heroes at the Vikings' River Splash. The River Splash is the park's largest (and wettest) ride to date - promising to sail you into a fantasy world of sea monsters and mythical creatures. Hold on tight to your river raft as it's sure to be a wet and wild voyage.

    • National Trust

    • Roald Dahl Museum

      The Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre in Great Missenden, Buckinghamshire, opened to great acclaim in June 2005 and has now welcomed well over 100,000 visitors through its chocolate doors. Why not visit in September when on the 13th it's Roald Dahl's birthday.

    • The South East Hub

    • Wightlink

      Wightlink

  • Family Destinations
    • Buckinghamshire

    • Canterbury

    • Hastings

    • Isle of Wight

      Isle of Wight

    • Medway and The Historic Dockyard Chatham

    • Portsmouth

    • River Thames

    • Sevenoaks

      Sevenoaks

    • Sussex by the Sea

  • Family Friendly Places to Stay
    • Kingsdown Holiday Village, Kent

    • Shorefield Holidays

  • Family Fun News

    Family Fun News - some of the new events and special offers available now

  • Family Scrapbook

    Win with our family scrapbook Don't take our word for it: find out about the South East from the point of view of real families and stand a chance to win. Taking a video camera, a normal camera and a notebook, eleven families headed out across the South East. Discover real family experiences and enter to win

    • Ascot Family Scrapbook
      • Read It

        Ascot Story

      • See it

      • Watch it

    • Buckinghamshire Family Scrapbook
      • Read it

      • See it

      • Watch it

    • Isle of Wight Family Scrapbook
      • Read It

      • See It

      • Watch it

    • Kent Family Scrapbook
      • Read It

      • See It

        See It

      • Watch it

        Watch it

    • Legoland Family Scrapbook
      • Read it

      • See it

      • Watch it

    • Milton Keynes Family Scrapbook
      • Read It

      • See it

      • Watch it

    • National Trust Family Scrapbook
      • Read It

      • See it

      • Watch it

    • Portsmouth Family Scrapbook
      • Read it

      • See it

      • Watch it

    • River Thames Family Scrapbook
      • Read it

      • See it

      • Watch it

    • Sussex by the Sea Family Scrapbook
      • Read It

      • See it

      • Watch it

    • Woburn Family Scrapbook
      • Read it

      • See it

      • Watch it

  • Fun for Families
    • Events

      Events

    • Itineraries

      With so much on offer in the South East, it's easy to find yourself spoilt for choice. Check out the suggested itineraries and pick up some top tips on how to ensure you and your family make the most of your day out, weekend away or short break.

      • Maidstone

        Take a journey through Kent’s past with this family friendly itinerary. Step into the shoes of Kings and Queens, Victorian Crewmen and Oliver Twist!

      • Roald Dahl Golden Ticket Trail

        Follow the Golden Ticket Trail through Buckinghamshire taking stock of some of Roald Dahl's most wizzpopping sites

    • Krazy Kids

    • Teens

      Teens

    • Tiny Tots

      They’re inquisitive, they want to play all the time, they have very specific tastes in food, and most importantly, they want to get involved. If you have kids of pre-school age, you know just how important it is to find a destination that’s geared up for little ones. To help you out, here’s a selection of some of the best tot- friendly destinations and attractions that cover all the bases.

  • Kent

    Bring the family to Kent, it's always been a favourite destination, and it's so easy to reach by car, coach and train. Paddle and play on classic, sandy beaches, go wild in exciting animal parks, meet knights at enchanting castles.

  • Kent Terms

  • Milton Keynes

  • Woburn

    NSPCC Woburn Big Bike Ride - Woburn Abbey Sunday 1st July 10am to 4pm (last start at 2pm) Woburn Abbey Deer Park Join the Woburn Big Bike Ride and together we can help end cruelty to children. Entry fee: Adults £5 Children £2.50 - Includes reduced entry to Woburn Abbey and Woburn Safari Park on 1st July 2007 Bring a picnic and enjoy a wonderful day out at Woburn

• Go Golf

  Go Golf in the South East. The South East Golf Show is taking place Friday 9th November - Sunday 11 November at East Sussex National Golf Resort. Save £3 on the Ticket price with Visit South East England. Please see our voucher for details

• Just the Two of Us

  Take a break from the stresses of life, escape to the South East. Whatever your interests, the region has everything for everyone: romantic retreats, quaint market towns that are perfect for antique shopping, gorgeous rural swathes of countryside for outdoor lovers and some of the best pubs and fine dining in the country.

  • News

    Just the two of us news

  • Surrey Style

    Surrey Style

• Shopping

  Quirky boutiques, bustling markets and designer outlets - stand out from the crowd with the shops of the South East

  • In Search of the Perfect Shoes

    In Search of the Perfect Shoes

• South East Rocks

  Like most of Britain, the South East is steeped in rock and pop history. Whether you’re a Floyd fan, mad about mods, bonkers about Bowie, or fancy a festie, there are great venues and places of interest for everyone.

