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101 Things to do in South East England - Part 3: Fun Filled Family Experiences
26th May 2021
Visit Isle of WightIt’s easy to enjoy a fun filled family day out in South East England and it doesn't have to cost the earth with a visit to an award-winning blue flag beach. Spend time messing about on the water, discovering the underwater world in a rock pool adventure or just take a stroll along the miles of South East promenade. Enjoy the traditional fun of the fair at one of the 20 piers that grace the coastline, watch the dance of the starlings (Murmuration) or a beautiful sunset over the sea at the end of the day. Why not hire a beach hut for the day, it all started here in the South East. The first ever public beach hut was built in Bournemouth, with more than 20,000 available across the UK to hire now, its a real English tradition.
Head to the countryside and enjoy a picnic in one of the South's many country parks and run off that spare energy in any of the fantastic adventure playgrounds. If you're feeling a little more adventurous try an aqua park, theme park or a visit to one the regions 45 nature reserves for a slightly slower pace to the day.
With hundreds of award-winning attractions both indoors and out, there's a world of exploration, learning and family fun to enjoy. Your certain to find some real gems for all the family and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Take a look at blog 3 out of 5 showcasing 101 things to do in South East England, with a host of ‘fun filled family experiences’ to enjoy this summer.
- Go wild in the woods at Alice Holt Forest with the Go Ape’s Treetop Challenge, Treetop Adventure and Zip Trekking Adventure. From tree-to-tree crossings, bouncy nets and all-terrain Segway’s, you can enjoy a whole host of outdoor adventures.
- Southsea seafront is a haven for getting out and enjoying the fresh sea air. Take a walk along the beach, ride along the promenade, or even dip your toes in the water, then explore the area's two famous piers.
- Splash, slide and laugh your way round the Isle of Wight’s only outdoor Aqua Park. Awarded gold by the Royal Life Saving Society for our operational set up and equipment - making it one of seven accredited Aqua Parks in the UK
- Immerse yourself in the past at Milestones, Hampshire’s museum of living history near Basingstoke. Wander the Victorian streets, explore the vintage vehicles, buy a ration of sweets, or enjoy a pint of beer in the Edwardian pub.
- Spark the whole family’s curiosity with a day out at the Winchester Science Centre. Take in a show in the largest standalone Planetarium in the UK
- Situated high up on the welcoming White Cliffs of Dover, explore the famous castle and discover 2000 years of history.
White Cliffs of Dover- Located in Alfriston, just outside of Eastbourne, Drusillas Park is widely known as one of the best small zoos in Europe and is home to hundreds of exotic animals
- Discover a world of living history at Chiltern Open Air Museum. Look out for buildings used within film and TV series during your visit, including Midsomer Murders, Downton Abbey, Mary Queen of Scots and lots more.
- If a holiday, is not a holiday without a beach, then relax on the golden sands and take a dip on one of the 14 award winning beaches on the Isle of Wight.
- The Observatory Science Centre at Herstmonceux is the former home of the Royal Greenwich Observatory. Its domes and telescopes are a ‘must’ for astronomers young and old.
Discover Gosport- Take to the water whether you're a keen sailor or want to learn. Gosport is an ideal place for sailing or water sports. Hire a kayak or stand-up paddleboard and head out for the best views of the Solent across to the Isle of Wight.
- Fly in a Spitfire simulator at the Maidenhead Heritage Centre - a little gem of a museum
- Head out for fresh air, open space and views across the East Kent coast to Betteshanger Park near Deal. Formally a coal field site, today it offers 250 acres of natural beauty awaiting to be discovered.
Mote Park, Maidstone- Did you know, Mote Park's name comes from the Old English word moot meaning "meeting place". It's not only a great public park in the centre of Maidstone, but also home to a water sports centre and adventure park, ideal for a summer's day out with all the family.
- Head out for some family fun to the oldest theme park in the UK at Blackgang Chine on the Isle of Wight
- Explore centuries of naval history at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. Hop on board HMS Victory and HMS Warrior 1860, tour the world-renowned Mary Rose Museum or head out on a harbour tour to see the navy's current crop.
- Join one of the hosts of half-hourly keeper talks at the British Wildlife Centre, Surrey, discover more about these native animals and see them up-close.
- Be captivated by the charm and eccentricity of Bekonscot Model Village in Buckinghamshire. This village is stuck in a 1930's-time warp, see how England used to be and discover a wonderful little world tucked away for all the family to enjoy.
- Come face-to-face with Fantastic Mr Fox, pull a power pose next to Matilda and discover Roald Dahl's famous Writing Hut, at the Museum of the World's No.1 Storyteller in Great Missenden, Buckinghamshire
- There's nothing like enjoying a steam train ride through the English countryside, and if you join the Watercress Express you can 'go over the alps' too. The train drivers used to call the climb from Alresford to Four Marks and then the drop down to Aton this. Join one of their popular experience days, real ale trains or ' A Day out with Thomas' weekends.
Watercress Line, Alresford, HampshireExplore the rest of our website to find great places to visit including rainy day fun, country parks, and a host of other free things to do within the South East. Please remember to plan ahead and pre-book your visits before you travel to avoid disappointment. This list is written to provide inspiration and ideas, please visit the individual attraction/destination websites for the most up to date information.
This is our 3rd blog out of 5, you can discover more about the beautiful South East region be reading our previous blogs in this series - Small and Simple Pleasures or Something a Little Different
