Visit South East England

As South East England’s official tourism website, it is with sadness but understanding that we see the whole of the UK move into a third national lockdown, with most businesses within South East England once again closing their doors.  Our priority at this time remains to keep everyone safe. 

We should all stay at home, remain alert and by working together and following the latest Government guidelines we will once again be able to welcome you to the South East of England.

Whilst we are all staying local, we will be ‘Loving Where You Live’ and sharing news, stories, and places that we are sure you will want to visit, when it is safe to do so. Please share your photos, local hidden gems and stories with us using the hashtag #lovesoutheastengland and tagging us in.

Please remember to link with your local official tourism websites across South East England via our ’stay local, support local’ page and keep up to date with what is happening on your doorstep. This page will link you directly with 24 of the South East's tourism websites.

Exercising outdoors in public places such as local parks or gardens can be continued, either by yourself, with your support bubble or with one other person.   Should you go out to exercise, for a wintery walk or time out and about on two wheels, you should remain local and avoid travelling outside of your village, town or the part of a city where you live.  Remember to keep your distance from others you pass along the way.

Planning your 2021 adventure?  Then take a look at our virtual tours, a great way to explore South East England from the safety of home, or follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram and sign up to our free e-newsletter which provides idea's and inspiration across this diverse destination.

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We ‘Love Where we Live’ and work – South East England.  Its diversity makes for an ideal destination for a day trip, short break or holiday.  Stretching from Kent in the east to Dorset in the west and up to Oxfordshire & Buckinghamshire in the north, South East England wraps around London.

With 400 miles of stunning coastline and its blue flag award winning beaches, the South East makes for a great escape by the sea.  Whether you choose to walk along the white cliffs, feel the golden sands between your toes, skim stones along the shore, or enjoy the breath-taking panorama and evening sunsets, South East England is sure to delight.

With its 3 million acres of natural beauty South East England is a walker’s paradise.  Choose to explore its two National Parks or nine areas of outstanding natural beauty.  Walk along one of its many National trails or paths, discover one of its many nature reserves, country parks or gardens.  Find windmills, ancient forests, lakes, rivers and beautiful outdoor spaces, on your very own South East outdoor adventure.

South East England is home to a host of UNESCO World Heritage sites, Cathedrals, churches, Palaces, castles and more.  It is the weekend home of the British Royal Family and the gateway to the world-famous Jurassic coastline.  With 185 million years of history to discover, what to do first is the hardest decision.

South East England is blessed with over 1900 hours of sunshine a year making it the sunniest destination in the UK.  Our tourism businesses provide the sunniest welcome too. From family friendly cottages, camping and caravanning sites, hotels and luxury spa resorts, you are sure to find the accommodation that is right for your budget and style.

South East England is the wine capital of the UK, producing award winning English sparking wines by the barrel full. With over 140 vineyards, and with new one’s popping up all of the time, a visit to the South East is not complete without some time spent at one of the many offering tours, tastings, accommodation, lunches and dinners.  Get those taste buds tingling and discover why the chalk that whitens our cliffs, and the sun that brightens our day makes the South East the top producers of English wines in the UK.

Whether you try Oysters from Whitsable or scallops from Rye, locally brewed beer in Oxfordshire or internationally renowed gin in Winchester, you will find a host of tasty foods and drinks made in the South East to experience. Along with great cookery schools, creative workshops, pick your own, farm shops, local produce markets, award winning resturants, afternoon tea experiences and more..... your sure to find something to tickly your taste buds or enrich your experience whilst here in South East England.

South East England offers the unique chance to follow in the footsteps of Royalty.  Not only because the British Royal family spend their weekends here at Windsor Castle, but there are many other palaces, manor houses, castles and country homes that where once lived in or built for royalty.  From the exotic Royal Pavilion at Brighton to Osbourne House on the Isle of Wight, Hever castle in Kent, and Polesden Lacey, near Guildford to name but a few.

Inspiring over 7 million literary words, you can follow in the footsteps of some of the literary greats in South East England.  From Jane Austen to Ronald Dahl, Charles Dickens to Kenneth-Grahame, many famous authors lived, worked and took their creative inspiration from the South East.  Experience it for yourself and create your own story.

South East England is home to a host of internationally renowned events celebrating the British Social Season including Royal Ascot, Goodwood Festival of Speed and Cowes Week, along with a host of other acclaimed music festivals, re-enactments, and family friendly school holiday activities to enjoy. We are not sure yet what 2021 will bring for the events world, but we hope to be able to welcome you back to these soon.

Remember we would love to see your photos and stories from your visits and experiences around South East England, please tag us in and use the hashtag #lovesoutheastengland.