It’s time for a Nostalgication!

12th September 2025

Do you remember when - tree climbing was fun?

For many people, childhood holidays evoke warm and cherished memories of simple pleasures and time spent with family and friends in familiar British locations, often considered one’s “Happy Place”. Whether it’s flying a kite on a clifftop, climbing a tree, running through a meadow or jumping over waves, the nostalgia is almost always one of childhood freedom and joyfulness.

With miles of coastline, traditional seaside settings, rolling hills and quaint villages, South East England has so many wonderful places to relive these childhood memories or to create new ones with family and friends.  Autumn to Spring is a great time to revisit these popular destinations to make the most of your family time together without the summer crowds. If you’re thinking of taking a nostalgication, read on for some inspiration. And don’t forget to share your nostalgication thoughts and pictures with us by tagging us @visitsoutheastengland and #lovesoutheastengland

 Sandown Beach on the Isle of Wight

Seaside Holidays

Stripy deckchairs and stripy windbreaks; seemingly endless piers with endless amusements; fish and chips on the promenade, lined by some of Britain’s finest seafront facades. South East England’s coastal resorts are the epitome of a nostalgic seaside destination. Grab your bucket and spade and welly boots and a coat and head to the classic seaside town of Sandown, on the Isle of Wight  where you’ll find miles of soft golden sands, a pleasure pier and seaside esplanade with cafes, souvenir shops and crazy golf course. Fondly dubbed “Dinosaur Isle” because the island has one of the highest concentrations of dinosaur fossils anywhere in the world, the area around Sandown Bay is particularly great for fossil hunting.

For seafront thrills, Portsmouth’s Clarence Pier is one of the largest amusement parks on the South Coast and has been welcoming families since 1945. Ride the Runaway Train Coaster or and hop aboard the Big Wheel for stunning views across the Solent. Prefer to keep your feet firmly on the ground? There’s three huge arcades packed with the latest games, and of course, the classics you’d expect to find on the seafront.

The Stade Beach in Hasting Old Town c John Cole

For the ultimate beachside Fish & Chips, visit Hastings where fresh fish has been landed from the Stade in Hastings Old Town for over 1,000 years. Hastings has the largest beach-launched fleet in Europe and fishermen use sustainable practices. Maggie’s located right on the Fisherman's Beach is renowned for excellent Fish & Chips and the freshest fish, direct from the market and fishing fleet below.

One of England's prettiest seaside destinations, the view at Deal Beach has hardly changed over the last century. Walk the picturesque esplanade lined with colourful, well preserved historic homes that overlook the gently sloping pebble beach and the English Channel and stroll to the end of the Deal Pier where you’ll find an award-winning restaurant.

Wild & Free Childhood Experiences

For many people, open landscapes, towering forests, fresh air and the freedom to run wild and free also evoke the memories of childhood freedom.

 Wittenham Clumbs North of Wallingford, Oxford c Earth Trust - Andy Hough Photography

Let loose in Southern Oxford and explore the natural beauty of  South Oxfordshire & Vale of White Horse, a favourite spot for outdoor adventures. Head to the Wittenham Clumps, just north of Wallingford and Didcot to clamber up Round Hill and Castle Hill or race down the hills, trying to stay on your feet. And if you still have energy, Little Wittenham Wood, located between the hills, is a great place for a family game of hide and seek.

Release your inner child by climbing a magnificent, mature oak tree on the Isle of Wight. The thrilling two hour experience near Ryde Beach allows you to scale the oak all the way to the top (should you wish!) under the guidance of experts and with specialist safety equipment. Those the reach the canopy are rewarded with wonderful views over the Solent and to Portsmouth.

Exploring the beaches of Margate & Broadstairs with a Coastal Explorer Pack

Head to the vast sandy beaches and white cliffs of Thanet for fresh air and coastal adventures. Walk or cycle part of the 32-mile circular Viking Coastal Trail, which is mostly traffic free. Or pick up a Coastal Explorer Pack for just a £5/day with equipment, games and challenges and learn to tell the time with a shadow, how to identify different clouds or explore the rockpools with the marine identification kit. For a back to the future stop, head to Dreamland Margate, where retro vibes meet modern thrills with vintage rides, a roller disco, and Dodgems,bringing back the golden age of bumper cars!

Rediscover Unique Heritage

For quality family time, retrace your childhood steps and those of your parents on a multi-generational break, exploring the unique heritage of holiday destinations enjoyed over the decades. Bring the older family members and enrich a staycation with sentimental tales and discoveries of local food, culture and the charms of your destination.

Fairytale-esque Windsor Castle c Royal Collection Trust

Hop aboard an open top bus with Golden Tours for a trip down memory lane in Royal Windsor. The 24-hour Hop-on, Hop-off ticket allows you to get on or off the bus at any of the 11 stops along the route. Stop at the fairytale-esque Windsor Castle, where Scorch the Dragon will guide you round the world’s oldest inhabited castle on the complimentary family audio guide and take part in family activities including talks, themed trails, workshops, arts and crafts.

Discover Southampton’s maritime connections and rich history at attractions that appeal to all ages. SeaCity Museum tells the story of the people of the Southampton, their fascinating lives and historic connections with The RMS Titanic and the sea. And Tudor House & Garden, located in the heart of Southampton’s Old Town amongst historic vaults, churches, and charming streets, reveals over 800 years of history.  After exploring the house, stop for sweet treats in the modern café tucked behind the house and overlooking the traditional Tudor Knot Garden. 

Charming harbourside village of Hamble-le-Rice, Hampshire 

If the Great British Weather doesn’t look favourable, head to Hampshire to splash in muddy puddles and warm up in cosy village pubs. The county is filled with unspoilt, chocolate box villages, perfect to explore between the showers. Grab some grub at Buriton, a pretty English village with two pubs and a village pond, in the heart of the South Downs near Petersfield. Then venture into the South Downs Way, the Sussex Border Path, Head Down or Oakham Hill to find some muddy puddles and walk off your hearty pub lunch. Or explore the harbourside village of Hamble-le-Rice with its red telephone box and golden post box, in honour of Dani Rowe (King), gold medal winner in the 2012 Olympics. With six public houses there's plenty of choice to head indoors and warm up.

What’s your idea of a nostalgic staycation and where’s your “Happy Place”? Don’t forget to share your thoughts with us.