Explore historic events that shaped our nation and defined our history

14th August 2024

History is storytelling and who doesn’t love a great story! Britain has a rich history dating back thousands of years, a chronological tale of our past, of our woes and successes, with many key events that have forever changed the nation.    

Explore these attractions in South East England to delve into thousands of years of fascinating history and immerse yourself in the daily lives of our ordinary ancestors and historic heroes through interactive exhibits, digital experiences and multisensory learning. 

The Normandy Landings  / D-Day Story, Portsmouth 

2024 has seen the 80th anniversary of the Normandy landings - more commonly known as D-Day. The operation on 6 June 1944 saw tens of thousands of soldiers cross the channel to liberate Europe from Nazi occupation during the Second World War. The D-Day Story on Southsea seafront in Portsmouth is the only UK museum dedicated to telling the story of the Normandy Landings and puts visitors in the shoes of those who were involved with personal artefacts and interactive activities to keep the story of D-Day alive. 

Battle of Hastings / Battle Abbey, 1066 Country 

England’s most famous battlefield is found in Battle, 1066 Country, East Sussex where the armies of William the Conqueror and King Harold clashed over a thousand years ago and changed English history forever. Visit the atmospheric Battle Abbey to discover how the Normans overcame the Saxons, walk the battlefield trail, enjoy the interactive exhibition and head to the gatehouse roof for stunning views over the battlefield. Relive the battle and watch the clash unfold in early October with the annual re-enactment featuring more than 300 warriors! 

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British Rowing / Henley Royal Regatta, Henley on Thames 

Considered by most to be the pinnacle of the British and international rowing season, Henley Royal Regatta (1st - 6th July 2025) is synonymous with British rowing – the nation's most continuously successful Olympic sport. Today the quintessentially British event holds great importance in both the social and sporting calendar, drawing visitors from across the world to the picturesque town of Henley-on-Thames to don their finest, enjoy the racing and revel in the vibrant atmosphere. Head to the River & Rowing Museum to discover more about the world-famous regatta, British rowing and the pretty town of Henley on Thames. 

Greenwich Mean Time is established / The Royal Observatory, Greenwich  

The Royal Observatory Greenwich is world famous as the home of time and space. Established in 1884, the Prime Meridian - an imaginary line or “vertical equator” from north to south pole – runs through the Royal Observatory and determines longitude, allowing us to measure time and distance on earth and in the sky. It is also the basis for the global time zones we know today. Visitors to the Royal Observatory can witness awe-inspiring live science and astronomy demos,  marvel at giant telescopes and explore the night sky in the planetarium. And, if your visit to Greenwich ignites the flame of curiosity, then head to The Observatory Science Centre at Herstmonceux near Eastbourne, the former home of The Royal Observatory which offers over 100 indoor and outdoor hands-on exhibits on Forces, Light and Colour, Earth and Beyond and Astronomy and Time. 

The Sealing of the Magna Carta / Runnymede, near Windsor 

The unassuming, countryside near Windsor with riverside walks, open meadows, diverse wildlife and historic ruins is not only the perfect place to take in nature but also to reflect on the struggle for freedom, democracy and human rights. It was in this open landscape in Runnymede on the 15 June 1215, that King John sealed the Magna Carta, the ‘Great Charter of Freedoms’, laying down the foundations for our legal system and democracy. Follow the Nature Knights Walk, an interactive trail and search for plants and wildlife with regal names or take a trip down the river on a Victorian paddle steamer, or visit the Runnymede Magna Carta anniversary garden in Egham in the neighbouring border of Surrey.

Codebreaking during WWII / Bletchley Park, Buckinghamshire 

Bletchley Park in Buckinghamshire was the site of top-secret code-breaking during World War II, most famously the cracking of the “Enigma” code which enabled the Allies to intercept and decipher Germany’s military communications. Today the heritage site tells this unique story of codebreaking and also how the expertise developed Bletchley Park has been brought into the modern day at GCHQ. Immersive films, interactive displays, museum collections and faithfully recreated rooms tell the story of the brilliant minds including that of Alan Turing and vital work that helped secure the Allies victory.  

The Channel Tunnel is built / Samphire Hoe, White Cliffs Country, Kent 

Named as one of the seven wonders of the modern world, 2024 marks 30 years since the Channel Tunnel opened, connecting Britain’s most famous coastline and England’s capital city to mainland Europe. Alongside the creation of the world’s longest undersea tunnel, came an extraordinary 30-acre nature reserve reclaimed from the sea during the digging of the Channel Tunnel.  A rare chalk grassland habitat, Samphire Hoe just 2 miles for Dover, is an exceptional site for biodiversity and wildlife with spectacular views over the English Channel. Explore the beach and coast, go on a scavenger hunt, search for mini beasts or join in a fossil hunt. 

The Romans invaded Britain / Roman Villas in South East England 

The Roman invasion of Britain in AD 43 is considered by many as the most significant event in British history resulting in changes to our language, culture, geography and infrastructure, many of which are still present today. In West Sussex, visitors can explore Bignor Roman Villa, renowned for its original, world-class mosaic floors - the most complete and intricate in Britain. On the Isle of Wight you can also visit two well preserved Roman Villas open to the public, the Newport Roman Villa and Brading Roman Villa. At the latter there is a beautiful mosaic of the famous Medusa, but who was she really? And why is she portrayed with serpent hair and stoney eyes? Visit the Brading Roman Villa to discover her story, other Roman mythologies and the Roman way of life on the Isle of Wight. 

Bournemouth erects the first British Beach Hut / Bournemouth Beaches 

An icon of the traditional British seaside, it’s safe to say the British are obsessed with the once humble Beach Hut. Since the first purpose built municipal hut was erected on the Bournemouth seafront in 1909, there are now more than 20,000 beach huts across the UK and the candy-coloured cabins have become an increasing attractive commodity.  Along Bournemouth’s seven miles of golden sands, voted as the UK’s best beach, there are more than 250 beach huts available for hire. So grab your bucket and spade and head to the home of the British Beach Hut and Britain’s favourite beach. 

The Sinking of R.M.S Titanic / Seacity Museum, Southampton 

“We believe that the boat is unsinkable” said, Philip Franklin, VP of White Star Line who owned RMS Titanic. History however tells a very different story of the world’s largest passenger steam ship and maritime jewel, a tragic tale that is known across the globe. Southampton’s Seacity Museum delves deeper into the story, exploring how the tragedy of the sinking ship on her maiden from Southampton affected the city and its people. As well as a 1:25 interactive model of the Titanic the museum also features over 200 original artefacts and recorded messages by passengers on that fateful night.   

The Madness of King George III / Brighton Royal Pavilion, Brighton 

George IV, who lived a life of excess and suffered from gout, originally visited Brighton for the mild climate, sea air and salt water. After regular visits and purchasing a property in the town, Brighton quickly became a fashionable seaside retreat for Londoners. The King despised his son’s excess, so when George was sworn in as Prince Regent in 1811 due to his father’s deteriorating health and “madness”, the vain and extravagant Prince began transforming his modest Pavilion into the exotic, Eastern palace we see today. Visitors to the Royal Pavilion can explore the sumptuous rooms with Indian architecture and Chinese inspired interiors and the glorious gardens fit for a King. 

Which event do you think most defines our history? Share your thoughts with us:

#ExploreMoreIn2024 or #lovesoutheastengland.

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