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12 Breathtaking Views in South East England
22nd May 2024
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Dover Castle, English Heritage, Kent - © Garry Begg Drone Photography"The best view comes after the hardest climb." - Alain Robert
Or does it? What makes a really spectacular view? Traditionally, elevation is often seen as one of the requirements of a great vantage point, offering the finest breathtaking scenery, but dramatic coastlines, dappled sunlight through the forest canopy, reflective lakes and the twinkling lights of a cityscape also create a picture-perfect panorama.
Here’s our pick of some of the stunning views to enjoy in South East England - why not head out and tell us what you think.
Devils Dyke, Brighton, Sussex
Described by John Constable as “the grandest view in the world”, the mile long chasm is the longest, deepest and widest 'dry valley' in the UK with dramatic views north over the weald and south over the city of Brighton to the sea. Legend tells of how the Devil dug the trench to drown the local parishioners but scientists believe it formed naturally during the last ice age.
Visit: It is possible to drive to Devils Dyke and park in the National Trust car park, located 2 miles north of A27 Brighton ring road, or you can jump on a bus from Brighton Palace Pier (Breeze 77) which will take you directly to Devils Dyke in around 30 minutes.
Hythe, Southampton, Hampshire
Head to the lovely market town of Hythe in Hampshire which boasts fantastic views across Southampton Water. Then board the ferry and sail across the harbour for a unique view of the historic city, great ocean liners, impressive container ships and the working docks. The trip includes a complimentary ride on the world record, small gauge, electric pier train, which dates back to the First World War.
Visit: Hop on a bus (Bluestar 8) from Southampton's West Quay and arrive into Hythe in around 45 minutes or travel by car in around the same time via the M27 and A326.
The Long Walk at Windsor Castle, Windsor, Berkshire The Long Walk, Windsor, Berkshire
The view from either end of the perfectly straight, tree lined avenue is unmistakable and synonymous with the grandeur and history of British royalty. The Long Walk in Windsor, stretches 2.5 miles from Windsor Castle - the World’s oldest and largest occupied castle - through the royal landscape and Deer Park to the highest point at the famous Copper Horse statue of King George III, erected in 1831.
Visit: Its just a short walk from Windsor Castle to the Long Walk, you can head through George IV Gate close to the south front of the Castle to enjoy this stunning view. The nearest car park is at The Savill Garden Visitor Centre (off Wick Road).
Dover Castle, White Cliffs Country, Kent
Standing proud above the town and the iconic White Cliffs, England Heritage's Dover Castle has held a commanding position on Britain’s most famous coastline for a 1000 years. Discover the epic battles fought at this mighty fortress and climb The Great Tower for panoramic views of the North Downs, Kentish shoreline, the Western Heights and, on a clear day, the shores of France.
Visit: From Dover town centre, it is a mile's uphill walk to the castle, or you can hop on bus 81 at Pencester Road to save the climb. There is a large car park operated by English Heritage if you prefer to drive.
Sky Bar at Spinnaker Tower, Portsmouth, Hampshrie © Compass PhotographySpinnaker Tower, Portsmouth, Hampshire
With floor to ceiling glass walls, the viewing decks of the 170m high observation tower offer ever changing views over the bustling Portsmouth Harbour, the city of Portsmouth, the Solent, the South Downs National Park and the Isle of Wight. On a clear day you can see up to 23 miles. At golden hour, sunset, or after dark, head to the Sky Bar to enjoy the twinkling city lights whilst sipping a cocktail.
Visit: Standing tall and proud at the entrance to Portsmouth Harbour, the Spinnaker Tower is just a short walk from Portsmouth Harbour train station, through Gunwharf Quays to the waterfront. It is easy to reach by bus too, as The Hard Interchange, the main Portsmouth bus terminal is also here next to the train station. Jump on any bus heading here to visit.
White Horse Hill, Uffington, Oxfordshire
Crowned by the internationally-renowned Uffington White Horse and a simple Iron Age hillfort, White Horse Hill is the highest point in Oxfordshire with far reaching views across six counties. But the distinctive Bronze Age chalk horse is not the only point of ancient intrigue in the area. Neolithic burial mounds can be seen dotted across the landscape and legend tells of how England’s patron saint St George, slew the dragon on the neighbouring Dragon Hill.
Visit: White Horse Hill is signposted off A420 Swindon to Oxford road, next to the B4507 between Ashbury and Wantage. Its a 1.8 mile walk from Uffington Town centre.
