North Wessex Downs 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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Fishing
Sarisbury Green, Southampton
A beautiful setting for fly-fishing in rural Sarisbury Green. Clean weed-free water with good access for all keen fly-fishers. Pre-order catering available for all visitors. Corporate entertainment also available.
Country / Royal Park
Hursley, Winchester
A large area of beautiful downland and woodland, including West Wood. The Park is ideal for walking and picnicking, with fine views over central Hampshire, particularly from the interesting monument at Beacon Hill. Several car parks serve the area.
Animal Collection / Zoo
Chipping Norton, Chipping Norton
Mixing classic fairy tales, animals and adventure play, children will love Fairytale Farm. With our exciting adventure playground, an enchanted walk with a surprise around every corner and a chance to meet our amazing animals, there is so much to…
Countryside, Parks & Gardens
Exbury
Created by Lionel de Rothschild in the 1920's, the Gardens are a stunning vision of his inspiration, offering 200-acres of natural beauty & horticultural variety. Exbury reflects the changing moods of nature. Early spring sees the magnolias and…
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
Bexhill
Enjoy a game of tennis on one of the outdoor courts, try your hand at bowls or take a boat out on the lake. Children of all ages will love the play-zone with a range of exciting equipment including a zip-wire, climbing unit with tree house and sand…
Walking Tour
Steep near Petersfield
A 4 mile circular walk with stunning views of the South Downs
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.
Beach
EAST COWES
East Cowes Beach is a quiet shingle and sand beach with fantastic views across West Cowes and its marina, and also out across the Solent.
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.
Beach
Romney Marsh
The flat, mainly sandy beach at Dymchurch stretches for approximately 3 miles along the Kent coast. This award-winning blue flag stretches from Dungeness to Hythe and is ideal for families.
Beach
Bournemouth
Durley Chine Beach is one of Bournemouth's favourite Blue Flag award winning beaches, particularly loved by the locals for its wide, exceptionally clean, sandy and shingle beaches situated further to the West of Bournemouth, away from the hustle and…
Beach
Broadstairs
Dumpton Gap offers one of the best low tide walking routes to Ramsgate during low tide.
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…
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.
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.
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…
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.
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…
Beach
Freshwater
Colwell Bay is one of many picturesque beaches in West Wight, offer spectacular views back across the Solent to mainland England.