High Weald 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: 229
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Animal Collection / Zoo
Ringwood
Liberty's is home to a large collection of birds of prey and reptiles. Observe the birds flying free and reptiles up close in various spectacular displays throughout the day. Kennels for dogs provided free of charge.
Water Based Activities
Goring By Sea, Worthing
Authorised retailler of major watersport brands, hire of sea kayaks and towable tube rides at Goring
Nature Reserve
Thatcham
Wonderful countryside sites, both hosting a wide varierty of plants and animals and perfect for walks.
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.
Nature Trail / Watching
Brighton & Lewes Downs
The Brighton & Lewes Downs UNESCO Biosphere Region is an area that stretches between the river Adur and Ouse, where the chalk grasslands of the South Downs National Park meet the English Channel and continues into a Marine Conservation Zone out at…
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.
Nature Reserve
Rye
Rye Harbour Nature Reserve is an important wildlife site set in an exceptional coastal and wetland landscape. It is home to more than 4,355 species of plants and animals including 300 that are rare or endangered.
Viewpoint
Dorking
Set in the beautiful Surrey Hills Leith Hill has always been a popular place for visitors as there are so many adventures to be had and interesting spots to explore. Climb to the top of the tower and admire the views from the highest point in…
Municipal Park
Reigate
There is something for everyone at this lovely park in the heart of Reigate.
Nature Trail / Watching
Aylesbury
A 5.5-mile circular walk starting at Brill. It combines stunning views over the Vale of Aylesbury with fascinating heritage, including the 17thC post mill on Brill Common.
Nature Reserve
Pulborough
The RSPB invites you to discover and enjoy wildlife all year round. Set in the scenic Arun Valley with views to the South Downs, the two mile circular nature trail leads around this beautiful reserve.
Castle / Fort
Rochester
One of the finest keeps in England. Also the tallest, partly built on the Roman city wall. Good views from the battlements over the River Medway.
Church / Chapel
Guildford
A beautiful church on the North Downs Way, it offers great views of the countryside.
Country / Royal Park
Aldershot
Brickfields Country Park, possibly the smallest country park in the UK.
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.
Nature Reserve
Henley-on-Thames
In this secluded valley high in the Chilterns you will find a mosaic of habitats from birch, conifer and beech woodlands to chalk grassland and scrub.
Country / Royal Park
Maidstone
Three meadows nestling beside the River Medway. This is an edial loction to watch boats cruising or to fish. With a nicnic area, new childrens' pay area and easy access routes this Country Park is a great day out - naturally.
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.
Natural Feature
Lancing
A landlocked brackish lagoon which is home to some unique plantlife and a regular base for some birds.
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.