Bedgebury National Pinetum, 1066 Country
Home to the largest pinetum in the world, the trees, lakes and landscape at Bedgebury create a beautiful setting and varied views for walks in the rolling hills and valleys of the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Set off on the "Hidden Secrets of the Pinetum’ walking trail, look out for birds, fungi and enjoy the beautifully coloured foliage reflected in the lakes. And enter the awe-inspiring “conifer cathedral” where rows of tall conifers enclose a narrow path creating nature’s cathedral.
Visit: Bedgebury is 12 miles south east of Tunbridge Wells and signposted off the A21 on the B2079 if you are travelling by car or you can catch the number 254 bus from Tunbridge Wells.
Ouse Valley Viaduct, Haywards Heath, Mid Sussex
With so many spectacular viewpoints, the Ouse Valley Viaduct is an instagrammer’s dream! Originally built to connect the capital to Brighton in 1841, the height, scale and geometric symmetry of the 37 carefully crafted arches makes for a striking piece of architecture and provides fascinating views in every direction.
Visit: Enjoy the beautiful 8-mile walk from Hayward Heath to Balcombe Station and enjoy the views of Ardingly Reservoir and the Ouse Valley Viaduct along the way, or head from the Ardingly Reservoir car park (RH17 6SQ) along the River Ouse to Haywards Heath Road where you can see the viaduct.
St Catherines Hill, Winchester, Hampshire
St Catherine’s Hill is home to stunning wild flowers and more than 25 species of butterflies. Climb the 70m high hill to be rewarded with views not only of the 58 hectare chalk grassland but also of England’s ancient capital city, Winchester.
Visit: Use the park and ride if visiting from outside of the city, park at Winchester Park and Ride East and pop on the bus to St Catherines, its a 1/2 mile walk to the hill from here or walk directly from from the city centre about 1.3 miles.
The view of Seven Sisters from Coastguard Cottages, Eastbourne, East SussexThe Seven Sisters, Eastbourne, East Sussex
Where the South Downs meets the sea just a short way from Eastbourne, you’ll find seven dramatic peaks created by ancient rivers cutting valleys into the chalk. With the highest peak standing at 253 feet (77 metres) and one of the longest stretches of undeveloped coastline in the South, it’s no surprise that the unspoilt views out to sea and the surrounding countryside are breath-taking. It’s also well worth taking in the majestic cliffs from a distance - the most iconic view of the Seven Sisters is from Coastguard Cottages in Cuckmere Haven.
Visit: If travelling by car, it is about a 10-minute drive from Eastbourne to the pay and display car park at the Beachy Head car park, clearly signposted from Beachy Head Road. When leaving Eastbourne seafront keep the sea on your left. You can reach the Seven Sisters by bus, the open-top Eastbourne Sightseeing bus which runs a seasonal timetable from end of March until early December, stops at Beachy Head Centre, Belle Tout, Birling Gap. The13X Brighton & Hove bus runs from Eastbourne to Brighton and stops at Beachy Head, Birling Gap and Seven Sisters Country Park.
Shanklin Chine Beach, Shanklin, Isle of WightShanklin Chine, Shanklin, Isle of Wight
The natural beauty of the Island’s oldest visitor attraction is indisputable. Since it opened in 1817, the historic gorge has maintained a magical sense of tranquillity. With its waterfall and lush green foliage lining the ravine, the view is spectacular whether looking from the top down or the bottom up, particularly on summer nights when illuminated by hundreds of colourful bulbs.
Visit: Shanklin Chine is located on the east side of the Isle of Wight between Sandown and Ventor. The Island Line train service runs regular trains to Shanklin station or Southern Vectis buses 2 and 3 also head to the town. You can walk from Shanklin town to the Old Village and Chine (one of the entrances) or park and walk from Shanklin Esplanade, keep the beach on your left hand side and look for the signs (second entrance).
Hengistbury Head, Bournemouth, Dorset
From the top of the headland at Hengistbury Head there are spectacular views of Christchurch Harbour, Mudeford, the Isle of Wight and Bournemouth beach. Once an important Iron Age trading port, the site is now a protected nature reserve and Sites of Special Scientific Interest due to its multitude of diverse habitats plus important archaeology and geology.
Visit: The Hengistbury Head car park (BH6 4EW) is a five minute walk from Hengistbury Head Visitor Centre. There is a host of walking paths across the reserve, head to the top of Warren Hill for spectatular views. From May - September the Beach Breezer 70 bus runs from Christchurch High Street, Bournemouth Pier and Poole Bus Station to Hengistbury Head.
If you have any other suggestions or you’re heading to the beautiful South East in 2024, then please do share your breathtaking views by tagging us on our socials and using the hashtag #ExploreMoreIn2024 or #lovesoutheastengland.
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