Surrey Hills 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
, currently showing 161 to 180.
Nature Reserve
Hassocks
Fifty acres of ponds and meadows with wildlife walk and large play/picnic area. Free-range animals, herb garden. Picnic area and gift shop amd refreshments..
Historic House / Palace
Reading
An Elizabethan manor house alongside the River Thames, containing paintings, oak staircases, and moulded ceilings. Home to the Blount family for over 500 years.
Animal Collection / Zoo
Weedon Lois, TOWCESTER
Try something different - take a Llama to lunch! Discover the beautiful Northamptonshire countryside leading one of our gentle llamas along bridleways and country lanes. Half day experience or full day treks with llamas or donkeys.
Natural Feature
Pevensey
Pevensey, a village that boasts an impressive historical background also has a lot to shout about when it comes to its beach. The shingle shore is a pleasant rural beach which has been a fisherman's paradise for centuries.
Parkland / Woodland Garden
Littlehampton
A great place to walk, exercise and observe nature through the seasons.
Natural Feature
Lancing
A landlocked brackish lagoon which is home to some unique plantlife and a regular base for some birds.
Garden
Faversham
Mount Ephraim Gardens have plenty to offer and delight visitors. Unwind in these ten acres of gardens, set in the heart of an 800 acre estate with magnificent views over the Swale Estuary.
Beach
Shoreham-by-Sea
Shoreham Beach is a designated Local Nature Reserve (LNR) supporting large areas of vegetated shingle – an extremely rare and fragile habitat with a very limited distribution in Great Britain.
Natural Feature
Worthing
Cissbury Ring, just north of the coastal town of Worthing, is one of the jewels in the crown of the new South Downs National Park. It's the largest hill fort in Sussex and has a history dating back over 5,000 years.
Nature Reserve
Chichester
Three attractions in one!. Tropical butterflies, exotic birds and theme garden. There is a picnic & play area available and children can take part in a free, educational competition.
Natural Feature
Dorking
Dramatic and stunning chalk escarpment with panoramic views With amazing views towards Leith Hill, the highest point in south east England, Denbies Hillside is a great spot for wildlife-watching. Named after John Denby, a 17th-century farmer, the…
Nature Reserve
Thatcham, Newbury
The Nature Discovery Centre offers organic refreshments, interactive wildlife activities , adventure playgrounds and lakeside walks. A wonderful day out for all the family
Municipal Park
Reigate
There is something for everyone at this lovely park in the heart of Reigate.
Country / Royal Park
Basingstoke
This was originally part of the Hackwood Estate. Evidence of the historical significance of this site can still be seen in the Bolton Arch, the main entrance to Crabtree. The woodland is a mixture of oak, horse chestnut, sycamore and ash, with many…
Farm
Leatherhead
Set in the beautiful countryside, Bocketts Farm offers a great day out whatever the weather! There are a large variety of friendly farm animals to feed and stroke, and lots of attractions for all the family, both inside and out.
Nature Reserve
Bruern
Foxholes is a tranquil woodland sloping down to the River Evenlode with year-round colour and wildlife interest but particularly noted for its springtime bluebells.
Managed by Berks, Bucks & Oxon Wildlife Trust, this 66ha (165 acre) reserve has a…
Steam Railway
Eastbourne
Travel behind the 1/8th scale miniature steam or diesel locomotive for nearly a mile around the lake or relax in the award winning tea gardens with a cream tea or light lunch. There is an adventure playground with a tot's village.
Countryside, Parks & Gardens
Epsom
Epsom Common is recognised nationally as important for wildlife; it covers 176 hectares and has a range of habitats including woodland, grassland and scrub. Stane Street a famous Roman Road is only a mile away.
Country / Royal Park
Wexham
Black Park - lakeside cafe, disabled access, walks, horse riding, orienteering. Langley Park - formal gardens, arboretum, woodland, parkland.
Country / Royal Park
Hurst
A 350-acre site with meadows, fishery, watersports and conservation lakes. Three bird hides, orienteering course, children's play area, cafe.