Cotswold 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, National Landscapes (Previously known as 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 National Landscapes (Formally known as 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 National Landscape, 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
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Outdoor
Brighton & Hove
This autumn a brand new National Open Water Swimming Centre of Excellence will open in Brighton. Located on Madeira Drive the Sea Lanes development will include a 50m outdoor swimming pool. The first stage of construction should be completed by…
Forest
Crowborough
"A hidden treat". A unique 61 acre family-run working woodland, where you can still see traditional coppicing. Fascinating and beautiful at all seasons, with miles of paths and tracks to explore, including springtime bluebell walk.
Historic House / Palace
Stansted Park is home to stunning weddings, forest walks, afternoon teas and some of the best events in the south! Visit the Mansion for a real sense of a bygone era.
Nature Reserve
Hill Head
Titchfield Haven National Nature Reserve is home to various habitats including river, marshland, and scrapes.
Walking
Brighton
The Undercliff Walk at Brighton is perfect for all the family as it offers not only a host of stops along the way, but its flat wide walkways make it suitable for prams, bikes and wheelchairs. The 3-mile uninterrupted walkway runs between Brighton…
Beach
Broadstairs
This hidden gem offers stunning views of white cliffs and beautiful chalk stacks.
Beach
Margate
This is a great family beach with a sandy bay with a small section of sand at high tide.
Country / Royal Park
Eastleigh
Itchen Valley Country Park is set in 440 acres of beautiful water meadows, woodland and meadows situated beside the River Itchen and has been recognised with ten Green Flag Awards®
Beach
Freshwater
Colwell Bay is one of many picturesque beaches in West Wight, offer spectacular views back across the Solent to mainland England.
Walking
Chawton
Come and discover the beautiful countryside that inspired Jane Austen and take a peek inside her house where she lived and worked for 8 years.
Walking
Liphook
Flora Thompson, of Lark Rise and Candleford fame, inspired this circular walk on Weavers Down and Holly Hills near Liphook. Flora Thompson came to Liphook in August 1916, when her husband John was appointed postmaster here. In 1926 they bought a…
Nature Reserve
Newbury
After many years as a military site, Greenham and Crookham Common has been restored and reopened to the public. The area is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and cattle and Exmoor ponies graze here.
Country / Royal Park
Carterton
Set within 50 acres Kilkenny Lane Country Park is an ideal location for playing, walking, jogging, or simply relaxing with a picnic. There are 2.5km of paths (suitable for wheelchair access) and bridleways, as well as an adventure play area
Beach
Folkestone
Just west of Sandgate Town Centre beach, this is a quieter single beach. A lovely spot for walking and quite popular for fishing.
Beach
Seaview
Springvale Beach stretches from Puckpool to Seaview on the north coast of the Isle of Wight and is made up of a mixture of shingle and sand.
Waymarked Trail
Eton, Windsor
The Eton Walkway, a 2-mile/one-hour circular walk, connects 18 points of interest in the town starting at Windsor Bridge.
Beach
Broadstairs
Some of the best examples of sea caves in the country can be found here.
Beach
Poole
Canford Cliffs is a natural and tranquil area, situated between Shore Road Beach and Branksome Chine Beach. It has Blue Flag status, with sandy cliffs and picturesque wooden huts. It is within walking distance of Canford Cliffs village, which offers…
Country / Royal Park
Seaford
Situated in the Sussex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), the Seven Sisters Country Park comprises 280 hectares of chalk cliffs, meandering river valley and open chalk grassland.
Beach
Brighton's popular shingle and sand beach in one of Britain's most famous seaside resorts. And boasts a refurbished pier, fun fairs, arcades, local boutique shopping in The Lanes.