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South East England is a destination full of diversity, welcoming visitors all year round! Come and discover the acres of breathtaking countryside and stunning coastline brimming with natural beauty and space to unwind. Immerse yourself in the vibrant towns and cities teeming with stories and adventures, or the charming villages with cosy pubs and big warm welcomes. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway, a day trip, or a short break close to London, 2025 is the perfect time to explore more and uncover somewhere new in this captivating region.
Just half an hour from London and you can be on your own South East adventure. The nearby counties of Buckinghamshire, Kent, Surrey, and Berkshire offer an easy escape from the capital. Whether you choose to discover Royal connections in Windsor or enjoy a shopping weekend in Reading, Berkshire is just 36 minutes from London by train. Dive into the top secret world of codebreaking in Buckinghamshire, stroll through the picturesque Surrey Hills or step back into medieval England in Kent, a whole host of possibilities await.
Venture a little further to experience Sussex hospitality, Oxfordshire's rich culture, Hampshire's rolling countryside or to visit the South East's very own island the Isle of Wight. Dorset the gateway county between the South East and the South West, is ideal for a weekend break by the sea. With most destinations within two hours of London and excellent road, rail, ferry and air link, exploring is effortless. Plus, as one of the warmest parts of the UK, weather will rarely disrupt your travel plans. Start your journey today with our Travel Information guide, helping you on your next seamless adventure.
Looking for a weekend break away full of history and charm then Chichester, Winchester, Portsmouth or Rye is a must for you. Chichester is only city in West Sussex and is home to the National Landscape of Chichester Harbour (AONB). Winchester in Hampshire, was once the ancient capital of the UK and is home to the iconic Winchester Cathedral. Portsmouth in Hampshire, is the UK's only island city, it is known for rich naval history and seaside town of Southsea. Rye in East Sussex, welcomes visitors with its cobbled streets lined with medieval half-timbered houses and its beautiful Rye Harbour.
What to shop till you drop on a city break then head to Southampton, Reading, Maidstone, Basingstoke or Brighton. Dive into the 95,000 sqm Westquay shopping centre in Southampton, Festival Place or The Malls in Basingstoke, Fremlin Walk in Maidstone, or explore the cosmopolitan city of Brighton in East Sussex, with its cobbled 'Lanes', just a short walk from the sea. Why not try a trip on the Elizabeth Line and make a stop in Reading, situated on the River Thames, full of history, heritage and culture, you may be surprised by what you find.
If a day out by the sea is on the cards, then head to Eastbourne, Littlehampton, Selsey, Lee-on-the-Solent, or Deal, these traditional seaside towns are ideal for a weekend wander, a South East sunset or a day discovering something new. For sandy beaches head to Margate, Broadstairs or Ramsgate, Kent, Camber Sands and the West Wittering's in Sussex or continue along the coast to Bournemouth, Christchurch, or Poole, Dorset. Time by the sea is not complete without a chance to see the iconic white cliffs - the symbol of the region - from the White Cliffs of Dover, to the beautiful Seven Sisters or the stunning Needles on the Isle of Wight, these natural landmarks are one of the highlights to a visit.
Escape to the countryside with time in Wallingford or Thame, these quintessential market towns in Southern Oxfordshire are surrounded by rolling hills and have provided the backdrop to many fictitious murders that have graced our tv screens. East Hampshire is a must in 2025, home to the famous Jane Austen, it is the 250th birthday this year, and offers visitors the chance to explore the county that inspired many of her novels.
Flying into the region via Gatwick airport, then discover a wealth of places around Gatwick to explore. The beautiful Mid Sussex countryside greats you once you leave the main airport towns with the stunning Ouse Valley Viaduct and Ardingly Reservoir providing the backdrop to your welcome. 60% of this district is designated as a National Landscape - Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
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. You can also learn more with our A-Z of cities, towns and villages - each listing will tell you more and helps you discover places to stay, things to do and events in the area.
Follow the links below for maps of each of the counties in South East England. They say a picture paints a thousand words, visit our YouTube channel to see a host of videos from around the destination to help you choose your next place to visit or stay.
Cobham is a community steeped in history. Or, perhaps more accurately, three communities – Church…
Didcot is a town and civil parish in Oxfordshire and the area around has been inhabited for at…
The historic town of Newport in England is situated in the centre of the Isle of Wight and is its…
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