Winter Wonders

Why Visit South East England in Winter?

South East England transforms into a serene wonderland during the winter months. With fewer crowds, crisp air, and unique seasonal spectacles, it’s the perfect time to explore historic towns, dramatic coastlines, and wildlife-rich landscapes. Here are 50 experiences, things to do and places to visit that make wintertime an unforgettable time to visit the South East.

50 Things to Do in South East England This Winter

Nature & Wildlife Winter Wonders

• From November through the early March Starling Murmuration’s can be seen along the South Coast creating breathtaking aerial displays at dusk.  Head to Brighton West Pier, Eastbourne Pier, Brighton Marina, Worthing Pier, Portsmouth Harbour nr HMS Warrior, Bognor Regis, Chichester & Hastings can occasionally host magnificent displays too.
• The whole of the South Downs National Park is an International Dark Sky Reserve, with Old Winchester Hill, Harting Down, Butser Hill, Iping Common, Bignor Hill, Kithurst Hill, Devils Dyke, Ditchling Beacon, Firle Beacon, Birling Gap all great vantage points that are publicly accessible. During the winter months its easier to get out an enjoy some stargazing as the nights are longer.
• Wintertime is the perfect time to enjoy the amazing natural beauty of sunrise as it generally means you don’t have to get up too early to enjoy it.  The time will change by around 50 minutes on the same date each month, progressing to earlier and earlier as we move into spring and summer.  Some good places to enjoy the sunrise, Kearsney Abbey in Dover, Wantage Ridgeway in Southern Oxfordshire, Bexhill on Sea in East Sussex.
• In the late afternoons, in autumn and winter, marsh harriers arrive to roost in the reedbeds at Arundel Wetland Centre, West Sussex, especially on overcast days, head to the Reedbed Viewing Platform.
• Did you know as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the Isle of Wight is the perfect place for stargazing. Some of the best spots that can be reached by car include Freshwater Bay, Compton Bay, Brook Chine, Whale Chine, Culver Down and Yaverland.
• Walk across the clifftop from St Margaret's Bay to Walmer or even onto you’ll see may see stonechats on fenceposts and meadow pipits in the grass.
• In January and February visit one of the prime spots to see snowdrops, these dainty white flowers welcome the start of spring and bring carpets of white to forests and parklands around the region
• If you are enjoying a winter city break in Portsmouth, Hampshire, head to the top of the island and pay a visit to Farlington Marshes, it comes alive during the winter months, welcoming a staggering number of migratory, overwintering wildfowl.  Look out for the dark bellied brent geese, wigeons and redshanks that flock here, and short eared owls that hunt over the southern end of the main marsh. 
• Wrap up warm and visit Samphire Hoe where you may spot winter birds such as red-throated divers, or head to Sandwich Bay Bird Observatory to see overwintering birds there. It's spectacular as the sun goes down.
•  The Red Squirrel Trail on the Isle of Wight is perfect for a winter cycle, explore the 32-mile route through beautiful forests, marshlands, and rural landscapes, providing plenty of opportunity to take in the local wildlife.
• Wintertime is a wonderful time to visit Rye Harbour Nature Reserve with its coastal walks with winter wildlife. Home to one of largest and most important wildlife sites in England with 300 rare or endangered plants and animals. Free to visit, the discovery centre is open from 10 – 4pm daily.

Events & Experiences Not to Miss this Wintertime

• Pay a visit to the British Wildlife Centre in Lingfield, Surrey, and take advantage of the wonderful winter photo opportunities offered on one of their winter photography days from November – February
• Experience the old British custom of Wassailing – coming together to sing songs, bless, toast, and give thanks to wake the trees from Winter at Butser Ancient Farm – 16th January 2026.
• Try Winter Surfing on the Isle of Wight – The rugged waves are ideal for thrill-seekers.  Head to Compton Bay suitable for all abilities or Whitecliff Bay especially if you like consistent winter swells.
• Experience one of the free winter light festivals happening across South East England including Ramsgate Winter Festival & Winter Lights Lantern Parade (11th December - 25th January 2026) the Bexhill After Dark Light Art Festival in East Sussex (31st January 2026 - from 5pm – 8pm), The Gravesend Light Festival with the theme Light and Life Friday 30 & Saturday 31 January 2026, Let's Glow! in Basingstoke (Thursday 19 to Saturday 21 February 2026). These free events are a great reason to wrap up warm and head out in the evening.
• Heading to Winchester for the first time – the UK Dome Premiere of Van Gogh Alive comes to Winchester Science centre from the 22 January – 22 March 2026, be transported through the artist’s incredible journey from sunflowers to starry nights.
• Celebrate the Year of the Horse at the National Maritime Museum, Greenwich 21st February 26 with a day of performances and activities. Other events to look out for include Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth, Guildhall Square, Southampton, Maidenhead High Street which also normally host this annual event.
• Winter Woodland Lights at the Hawk Conservancy Trust, Unlike any light show or owl flying display that you will have ever seen before, you’ll experience beautiful illuminations and a live owl display set in a stunning, colourful woodland - 16th January - 1st February 2026.
• The New Year means the start of the January Sales – pay a visit to one of the fantastic shopping destinations across the South East including Eden Shopping Centre, Festival Place Basingstoke and WestQuay Southampton.

