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We are passionate about you exploring South East England and enjoying the many indoor and outdoor attractions on offer within the region. Whether you choose to visit those must-see royal palaces and castles, or the award-winning animal parks and gardens, discover somewhere new or re-visit a firm favourite, you'll find some of the most popular tourist attractions in England here in the South East, so you will never be stuck for ideas on places to visit and things to do whatever your interest.
With over 185 million years of history to discover the South East is littered with historic houses, enchanting castles, impressive cathedrals and inspiring museums, allowing you to delve into stories of a time long since past. Explore famous battles, smuggling adventures and stories of individuals that have changed the course of English history, you'll find them all here in the South East.
For starters there is Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard and Winchester Cathedral in Hampshire, Osborne House on the Isle of Wight. These attractions have a host of awards between them!
If you are out with the family, and looking for some family fun, check out the exciting theme parks, popular zoos and farm parks – all of which are sure to provide that next memorable day out in South East England. You'll also find a whole host of steam railways offering the chance to sit back and enjoy the beautiful South East countryside and kid friendly museums to discover, learn and inspire.
Don't miss a ride on the Bluebell Steam Railway in East Sussex, and the all-weather Beaulieu, Home of the National Motor Museum in the New Forest or Tapnell Farm on the Isle of Wight.
Learn how local food and drink is made on one of the many distillery and brewery tours on offer, or join in one of the 'Made in South East' workshops where you can make, do and create your own holiday experience.There are over 140+ vineyards scattered across the South East for you to explore, offering the chance to enjoy a tour and tasting, a delicious lunch, or a wander around their glorious estates. Make a stop at Balfour Winery, Kent for a wine tasting mastercalss or a self guided tour, or head along to one of the regions great Country Pubs for a pint, great company and the chance to try an array of local brews - some of the most famous include Bombay Sapphire Distillery in Winchester.
South East England’s climate also makes the area perfect for must-see gardens such Painshill in Surrey or Bates Green Garden in East Sussex. With over 1900 hours of sunshine a year, the South East is one of the sunniest destinations in the UK. Take advantage of this fantastic location and experience a day at the races, enjoy a boat trip along the River Thames, a visit to one of the many award-winning blue flag beaches and dip you toe in the sea. With over 3 million acres of natural beauty and 400 miles of stunning coastline to explore you are sure to find plenty to enjoy here on a sunny day.
Adventure too the 140-acre Marwell Zoo home to hundreds of exotic and endangered species or take to the tree's for a different view with Go Ape with its various sites across the South.
But if the weather changes, that doesn't matter too, as there are plenty of indoor attractions for a rainy day. With beautiful heritage theatres full of entertainment, comedy, drama, dance and music for you to enjoy, along with great places to shop and eat, you can stay warm and dry inside. The South East and all its diversity is ideal place to visit whatever the time of year, whatever the weather and with some great free things to do, it doesn't have to cost the earth either to get out and about on your next visit, staycation or holiday.
Browse the below list featuring some of the best attractions in the South East or for a list of local attractions near you, select map view to search geographically.
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Number of results: 261
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Nature Trail / Watching
Watlington
Discover an Oxfordshire dreamscape as you walk to the top of Watlington Hill, where you will find breathtaking views and fine wildlife all year round.
Steam Railway
Tenterden
Images of this picturesque line weaveing between Tenterden and Bodiam. England's finest rural light railway enables visitors to experience travel & service from a bygone age aboard beautifully restored Victorian coaches and locomotives.
Farm
Woodchurch
Large collection of rare farm breeds on a working farm with children's play activities. Home to the 'Tamworth Two'. Woodland walks.
Boat Trip
Southampton
Shieldhall was laid down in October 1954 and entered service in October 1955. Built by Lobnitz & Co of Renfrew, she is of special interest as she was built on older classic lines with a traditional wheelhouse, of riveted and welded construction with
Museum
CHALFONT ST. GILES
Discover 2000 years of Chilterns history by exploring over 30 historic buildings that were the workplace or homes of ordinary people. Learn about traditional skills, farming, lifestyle and local history while taking in the beautiful scenery of the…
Country / Royal Park
Horndean
With over 2,000 acres of downland and woodland, Queen Elizabeth Country Park is the ideal place to explore, keep fit and enjoy the great outdoors.
Gallery
Hastings
Hastings Contemporary brings world-class modern and contemporary art to the heart of Hastings Old Town.
Animal Collection / Zoo
Winchester
Embrace your wild side at Marwell Zoo! Home to hundreds of endangered and exotic species in 140 acres of beautiful parkland, there’s plenty for the whole family to enjoy and admire. From Amur tigers to brilliant birds, Marwell offers you the chance…
Historic House / Palace
LONDON
Marvel at VisitEngland's Large Visitor Attraction of the Year, right in the heart of the Maritime Greenwich UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Explore the peaceful riverside location and Sir Christopher Wren’s iconic architecture. The stunning buildings…
Farm
Southampton
Traditional Hampshire farmstead - range of buildings, farm animals, machinery and equipment, pre-1950's farmhouse and 13thC church set for 1900 - living history site.
Parkland / Woodland Garden
Horsham
Leechpool is an ancient woodland covering 53 acres and includes Oak, Ash, Hazel, Hawthorn, Holly, Blackthorn, Sweet Chestnut and Scots Pine.
Garden
Hailsham
Herstmonceux is renowned for its magnificent moated castle, set in 550 acres of glorious parkland and superb Elizabethan gardens.
Garden Centre
Oxford
A day out at Waterperry Gardens near Oxford is guaranteed to delight and inspire garden-lovers from across the country and the world.
Church / Chapel
Reading
The old flint church of Basildon lies close to the Thames below Goring. The nave was built early in the 13thC, the taller chancel has lovely traceried windows.
Theatre
Reading
With much of the original structure retained, this 18th Century Flour Mill has been converted into a renowned Dinner Theatre. Patrons enjoy a fresh home-cooked meal - with not a microwave in sight! -before watching the performance in our theatre.
Theatre
Fareham
As part of Ferneham Hall's 30th Anniversary Celebrations we will be presenting some extra special shows that have never appeared in Fareham before.
Boat Hire
Henley-on-Thames
Hobbs provides a variety of ways to enjoy the Royal River Thames from public cruises or self-drive and chauffeur-driven days out, to its newest boats, luxury Linnsen self-drive cruisers, the only ones for hire in the UK. Ideal for that special…
Railway
Hastings
The West Hill Lift retains its original wooden Victorian coaches, and also runs through a tunnel, very unusual for a funicular.
Historic Site
Oxford
See one of the oldest libraries at the heart of Oxford's historic University. Discover the Divinity School, a masterpiece of English Gothic architecture, or choose one of the guided tours, including a visit to Duke Humfrey's library.
Farm
YARMOUTH
Set in acres of beautiful countryside, surrounded by amazing views of the Isle of Wight, Tapnell Farm Park is one of the Island’s biggest all-weather, fun-filled family attractions.
There’s so much to see and do, with just as much inside as…
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