Click to discover more
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, Windsor Castle in Berkshire and Portsmouth Historic Dockyard in Hampshire. These award winning attractions all have the 'We're Good to Go' charter mark plus countless 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.
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 plus 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, as well as some great Country Pubs that showcase these 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 as Wakehurst and Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens, in Sussex or Painshill in Surrey. 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.
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.
If you have trouble viewing the above sign up form on mobile, please click here.
Number of results: 269
, currently showing 21 to 40.
Museum
New Forest
A unique 18th Century village where warships for Nelson's Navy were built. Maritime museum, historic 18th Century cottages, riverside walk, SS Persia Exhibition, St Mary's Chapel and optional river cruise.
Waymarked Trail
RYE
The scenic route this canal takes is perfect for walking and cycling. Dug by hand in the early 19th century, the canal was designed as a defence barrier on the low-lying land between Winchelsea and Hythe.
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
Horsham
This 90 acre (36 ha) farm is managed as a livestock farm, with numerous footpaths around the site, incorporating grassland, the River Arun, wet meadow, ancient hedgerows, and access to the greater countryside.
Tower
Portsmouth
View things differently at the top of Britain’s best viewing tower – the stunning 170 metre tall icon on the South Coast.
Science Centre
Morn Hill, Winchester
Winchester Science Centre is more than a day out. It’s a chance to spark your children’s curiosity in science which could lead them on an exciting journey for life! Situated in the stunning South Downs National Park, this exciting family destination…
Sports Ground
Eastbourne
Eastbourne’s oldest park probably dating from around 1873 or 1874 when the Devonshire Park Company was set up
Country / Royal Park
Havant
With a farm full of friendly animals, the south coast’s largest ornamental glasshouses, beautiful gardens and 1,000 acres of country park to explore there’s something for everyone.
Sports Ground
Beaulieu
New Forest Activities is a one-stop shop for booking activities and discovering what there is to do in The New Forest National Park. Based on Beaulieu High Street, the New Forest Activities Booking Centre specialised in providing information about…
Formal Garden
Egham
The Savill Garden is a garden of beauty and colour where visitors journey through 35 acres of interconnecting gardens. It offers year-round interest, an iconic visitor centre with restaurant, gallery café, gift shop and plant sales.
Castle / Fort
Hastings
Fragmentary remains of Norman Castle built on West Hill after William the Conqueror's victory at the Battle of Hastings. 1066 Story interpretation centre in siege tent.
Historic House / Palace
Lechlade
The summer home of William Morris, Kelmscott Manor is a Grade I listed farmhouse, built around 1600 adjacent to the River Thames.
History and Heritage
CHICHESTER
A chance to see and hear the stories of heroes, in the air and on the ground, from World War 1 to the Cold War. Record breaking aircraft and others that have starred in films.
Historic House / Palace
Henley-on-Thames
House built between 12th and 18thC with a 13thC chapel. Has connections with Catholicism and exhibition of the work and life of Edmund Campion, furniture, tapestries and paintings.
Museum
Sandown
In a spectacular pterosaur shaped building on Sandown’s blue flag beach walk back through fossilised time and meet life sized replica dinosaurs
Museum
Weybridge
Brooklands Museum is on the site of the world's first purpose-built motor racing circuit and houses collections of cars, motorcycles and bicycles, particular from the heyday of the track until it closed in 1939.
Gallery
Hastings
Nestling between the fishing beach and Hastings Old Town, Hastings Contemporary is sensitively designed to complement the surrounding coastal environment.
Theatre
Chatham
Located in the heart of Chatham town centre, this beautiful 965-seat venue is already home to a myriad of memories and it’s waiting for you to come along and make more unforgettable memories of your own.
Historic Site
Southampton
Uncover over 800 years of history in the heart of Southampton’s Old Town. Tudor House and Garden gives visitors an insight in to the lives and times of its residents with informative displays and hands on interactive experiences.
Nature Reserve
Arlington
Enjoy vistas of bluebells in 23 acres of ancient woodland. Walks and trails through three farms. Countryside exhibition. One walk is wheelchair friendly.
© Visit South East England 2024. All Rights Reserved
.png){kind=icon}
