Dorset AONB
With over 3 million acres of countryside to explore in South East England, it's the perfect place to escape the four walls and enjoy some great open spaces, fresh air and exercise. Discover the National Parks, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, country parks, nature reserves, glorious gardens, waymarked walks of the South East.... there's no better place to fall in love with the great outdoors.
South East England is home to two National Parks covering over 2,193km2 between them. New Forest National Park in Hampshire, famous for its colourful heather, and ponies that wander through the villages and across its large open expanses and forest trails, and South Downs National Park which stretches from Winchester to Eastbourne, through the counties of Hampshire, West Sussex and East Sussex, and is the newest National Park in the UK. One of the many iconic images of the South, is the white chalk cliffs of the Seven Sisters and Beachy Head which is part of the South Downs, along with the famous Devils Dyke, Blackdown and ancient forests of Kingsley Vale, all providing some of the best countryside in the UK. Don't miss the chance to visit both parks when you are here in South East England, they have very different landscapes and experiences to enjoy.
We encourage you to explore the countryside at every opportunity, it is so good for your well-being and mental health. However, whilst you are out and about remember to follow the Countryside Code - RESPECT - PROTECT - ENJOY. This countryside code contains advice for the public and landowners, making it easier for visitors to help respect, protect and enjoy the outdoors
There are an amazing nine Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in South East England. These have been recognised for their exceptional landscape, character, and natural beauty, and are prized enough to be protected for all to enjoy. Whether you choose to hunt for dinosaur footprints on the Isle of Wight, follow in the path of Olympians in the Surrey Hills or be charmed by the space and beauty of Chichester Harbour, these areas offer the chance to explore the beautiful English countryside easily. Reaching into every county in the South East it doesn't matter where you stay or visit, it is easy to head out and explore these stunning rural areas with the Kent Downs, Surrey Hills, North Wessex Downs and Chiltern Hills providing the easiest access to countryside near London.
Half the Isle of Wight is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, making it an ideal escape to the country. A varied terrain includes dramatic coastlines with heritage status, nature reserves, woodlands, chalk hills and stunning views that'll test the memory of any smartphone camera.
There are approximately 50 chalk carved figures in the UK countryside, the most famous is the Uffington White Horse in Oxfordshire, which is located 25 miles outside of Oxford and is believed to date back to the bronze age. It can be found in the aptly named Vale of the White Horse and can be seen for miles dancing over the Ridgeway hills. Head to Eastbourne and walk to the bottom or top of the Long Man of Wilmington, a giant etched out in slopes of Windover Hill.
Don't miss the ever changing seasons that bring yearly change to the countryside, from carpets of white snowdrops in winter (January - February) the stunning bluebells walks that follow (April - May) or the rich colours of Autumm that signal the end of summer.
The Test Valley runs from the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty right down to the New Forest National Park in the south, with walkers and cyclists being able to enjoy parts of the 44 mile Test Way, nestling between Winchester, Salisbury and the New Forest.
Most of the world's chalk streams are found here in the southeast of England. The crystal-clear water provides a unique habit for wildlife, and is one of most biodiverse types of rivers in the UK, they provide a beautiful place to walk and lookout for wildlife. The rivers wander through some of the most beautiful British countryside with tranquil water meadows and rolling chalk hills. The River Test, Itchen and Meon are the three main chalk rivers in Hampshire.
You may not know that the South East is also home to two UNESCO Biosphere Reserves at Brighton and the Isle of Wight - there are only 7 sites in the UK. These Biospheres bring together rural, marine and urban environments, to take care of these special places for both nature and people.
Our extensive list below will help you find a host of ideas and countryside near me to visit when next in South East England.
Number of results: 228
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Picnic Site
Littlehampton
Located on Littlehampton promenade, home to a Quality Coast Award-winning beach, it’s officially the longest bench in Britain.
Historic Site
Brighton
Devil’s Dyke, part of National Tust is just five miles north of Brighton, offers stunning panoramas, a record breaking valley, a curious history and England’s most colourful habitat.
Water Based Activities
Goring By Sea, Worthing
Authorised retailler of major watersport brands, hire of sea kayaks and towable tube rides at Goring
Beach
CAMBER
This stunning stretch of sandy beach is home to the only sand dune system in East Sussex. Camber Sands is the perfect get-away with unspoilt views of sand and sea stretching for miles.
Country / Royal Park
Herne Bay
The twin towers of St Mary's Church are a distinctive feature of the north Kent coast. They are visible for miles around, guiding visitors as they have guided sailors for centuries. But there is much more to Reculver than the towers...
Country / Royal Park
Finchampstead
One-hundred-and-fifty acres of beautiful and varied countryside, Longmoor Nature Reserve, 6-acre lake, public coarse fishery, paddling pool, play area, and cafe.
Nature Reserve
Chobham Common is the largest National Nature Reserve in the southeast of England and one of the finest remaining examples of lowland heath in the world. Managed and maintained by the Surrey Wildlife Trust for nature conservation.
Picnic Site
Godalming
The common is an area of woodland and heathland which was used as an army camp in both world world wars. Witley common is easily accessible with footpaths are clearly marked. This land is managed by the National Trust and is a lovely spot for a pi
Historic Site
Hastings
These acres of caverns conceal Hastings' exhilarating history of smugglers, bootleggers and warring gangs.
Picnic Site
Dichling
Ditchling Beacon is located 7 miles to the north of Brighton and just south of the village of Ditchling. At 248 metres above sea-level, Ditchling Beacon is the highest point in East Sussex and offers commanding 360 degree views from its summit. Look…
Farm
Bucklebury, Reading
Free tractor and trailer rides, hand feed the tamer members of the herd, lots of animals to pat and feed, indoor-slides, adventure playground, nature trail, picnic area & refreshments.
Garden
Worthing
Superb gardens with 5 international class flat bowling greens. The park also contains formal ornamental gardens, tennis courts and colourful floral displays.
Nature Reserve
Winchester
Flower-rich chalk grassland cloaks this hill which is of great conservation and archaeological importance.
Enviromental Attraction
Itchenor, Chichester
Chichester Harbour is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty including the harbour and surrounding land. Year round programme of guided walks and activities throughout Chichester Harbour including trips on a solar-powered boat.
Animal Collection / Zoo
Reading
Located on the banks of the River Thames in Berkshire, Beale Park is home to a unique collection of rare and endangered birds, animals favourites including monkeys, prairie dogs, meerkats and wallabies.
Historic Site
Uffington
Pay a visit to this ancient rolling downland, home to an enigmatic chalk hill figure!
Country / Royal Park
Gillingham
Capstone Farm Country Park is one of Medway's finest green spaces, offering wonderful opportunities for walking, running, cycling and more in 114 hectares of former farmland on the North Downs.
Nature Reserve
Maidstone
The Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is a nationally important, protected landscape offering, beauty, tranquility, fascinating history, vibrant communities, local produce and many opportunities to explore and enjoy.
Country / Royal Park
Crowborough
Crowborough Country Park is a 16 acre local nature reserve set within the Jarvis Brook area of Crowborough entranced from Osborne Road.
Church / Chapel
Guildford
A beautiful church on the North Downs Way, it offers great views of the countryside.