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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.
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For starters there is Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire, Windsor Castle in Berkshire and Portsmouth Historic Dockyard in Hampshire. These award winning attractions all have the 'We're Good to Go' charter mark plus countless awards between them.
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.
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 plus 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, as well as some great Country Pubs that showcase these 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 as Wakehurst and Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens, in Sussex or Painshill in Surrey. 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.
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: 270
, currently showing 41 to 60.
Historic Site
Oxford
See one of the oldest libraries at the heart of Oxford's historic University. Discover the Divinity School, a masterpiece of English Gothic architecture, or choose one of the guided tours, including a visit to Duke Humfrey's library.
Abbey / Priory
Canterbury
This great Abbey, marking the rebirth of Christianity in southern England, was founded in AD 597 by St Augustine.
Boat Trip
Southampton
Shieldhall was laid down in October 1954 and entered service in October 1955. Built by Lobnitz & Co of Renfrew, she is of special interest as she was built on older classic lines with a traditional wheelhouse, of riveted and welded construction with
National Park
The South Downs, now a newly designated National Park are accessible from Worthing. The South Downs Way runs from Winchester to Eastbourne and can be accessed at several points around Worthing or Adur.
Historic House / Palace
Winchester
Medieval almshouses, church, ambulatory, Brethren's Hall and kitchen, Master's garden.
Castle / Fort
Deal
This castle was built in 1540 as part of Henry Vlll's chain of coastal defences. See the Duke of Wellington's room, the reception rooms and magnificent commemorative gardens of HM Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother.
Nature Trail / Watching
Stockbridge
Explore this isolated island of characteristic chalk downland set in a sea of intensively farmed land.
Historic House / Palace
Milton Keynes
Once Britain’s Best Kept Secret, today Bletchley Park is a heritage site and vibrant tourist attraction. Open daily, visitors can explore some of the iconic WW2 Codebreaking Huts and Blocks and marvel at the astonishing achievements of the…
Church / Chapel
Reading
The old flint church of Basildon lies close to the Thames below Goring. The nave was built early in the 13thC, the taller chancel has lovely traceried windows.
Museum
Dover
Dover Museum, the district's largest and most varied museum, has a range of fascinating real objects, models and original pictures showing the history and archaeology of Dover, along with the Dover Bronze Age Boat, the world's oldest known seagoing…
Museum
Portsmouth
Visit the first home of Britain's most famous Victorian author.
Castle / Fort
Portchester
A Roman-Saxon shore fort with Norman additions. A near-perfect keep and Norman church within the walls.
Walking Tour
Oxford
The Thames Path National Trail is a wonderful way to explore the River Thames. This long distance walking route starts at the source of the river in a field in the Cotswolds and follows the banks of the Thames for 185.2 miles (298km) meandering…
Church / Chapel
Alresford
A jewel inspired by the chapel of French kings
St Mary's was built in 1866, by Henry Conybeare for his brother who was the Rector of the church, and felt the previous church was cold and damp.
He himself bore most of the cost, with the…
Gallery
Hastings
Nestling between the fishing beach and Hastings Old Town, Hastings Contemporary is sensitively designed to complement the surrounding coastal environment.
Climbing / High Ropes
Slough
Nets Adventure
Nets Adventure is an expansive network of four huge bouncy treetop nets, trampolines and much more. This is treetop heaven for children and adults alike with four huge bounce nets, one filled with giant balls and one just for kids,…
Nature Trail / Watching
Watlington
Discover an Oxfordshire dreamscape as you walk to the top of Watlington Hill, where you will find breathtaking views and fine wildlife all year round.
Wildlife
Southampton
There’s farming fun for everyone at Longdown Activity Farm with a fabulous daily schedule of animal activities including bottle-feeding kid goats and calves, as well as the Animal Encounter Barn. There are so many exciting play areas too, including…
Farm
PETERSFIELD
Experience life on a working deer farm, explore the farm trail, adventure playground and picnic in the grounds. The farm shop and butcher offer a wide variety of produce and The Grazing Rooms cafe delivers everything from a lite bite to a…
Abbey / Priory
Battle
Visit the site of one of the most famous battles in England's history – the 1066 Battle of Hastings, and discover the fascinating story of events behind that historic date.
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