Places To Visit

South East England is bursting with unforgettable places to visit and experiences - from iconic landmarks and historic towns to breathtaking countryside and vibrant coastal escapes. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or a longer adventure, there's something here for everyone.

Just an hour or two from London, your South East England adventure awaits. The counties of Buckinghamshire, Kent, Surrey, and Berkshire wrap around the capital, making them the quickest and easiest to reach for a revitalising escape. Whether you're uncovering royal connections in Berkshire, diving into the top-secret world of codebreaking in Buckinghamshire, walking the beautiful Surrey Hills, or soaking in the panoramic views of Kent - a whole host of possibilities are just around the corner.

Venture further to experience the warm hospitality of Sussex, the rich culture of Oxfordshire, the rolling countryside of Hampshire, or the rugged beauty of the Isle of Wight. Dorset also offers a coastal retreat that bridges South East and South West England. With excellent road and rail networks, plus ferry and air connections, getting here is easy. As one of the warmest regions in the UK, South East England is ideal for a winter escape, with fewer weather-related travel disruptions.

Ready to plan your visit? Head to our Travel Information pages for everything you need to know about getting to and around South East England - by road, rail, ferry, or air

Places to visit near me

Looking for a weekend break away full of history and charm? Don't miss the Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead, home to one of the official residences of His Majesty The King, Portsmouth, the UK's only island city, rich in naval history, Battle site of the pivotal Battle of Hastings in 1066, and Sandwich a medieval gem with its cobbled streets lined with medieval, half-timbered houses. 

Shop til you drop on a city break to Southampton and dive into the 95,000 sqm West Quay, Reading with its diverse retail offer in the heart of the Thames Valley or Winchester with its charming high street full of big brands and independents.

If your craving the sea air and a coastal day out is on the cards, then you have choice in abundance. Explore the stunning White Cliffs of Dover, the traditional seaside town of Deal, and the miles of sandy beaches in Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate, all in Kent. Discover Sussex with a visit to Selsey, a nature lovers paradise surround by the sea, Hastings with its cliff railways and Norman castle ruins, Eastbourne home to a Victorian-era pier and stunning chalk cliffs of nearby Beachy Head. Venture to the South East's very own island - The Isle of Wight with its stunning coastline and the iconic Needles, just a 10 minute journey from the mainland by hovercraft. 

For a peaceful countryside retreat, head to Basingstoke for Watership Down country, Thame nestled at the foot of the Chiltern Hills, or East Hampshire to be in the heart of Jane Austen country. Enjoy riverside walks in Henley-on-Thames, Gravesend or the county town of Maidstone, or take a stroll along the unique chalk stream of the River Test in Romsey, Stockbridge and Whitchurch in Hampshire.

Flying into the region via Gatwick airport, then discover a wealth of places around Gatwick to explore. The beautiful Sussex countryside greats you, with the stunning Ouse Valley Viaduct and Ardingly Reservoir providing the backdrop to your welcome. Did you know that 60% of Mid Sussex 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.  

Map of South East England

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.

• Map of Berkshire
• Map of Buckinghamshire
• Map of Hampshire
• Map of Kent
• Map of Oxfordshire
• Map of Surrey
• Map of Sussex
• Map of the Isle of Wight
• Map of Dorset