Part of the Isle of Wight 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.
National Park
Lyndhurst
Spotting deer in the New Forest isn't always easy, but at Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary there is a purpose built viewing platform overlooking a large meadow area where a herd of fallow deer regularly gather.
Nature Reserve
Thatcham
Wonderful countryside sites, both hosting a wide varierty of plants and animals and perfect for walks.
Nature Reserve
Rye Harbour, 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.
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.
Fishing
Tonbridge
This 165 acre Country Park owes much of it character to the Haysden and Barden Lakes and the River Medway. Nature and Historical Trails, Sailing Club, fishing (day tickets available) toilets, children's play area, and refreshment service.
Animal Collection / Zoo
Canterbury
Take a walk on the wild side at Wingham Wildlife Park where you can see more species than any other zoo in Kent!
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.
Natural Feature
Redhill
Hidden woodlands, lush green meadows, tranquil ponds and an ancient common
Country / Royal Park
Gillingham
Riverside Country Park is an excellent site for Winter birdwatching.
Situated alongside the Medway Estuary at Gillingham, the park is made up of many different habitats, including ponds, reedbed and grassland.
Wildlife Centres & Nature Reserves
HAVENSTREET
The friendly team at Haven Falconry are dedicated and skilled falconers who have a passion for birds of prey with experience back over 45yrs! Our ethos is education through fun!
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..
Beach
Freshwater
Freshwater Bay is one of the most picturesque beaches in West Wight and lies just to the South of the town of Freshwater. The beach is covered in a mixture of grey flint and chalk pebbles that make a unique sound as the waves rise and fall onto the…
Historic Site
Uffington
Pay a visit to this ancient rolling downland, home to an enigmatic chalk hill figure!
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...
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…
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
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.
Natural Feature
Lancing
A landlocked brackish lagoon which is home to some unique plantlife and a regular base for some birds.
Beach
Bembridge
The main beach in Bembridge runs down the coast from the spit at the edge of Bembridge harbour. The beach is comprised of stones, pebbles and shells but has sand below the high water mark and a large sandbank that extends into the Solent at low tide.
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.