Winter Walks and Wellness

• Take a bracing stroll along Portsmouth’s 4-mile seafront and combine sea air, and some fantastic views. Look out for the new ‘Theatre of the Sea’ with its stunning views over The Solent, take a few minutes to watch the hovercraft arriving at Southsea and as you enter Old Portsmouth make a stop at the Hotwalls Studios and meet with local artists.
• Try a stroll along the Wye Downs Walk near Ashford (4.3 miles / 6.9km circular trail), which includes a wander through the historic village of Wye. Look out for the iconic Wye Crown carved into the hillside and the panoramic views of the Devils Kneading Trough!
• The New Forest National Park is a must at any time of the year, but the frosty heathlands and wild ponies in the serene winter light may it a photographers dream.
• Head to the beautiful Windsor Great Park for castle views, open all year round and free to enter.  The Deer Park – which was once part of a vast Norman hunting forest still has trees that William of Normandy will have seen and rode past on his Royal hunts.
• 2026 marks the 50th anniversary of the death of the famous author Agatha Christie. Start the year with a wander along the five-mile circular walk which takes you past places, connected with the author and her life in Wallingford and take a seat alongside the life sized statue overlooking the Kinecroft in the town.
• Queen Elizabeth Country Park near Petersfield in East Hampshire offers a choice of waymarked walks to enjoy, with either coloured banks or footprint symbols to follow.  If you have the energy head to the top of Butser Hill and enjoy the breathtaking view over the South Downs.
• During winter, an earlier sunset means it’s the perfect time to enjoy the Winchester Sunset circular trail.  This 1 ¼ mile walk includes St Giles Hill, The Weirs and Abbey Gardens, which allows visitors to walk pass some of Winchester oldest buildings.  
• Embrace the elements and revitalise your mind, body and soul at Wasing Park with a Full Moon Sauna & Fireside Supper – 3rd January or 1st February- enjoy an evening of wild swimming & a rewarming in the stunning wood-fired sauna, followed by a warming meal.
• The New Year is all about renewal so why not take sometime out for yourself and enjoy a visit to the ANA Spa at the Voco Winchester, with its treatment rooms, hydrotherapy spa, Himalayan Salt Sauna, Sensory Shower, Crystal Steam Room and Bubbly Foot Spa.
• Connect with nature and try something new in 2026 – try a paddle boarding lessons or a guided paddle tours along the River Thame or River Thames (riverside paddle and stay)
• During the winter months, misty mornings often create haunting scenes that look magical. Some great places to visit to grab some great photos or just enjoy this wonderful sight include along the Thames Path, between the Cuckmere and Ouse valleys near Eastbourne, Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire, Firle beacon on the south downs in East Sussex, Lewes Downs.
• The charm of vineyards doesn't fade when the temperatures drop and leaves start to fall. In fact, winter offers an entirely unique and equally enticing experience. From cosy tasting rooms to mouthwatering meals that pair perfectly with the wines, winter vineyard visits promise something truly exceptional and unforgettable.
• Dorney Lake near Windsor, home to the 2,200 metre rowing course that was used during the 2021 Olympics is only open for public access from September to April, take the chane to explore the 400 acres of Arboretum and nature reserve.

