Panoramic View of Chichester Harbour, Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

Panoramic View of Chichester Harbour

Chichester Harbour AONB

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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.

The Countryside Code

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

Beautiful Places Near Me

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.

  • The Cotswolds, Oxfordshire
  • North Wessex Downs, Berkshire
  • Chiltern Hills, Buckinghamshire
  • High Weald, Sussex
  • Kent Downs 
  • Surrey Hills 
  • Chichester Harbour , Sussex
  • Dorset 
  • Isle of Wight

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.

Best Views Near Me

  • Don't miss the chance to take in the stunning views of Newlands Corner, Box Hill, Devils Punchbowl and Leith Hill in the Surrey Hills.
  • Take a wander up St Catherines Hill, on the outskirts of Winchester for breath-taking views over the city. 
  • Make some time when visiting Brighton to head out to Devils Dyke, just 5 miles north-west of of the city, with its deep V-shaped valley and selection of walking trails on offer. 
  • Head to Cissbury Ring, near Worthing, the largest hill fort in Sussex dating back some 5,000 years and offering stunning views over Brighton and beyond from its ramparts. 
  • Explore Beachy Head and some of the best views of the Seven Sisters near Eastbourne, with its dramatic scenery and amazing views, the highest chalk cliff in the South East. 
  • Head to Butser Hill the highest point in Hampshire, part of the world's newest International Dark Sky Reserve - a stargazing delight.  Dont miss the chance to visit Butser Ancient Farm whilst you are here, an archaeology site where you can step back in time. 
  • Wander through the beautiful archway of trees and head up to the Halnakar Windmill to enjoy views over Sussex, Goodwood and the South Coast beyond.
  • Explore the ancient forest of Kingley Vale, full of twisted branches and an air of mystery. Head to the top and enjoy stunning views over West Sussex countryside.
  • Visit Hengistbury Head to the south of Christchurch Harbour, a wind sweep headland offering beautiful views over Isle of Wight, New Forest and Purbecks.

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:

Number of results: 232

, currently showing 1 to 20.

  1. Highdown Gardens

    Type

    Type:

    Parkland / Woodland Garden

    Worthing

    A unique and beautiful garden on downland countryside overlooking the sea. The Chalk Garden is the achievement of Sir Frederick and Lady Stern who worked for 50 years to prove that plants would grow on chalk. Green Flag Award winner.

  2. West Wittering Beach

    Type

    Type:

    Beach

    Chichester

    West Wittering is situated on the western coast of the Selsey Peninsula and has a large expanse of firm sand, ideal for children to play and safe for bathing.

  3. Sandown Beach

    Type

    Type:

    Beach

    Sandown

    Sandown lies at the heart of 'The Bay' and is renowned for its beautiful beach and safe bathing.

  4. British Wildlife Centre

    Type

    Type:

    Animal Collection / Zoo

    Lingfield

    The British Wildlife Centre is the best place to see and learn about Britain’s own wonderful wildlife, with over forty different species including deer, foxes, otters, badgers, pine martens and red squirrels.

  5. Gosport Waterfront Trail

    Type

    Type:

    Waymarked Trail

    Jetty Road, Gosport

    Gosport Waterfront Trail, a self guided walk through approximately 3km of historic Gosport. The Trail is paved with brick and stone and set into it is a chain motif which will guide you along the route. To complete the entire walk please allow…

  6. Brogdale Collections

    Type

    Type:

    Garden

    Faversham

    The National Fruit Collection has over 3000 varieties of fruit trees including apples, pears, quince, plums and cherries. The orchards are a living history and heritage of fruit waiting to be discovered.

    Brogdale Collections hosts a wide selection…

  7. Portchester Castle

    Type

    Type:

    Castle / Fort

    Portchester

    A Roman-Saxon shore fort with Norman additions. A near-perfect keep and Norman church within the walls.

  8. Shanklin Beach

    Type

    Type:

    Beach

    SHANKLIN

    Shanklin Beach is a one of the Isle of Wight’s best known stretches of golden sands, which backs onto a traditional English seafront promenade.

  9. Waddesdon Manor

    Type

    Type:

    Historic House / Palace

    Aylesbury

    Waddesdon, a French Renaissance-style château, is set in the heart of Buckinghamshire.  Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild built the Manor in the 1870s to entertain his guests and display his collection of art treasures. It houses one of the finest…

  10. Marina St Leonards Beach

    Type

    Type:

    Beach

    St Leonards-On-Sea

    Marina St Leonards Beach

  11. Sandgate Beach

    Type

    Type:

    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.

  12. Bognor Regis East Beach

    Type

    Type:

    Beach

    Bognor Regis

    Bognor Regis East Beach is the most popular beach in Bognor Regis due to its close proximity to the town centre as well as the Foreshore Office and the food and drink stands on the promenade.

  13. Alver Valley Country Park

    Type

    Type:

    Country / Royal Park

    Lee-on-the-Solent

    The Alver Valley is Gosport's wildlife haven, and there's always something to see and do throughout the through the changing seasons. It’s a great place to go for a walk, with plenty of routes and different landscapes. 

  14. Ventnor Beach

    Type

    Type:

    Beach

    VENTNOR

    Ventnor beach is the southernmost holiday beach on the Isle of Wight and is well-loved by locals and visitors alike.

  15. Watlington Hill

    Type

    Type:

    Nature Trail / Watching

    Watlington

    Discover an Oxfordshire dreamscape as you walk to the top of Watlington Hill, where you will find breathtaking views and fine wildlife all year round.

  16. Stokes Bay

    Type

    Type:

    Beach

    Gosport

    Next door to Lee-on-the-Solent town and beach is Stokes Bay beach and seafront which was voted one of the 10 best places for a picnic in the UK.  You'll find an adventure golf course, kayak & paddleboard hire, children’s splash park, and plenty of…

  17. Brighton Beach Bikes

    Type

    Type:

    Cycle/Vehicle Hire

    Brighton

    Brighton & Hove bike hire allows you to ride a bike safely for 15 miles without crossing any busy roads as we’re the only cycle hire service right on the seafront cycle lane.

  18. Shore Road Beach

    Type

    Type:

    Beach

    Poole

    Fine golden sand, a gradual sloping beach and clean, safe water make Shore Road beach an ideal place to visit.

  19. Minster Leas

    Type

    Type:

    Beach

    Sheerness

    Minster Leas is a Blue Flag award winning (2017) beach on the north coast of the Isle of Sheppey in Kent.

  20. Branksome Chine Beach

    Type

    Type:

    Beach

    Poole

    Branksome Chine is one of the many beautiful beaches in the Poole area, offering sand and stunning views across the coastline. It's Blue Flag status attracts both locals and visitors. It offers a range of facilities, including a beach shop, a car…