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South East England a destination full of diversity and open all year round, with acres of glorious countryside, vibrant towns and cities full of stories and adventures, cosy villages offering a warm winter welcome and stunning coastline filled to the brim with natural beauty and space to enjoy. The South East has something to offer all ages, whether you're looking for a weekend break, day trip or somewhere close to London for a short break away, it's the ideal choice this autumn.
Just a hour or two from London you can be on your own South East adventure. The counties of Buckinghamshire, Kent, Surrey and Berkshire surround London making these the quickest and easiest to reach if you fancy an escape away from the capital. Whether you choose to discover the Royal connections in Windsor, Berkshire, dive into the top secret world of code breaking in Buckinghamshire, heading out on a winter walk across the beautiful Surrey Hills or discover a taste of medieval England in Sandwich Kent, a whole host of possibilities await.
You don't have to travel very much further to experience Sussex hospitality, Oxfordshire culture, Hampshire countryside or to visit the South East's very own island the Isle of Wight. Dorset is the gateway between the South East and the South West, ideal for a weekend break by the sea. It's easy to get to South East England for an autumn get-away, the extensive road and rail networks make visiting easy and as one of the warmest parts of the UK, your travels are unlikely to get disrupted by bad weather. Why not plan your visit with our Travel Information pages offering plenty of choice and convenience for getting to and around South East England including road, rail, ferry and air.
Looking for a weekend break away full of history and charm then Winchester, Portsmouth or Rye is a must for you. Winchester in Hampshire, once the ancient capital of the UK and home to the iconic Winchester Cathedral. Portsmouth in Hampshire, the UK's only island city known for its rich naval history and Portsmouth Guildhall. Rye in Sussex with its cobbled streets lined with medieval, half-timbered houses and the beautiful Rye Harbour Discovery centre.
What to shop til you drop on a city break then head to Southampton and dive into the 95,000 sqm West Quay or escape to the cosmopolitan city of Brighton, Sussex, home to the international renown Brighton Festival and wander it's cobbled 'Lanes' just a short walk from the sea. Why not try a trip on the new Elizabeth Line (direct from 6th Nov) and pay a stop into Reading, situated on the river Thames, full of history, heritage and culture, you may be surprised by what you find.
If a coastal retreat or day out is on the cards, then head to Kent and discover the stunning White Cliffs of Dover or the beautiful sandy beaches of Thanet. Try Eastbourne, home to Eastbourne International (Tennis) 2023, well-being Worthing in Sussex Country or Bournemouth with its award-winning blue flag beaches on the Dorset coast, they will just be right for you. Choose from cliff tops walks in the bracing winter air, strolls out along the Victorian piers or enjoy the ever-changing outlook over sandy beaches and beautiful seas.
Flying into the region via Gatwick airport, then discover a wealth of places around Gatwick to explore or make a stop in the beautiful East Hampshire countryside and pop into a destination that inspired a many written word.
There are a host of Tourism Information Centres throughout the South East to help you make the most of your time here. Friendly knowledgeable staff will help share those hidden gems, local secrets and top places to visit with you.
Browse nearly 300 locations in the region at a glance and use the maps of Southern England to view towns and villages near to your staycation, holiday or short break destination.
Each link tells a little more about the cities, towns and villages that make up the character of the south and provide links to places to stay, things to do and events in the area.
Please follow the below links for more detailed map information on the counties in South East England. They say a picture paints a thousand words, visit our new YouTube channel to see a host of videos from around the destination to help you choose your next place to visit or stay on your winter getaway.
Chipping Norton, perched on the highest point in Oxfordshire, is a bustling and lively market town.
Reputedly England’s smallest town, nestling in the shadows of the Chiltern Hills, Watlington offers…
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