• Storybook South East

  The South East of England is filled with a wealth of literary connections, from the River Thames countryside that was home to Ratty, Mole and Toad, to the Oxford of Alice in Wonderland. Discover the places which inspired some of the world's best loved authors.

  • Lewis Carroll

    Lewis Carroll

  • Roald Dahl

    Roald Dahl

  • The Chronicles of Narnia

    The Chronicles of Narnia

  • Wind in the Willows

    Wind in the Willows

• Timeless Treasures

• What's best in the Garden

  South East England's gardens present a wide range of things to see throughout the year, find out what's best in the garden now....

  • Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire

  • Hampshire

  • Kent - The Garden of England

  • Surrey

  • Sussex

Classic History, Heritage and Culture The South East is a region awash with History and Heritage. From England's second oldest Cathedral the awe-inspiring Rochester, to the plantsman's paradise of Borde Hill. Explore the Timeless Treasures of the region.

• Destinations

  The South East is full of Historic Destinations from the riverside destinations of Windsor and Oxford to the Dickensian hotspots of Medway and Portsmouth, right across the region you will find, villages, towns, cities and counties with more than a tale or two to tell.

  • Berkshire

    Nestled alongside the bright lights of London, Berkshire is a county full of charms, that's perfect for a relaxing break away. Head to the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead for a look at the World's largest castle in continual occupation or take a tour of one of the country's most famous educational institutions, Eton College.

    • Windsor

  • Buckinghamshire

    The distinctive charm of "Beechy" Buckinghamshire and the Chiltern Hills is never out of fashion.

  • Hampshire

    When did you last take time out just for you? We invite you to turn off the phone and unwind in rural Hampshire, where fresh cream teas, colourful farmers' markets and thatched cottages await.

    • Hampshire's Countryside

      When did you last take time out just for you? We invite you to turn off the phone and unwind in rural Hampshire, where fresh cream teas, colourful farmers' markets and thatched cottages await.

    • Portsmouth

  • Isle of Wight with Red Funnel

  • Kent
    • Medway

  • Oxfordshire

  • River Thames

  • Salisbury and Stonehenge

  • Surrey

  • Sussex
    • Cultural Sussex

    • Hastings & 1066 Country

    • Lewes

      Lewes

    • West Sussex

• Events

  Pack a picnic and head to one of the regions many exciting events this year. Whether it is horseracing at Goodwood or Shakespeare in the Garden that inspires, you are sure to find something that suits.

  • Celebrations and Anniversaries

  • Event Calendar

• Food and Drink

  Get the taste buds tingling with some of the South East's delectable offerings. From world class vineyards to tasty tearoom treats, you're guaranteed to be wined and dined in style.

  • Denbies Wine Estate

  • More Food and Drink

• Must See Gardens
  • Great Gardens of Sussex

  • Kent The Garden of England

  • Loseley Park

  • Painshill Park

  • RHS Garden Wisley

  • The Garden Trail

• Places to Stay
  • Best Western Hotels

  • Handpicked Hotels

  • More Places to Stay

  • Oatlands Park

  • Runnymede Hotel and Spa

• Special Offers

• Suggested Days Out
  • As Scene On Screen

    As Scene On Screen

    • Bond

      Ian Fleming, the much loved author of James Bond and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, would have turned 100 on 28th May 2008. To celebrate his life and much loved characters, the South East will be organising special events and activities throughout the year.

    • Film Locations

      Experience some of the glitz and glamour of the Silver Screen with a tour of the regions film locations. See Netherfield Park from the 2005 adaptation of Austen’s Pride and Prejudice or sit and enjoy the roaring fire of The Crown Hotel in Amersham, used for the filming of Four Weddings and a Funeral.

    • TV Locations

      TV Locations

  • Beaulieu

  • Castles

  • Cathedrals

  • Go wild in the country

  • Heritage Trails
    • Hastings & 1066 Country

    • River Thames

    • Runnymede Hotel and Spa

  • Heroes and Heroines of History

  • Historic Dockyard Chatham

  • Mercedes Benz World

  • National Trust

  • Portsmouth Historic Dockyard

  • The Royal Pavilion Brighton

• Timeless Treasures Articles

• Timeless Treasures E Guide

• Timeless Treasures Home

• Timeless Treasures Portsmouth Competition

Get information about Travelling around the South East. View a list Tourist Information Centres where you can get information before or during your visit.

• Tourist Information Centres

Travel Trade

Planning your special day? Explore the many wedding venues of the South East, from historic houses and country hotels to something more unique like a ship or race course.

Look after your Well-being If you are tired of some the the strains of working life, escape to one of the South East's idyllic rural locations. Not only can you enjoy some good old fashioned 'r and r' but now you can positively improve your health and well-being and reduce some of lifes stresses.

Win 10 Tickets to Gold Cup Day the third day of Royal Ascot. The day is colloquially known as “Ladies’ Day” as, in the formative years, it was the dominant day in terms of the racing, attracting the largest crowds and, it must be assumed from the emergence of the term “Ladies’ Day,” more ladies!