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101 Things to do in South East England - Part 5: Learn Something New Everyday
28th May 2021
Arundel Castle - Experience West SussexSouth East England is simply bursting with opportunities to discover, experience and explore. Being home to some of the UK's literary greats such as Jane Austen, Arthur Conan Doyle and Charles Dickens, you can take away a whole world of learning as part of your visit to the South East.
With royal connections dating back centuries and the destination of England's ancient capital, Winchester, you don't have to look hard to discover South East England's rich historical heritage. As well as a wealth of attractions and destinations connected to Englands past and present royalty, there's no shortage of majestic castles and historic houses offering that perfect 'heritage experience' as part of your visit.
South East England is also a dream destination for connoisseurs or those looking for a foodie experience as part of their holiday. With it's award-winning vineyards, distilleries, breweries and a strong culture of independent producers, you can spend time sampling, tasting and learning how things are made in the South East.
Take a look at blog 5 out of 5 showcasing 101 things to do in South East England, and find out how you can 'learn something new everyday' when visiting the South East this summer.
- A visit to the South East would be incomplete without spending time in one of its magnificent castles. Arundel Castle with its impressive interiors, fine furniture and beautiful gardens is a great choice, and its location within the historic town makes for the perfect 'educational' and fun-filled day out.
- If you're a gin lover, head to Bombay Sapphire Distillery for a cocktail masterclass. Learn the tricks of the bar trade so you can create your own cocktails easily at home.
- You don't have to go to France to enjoy the magnificent of the Bayeux Tapestry. You can view Britain's famous full-size Victorian version here in the South East at the Reading Museum.
- Discover more about the face on the UK's £50 note with a visit to Bletchley Park, Buckinghamshire. Crack codes, search out this top-secret place and delve into World War II history.
- Learn a new skill, from willow weaving, foraging, pizza oven making, in the heart of Hampshire's South Downs National Park. The Sustainability Centre helps to share practical solutions to inspire its visitors to make the changes our world needs.
Balfour Winery, Maidstone- If you've never visited an English vineyard, then make 2021 the year to tick this off the list. Start at Balfour Winery Winery near Maidstone with its award-winning tours and tastings, with great walks to enjoy. All ages welcome.
- Enjoy a visit to the Towner Gallery, Eastbourne. It was awarded Art Fund’s coveted Museum of the Year 2020 title and has been collecting and exhibiting contemporary art for nearly 100 years. Stop for an Instagram moment at the gallery's colourful mural.
- Take a visit to the Museum of English Rural Life, it is celebrating its 70th anniversary this year. Explore where food comes from, experience the sights and sounds of the woods and wildlife. Learn about the weather and how new technologies are the focus for change in the countryside.
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D-Day Story, Portsmouth - Experience the personal testimonies of those involved in the Normandy Landings at The D-Day Story. Take a walk on board a restored Landing Craft Tank, see artefacts from the time and discover what it would have felt like for those embarking on the epic campaign.
- Explore The Vyne near Basingstoke, a former Tudor powerhouse turned 17th-century family home, set in gardens, woodlands and wetlands.
- Follow in the footsteps of Jane Austen, who was a regular visitor to Goodnestone Park Garden in the 18th/19th century, in fact she started her first novel, Pride & Prejudice, immediately after staying here in 1796.
St Swithun’s Statue, Winchester Cathedral Credit Harvey Moon Photography - Discover more than 1000 years of history in Europe’s longest medieval Cathedral in the historic town of Winchester
- Pop along and join the 900th anniversary celebrations of Reading Abbey. Founded in 1121 by King Henry 1, youngest son of William the Conqueror.
- Hop on board the French Brothers Boat and journey down the River Thames and discover Royal Windsor's history from a different perspective.
- The history of Christchurch can be traced back to the 7th Century. Delve into it with a visit to one of its many historic sites, including Christchurch Priory, the Norman House in the Town Centre, or Highcliffe Castle in neighbouring Highcliffe, once owned by Mr Selfridge.
- Get off the beaten track with a Brighton Food Tour and meet some of the city’s most exciting and unusual independent vendors and producers, as you walk, talk, taste and experience your way around Brighton.
- Enjoy the splendour, the magnificent and beauty of Windsor Castle, the family home to British kings and queens for over 1,000 years.
- Take a tour of Winchester College, believed to be the oldest continuously running school in the country.
- Walk in the footsteps of the famous Winston Churchill at Blenheim Palace, one of the South East's UNESCO World Heritage sites.
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If music and holidays go hand in hand, then the new exhibition at Brighton Museum is a must. Discover a compilation of unique photographs taken by David Bowie’s close friend and travelling companion Geoff MacCormack between 1973-76. This exhibition includes exhibits from Ziggy Stardust, Aladdin Sane and the ground-breaking Diamond Dogs’ tour.
Click on the following links to discover historic castles, houses, churches and Catherdrals to visit in 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 final blog in our #lovesoutheastengland - 101 things to do, if you missed any previous ones, click here to take a look
