Autumn/Winter Staycations & Days Out

Autumn is such a fantastic time to head out and explore. Often less crowded than summer, with more availability, the ever-changing colours, frosty mornings and weather can make every day a different adventure. If you’ve still got a holiday to use, or are you planning an Winter weekend break or holiday, find out why we think South East England is the place for you.  

Why book your next Staycation in South East England? 
 
Rich in history and heritage, a wealth of all-weather and all-year-round attractions, with beautiful ancient woodlands, parks, gardens and nature reserves to explore.  Plus quaint villages to discover, cosy pubs and a warm welcome awaiting, the South East has variety and accessibility at its core.  

Whether you are looking to indulge yourself with a little bit of luxury, seeking an off-the-beaten track intimate bed and breakfast or cosy traditional inn, or searching for that perfect family-friendly self-catering cottage, you will find plenty of options to escape within the region. 

Why not combine your stay with the one many events and activities on offer and you can make the most of your break.  

South East Escape's Away - 5 great places to stay

Touring the Region - Bunk Campers
One of the largest campervan hire companies in the UK, escape for a minimum of 3 nights (low season) and 7 nights (high season), and create your own stories and adventures.

Hampshire – Oakley Hall Hotel
Nestled in the middle of a 315 acre private estate, with plenty of safe space for you enjoy, this luxury hotel is ideal for a romantic getaway, relaxing with family or friends, or just an escape from everyday life. 

Surrey – Denbies Vineyard Hotel 
Imagine waking up to views over acres of vines! This could be your reality at the Denbies Vineyard Hotel near Dorking. Situated in the heart of the estate offering bed and breakfast plus a host of wine & vineyard experiences to compliment your stay.

West Sussex - Cove's Seal Bay
Yes it may be colder and darker, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy some family time away.  Autumn is a great time to rejuvenate and re-set and make new memories together.

Buckinghamshire - Crowne Plaza Marlow 
Discover this beautiful newly refurbished lakeside hotel set in 5 acres of countryside, just 8 minutes from Marlow train station.  Ideally located for trips to London, Windsor and Henley  

Can’t find what you are looking for?  Take a look here to find more accommodation throughout the South East of England - use the drop down menu or search bar, or visit our special offers page  for more inspiration.

For those rainy days - 5 great wet weather attractions

Salisbury, Wiltshire - Salisbury Cathedral
Salisbury Cathedral has been a place of worship, welcome, and hospitality for over 800 years. Its Spire (the tallest in the country and a feat of medieval engineering) rises to a breath-taking 404ft/123m, guiding travelers, merchants, and pilgrims to the historic city.

Winchester – Winchester Science Centre
For an action packed day out full of discovery, with the chance to fly through the stars in the Planetarium, get hands-on with sound, hearing and vibrations, watch science come to live and discover space and what astronauts do.

Brighton – Brighton i360 
An ideal start or finish to your visit to Brighton.  Glide gently to 450 feet and enjoy breath-taking views of the city and the South Coast. Why not add a glass of local sparkling wine to your visit, and celebrate your new South East experiences? 

Oxfordshire - Hook Norton Brewery 
Hook Norton Brewery invites you to take a trip down Brewery Lane and discover the sights, sounds and smells of beer and brewing unchanged since 1849. 

Isle of Wight - Isle of Wight Steam Railway
Settle back onboard the vintage steam train and journey through the beautiful Isle of Wight countryside, before taking time to visit the interactive 'Train Story Discover Centre'.  Service days change throughout the year check before visiting.

For those crisp days - 5 great places to enjoy a Autumn/Winter walk

Kent - Bedgebury National Pinetum
With its iconic views and vistas, Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest offers lots for visitors to enjoy over the autumn and winter months. The great diversity of tree species creates a kaleidoscope of colour including fiery leaves and brilliant berries - plenty of good reasons to plan a relaxing walk over the coming months.

Oxfordshire - Autumn at Britain’s Greatest Palace, Blenheim Palace
Crunching leaves, vibrant views and the red-tinted golden hues of autumn make this earthy season the perfect time to visit Blenheim Palace's parks and gardens. Put on your wellies and walk through our peaceful parkland, with trails and wildlife boards for guests of all ages to get involved.

Greenwhich - The Old Royal Naval College
There is something for everyone at the iconic Old Royal Naval College. Spend the day in beautiful Greenwich exploring the historic buildings and grounds, and the magnificent Painted Hall, with a guided tour included in the price of tickets.. 

Berkshire, Windsor - Savill Garden Art in the Park Exhibition
Running from the 28th September to the 1st November, Art in the Garden returns for its fifth year to The Savill Garden this autumn. Set within the 35 acres of colourful gardens, the exhibition combines eye-catching sculpture with horticultural excellence. As you explore The Savill Garden you'll encounter sculptures in varying styles, subject and materials; all inspired by the natural world

Isle of Wight - UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
A trip to the Isle of Wight is the perfect way to get through the post-summer blues.With more than half the Island being an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and a designated UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, autumn brings a spectacular show of colour plus the Isle of Wight Walking Festival offers the chance to head out and explore in October.

Autumn/Winter events to enjoy both indoor and out

Kent - Maidstone 
A spectacular autumn awaits, with beer, cider and wine making getting underway!  Autumn events include Oktoberfest, Leeds Castle workshops and spectacular new Christmas Light Festival in December. New for half-term are Go-Ape’s, tree lit, Sundowner Sessions, plus Glow returns to Cobtree Manor Park in December.

East Sussex, Brighton - Burning the Clocks
Head to Brighton in November when the Royal Pavilion Ice Rink opens providing a magical backdrop for some festive fun.  The  Burning the Clocks returns on the 21^st December to mark the winter solstice, a paper lantern parade through the city followed by a ceremonial bonfire on the beach - not to be missed.

West Sussex, Chichester - Sussex Landscape: Chalk, Wood and Water at Pallant House Gallery.  See how this constantly changing landscape of rolling hills and rugged cliffs has been an inspiration for generations of artists. 12th November 2022 - 23rd April 2023.

West Sussex, Haywards Heath - Glow Wild at Wakehurst
The enchanting winter lantern trail is back at Wakehurst, Kew's wild botanic garden for its ninth year, and it's packed full of surprises, including a brand-new route. As darkness falls, the gardens are brought to life with beautifully hand-crafted lanterns and captivating light installations created by leading artists. 24th November - 1st January 2023. 

Woodstock, Oxfordshire - Blenheim Palace - A Fairy Tale Christmas
Make it a Christmas to remember at Blenheim Palace! New for 2022, explore the Palace rooms, each one delightfully transformed into the world of the fairy tale Kingdom of the Snow Queen by Hans Christian Anderson including the magical Land of snowflakes, Kingdom of Ice and Garden of Eternal Summer. 

Discover more activities or places to visit here , or take a look at our special offers page to help your budget go a little further.  Looking for more inspiration?  Visit our newsletter archives for inspirational ideas from around the destination.