Looking ahead to 2026

• Lift your spirits on a cold day with a visit to the Winter Garden at Wakehurst in West Sussex.  Carpets of Purple Cyclamen and white snowdrops add colour to the garden.
• What’s your new year resolution this year? Maybe to eat a little healthier – try a visit to Cobbs Farm Shop on the borders of West Berkshire, with locally sourced meat and vegetables, a delicious café and even a play barn to keep the children entertained (under 8’s)
• Book a city break to South East England this winter – why not choose Southampton with its great shopping, three fantastic theatres, host of museums to enjoy, with over 3000 hotel bedrooms there’s lots of places to stay.
• 80 years ago, in March 1936, a brand new prototype British fighter took to the skies – the Spitfire.  Head to one of the fantastic museums celebrating this special anniversary in 2026 including the Solent Sky (Southampton), The Spitfire and Hurricane Memorial Museum (Ramsgate), the Maidenhead Heritage Centre where you can fly in a Spitfire simulator. Stop by the Headcorn Aerodrome for a coffee (Maidstone) and look to the skies as Spitfires often fly from here.
• In 2026 Portsmouth marks 100 years since it was officially granted city status - Portsmouth100 will see a host of events and celebrations including The Pride of Portsmouth lion trail which will be stalking its way into the city from 13 July to 13 September
• The final sections of the King Charles III England Coast Path is set to be completed in 2026, forming the world’s longest continuous coastal trail, circling all 2,795 miles (4,500 km) of England’s shoreline.  Start local with a wander along the South East part of the path. The South East section runs from Woolwich on the Thames Estuary to Brighton on the south coast, passing changing landscapes full of wildlife. Explore coastal towns with long sandy beaches, Roman sites, Napoleonic Martello towers, the White Cliffs of Dover and many wartime remains.
• Start the new year by learning a new skill – try Archery with New Forest activities, a 90-minute session will teach you the correct way to handle a bow and arrow before you step up to the firing line to test your aim.
• If you love outdoor swimming but are not sure about trying it during the winter months – try one of the many outdoor swimming pools, there are more than you think – with many offering a mix of heated and cold water swimming  – try Petersfield, Arundel or Saltdean  Lido’s or Brighton Sea Lanes – the National Open Water Swimming Centre.  Hilsea Lido in Portsmouth is due to join the list opening in early 2026.
• After the Christmas frenzy, escape away for a romantic break away to the Roseate Hotel in Reading.  There special package includes a bottle of bubbly, hand crafted chocolates, a delicious three course dinner, breakfast and late check out – just ideal.

Historic & Cultural Gems

• In the winter months, Windsor Castle's richly-decorated Semi-State rooms are open to the public at no extra charge.
• Enjoy an atmospheric winter visit to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Blenheim Palace, you can also stay on in the grounds at the Blenheim Palace Lodge Retreat.
• Experience the cobblestone charm and cosy pubs of historic Rye with a wander along the beautiful Mermaid Street with its medieval half-timber buildings.
• A dose of culture, a slice of history, mixed with great shopping and a array of places to eat and drink makes a great wintertime city break.  Head to Southampton and discover stories of The Mayflower, Titanic and the Spitfire and three fantastic theatres providing culture in abundance.
• Explore the art treasures at Petworth House and the beautiful Capability Brown landscapes, look out for the 700 or so deer that grace the Petworth parkland, take an invigorating walk and let the children run wild. 
• Take a visit to Sandwich in Kent and not only enjoy a walk around the photogenic old town but you can book a boat trip with from Sandwich Quay and see the grey seals on the banks of the Stour.

Family fun at Wintertime

• Let of some steam at the Lost World Playbarn at Knockhatch Adventure Play -  climb through the canopy and nets, whizz down the slides and try the helter-skelter
• Step on board Concorde, drive around the streets of London in the bus simulator, build your own race car at the LEGO building station, see Formula One cars and lots lots more at Brooklands Museum. Kids entry is from £10, with children under four going free.
• Looking for an indoor day, with lots to do in one place - then Basingstoke Leisure Park is a must - from swimming to ice skating, the cinema to Milestones Museum and the exhilirating iFly will give you an experience to remember. 
• February half term always kicks the South East event calendar off with a bang, taking place from 16th – 20th February 2026, take a look and discover whats on.  Remember to check back as events are being added all the time.
• Wintertime doesn’t mean you have to stay indoors – with an array of fascinating museums and indoor attractions to visit it doesn’t matter what the weather brings.

Start planning your 2026 visit to South East England - grab those diaries and start adding in those events that you won't want to miss.