Discover historic castle tourist attractions in South East England, credit Bodiam Castle

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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.     

Dive into the Past

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 Osborne House on the Isle of Wight.  These attractions have a host of awards between them!

Bekonscot Model Village & Railway delights visitors of all ages and is perfect for family adventures with lots to keep your mini explorers entertained. Book online at least 48 hours in advance & enjoy 10% off the standard ticket price.

Kids Entertainment

If you are out with the family, and looking for some family fun, check out the exciting theme parkspopular 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.

Made in the South East

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.

Outdoors Adventures

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.

Indoor Attractions

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.

Best Tourist Attractions Near Me

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: 250

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  1. The Mill at Sonning

    Type

    Type:

    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.

  2. Tudor House and Garden

    Type

    Type:

    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.

  3. St Bartholomew Church

    Type

    Type:

    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.

  4. Buriton Literary Walk Inspired by W H Hudson

    Type

    Type:

    Walking

    Petersfield

    This walk starts in the village of Buriton and explores parts of the South Downs National Park. W H Hudson was an accomplished, self taught field naturalist. His first book was published in 1885 and his twenty-third a year after his death in 1922.…

  5. Royal Victoria Country Park

    Type

    Type:

    Country / Royal Park

    Southampton

    Rich in history, with a small beach and miles of open fields, Royal Victoria Country Park is a hidden gem on the south coast.

  6. Leeds Castle

    Type

    Type:

    Castle / Fort

    Maidstone

    Set in 500 acres of beautiful parkland, Leeds Castle is the perfect backdrop to your day out. The historic castle, glorious gardens, attractions and programme of events awaits visitors.

  7. Bates Green Garden

    Type

    Type:

    Garden

    Polegate

    This naturalistic garden in a rural setting provides a peaceful space to relax and appreciate the selection of unusual plants including mature trees and shrubs. The garden is divided into 3 distinct areas offering a sensory experience with plants…

  8. Hobbs of Henley Boat Hire

    Type

    Type:

    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…

  9. Twyford Waterworks

    Type

    Type:

    Heritage / Visitor Centre

    Winchester

  10. West Dean College

    Type

    Type:

    Arts Centre

    Chichester

    West Dean College is the home of expert teaching in an inspirational setting, with an award-winning garden, a host of garden events and an excellent gardens restaurant. Nestling in the South Downs National Park, close to Chichester in West Sussex.

  11. Brooklands Museum

    Type

    Type:

    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.

  12. Willesborough Windmill

    Type

    Type:

    Heritage / Visitor Centre

    Ashford

    135 year old Smock Mill, in course of restoration. Miller's cottage, restored Hornsby 14hp gas oil engine which drives one pair of stones.

  13. Eagle Heights Wildlife Foundation

    Type

    Type:

    Animal Collection / Zoo

    Dartford

    Eagle Heights is a Not for Profit organisation that is home to a vast collection of Birds of Prey as well as Meerkats, Reptiles, Servals and over 20 rescued Huskies!

  14. Charles Dickens' Birthplace Museum

    Type

    Type:

    Museums & Galleries

    Portsmouth

    Visit the first home of Britain's most famous Victorian author.

  15. Eastney Engine Houses

    Type

    Type:

    Museum

    Eastney, Southsea

    Discover the marvels of Victorian engineering that both improved and lengthened the lives of city residents.

  16. Out of Bounds

    Type

    Type:

    Family Fun & Activities

    Angmering , Littlehampton

    Welcome to Out Of Bounds! Have fun and experience exciting indoor and outdoor activities for all ages.

  17. Lepe Country Park

    Type

    Type:

    Country / Royal Park

    Beaulieu

    Lepe Country Park has something for everyone. The long stretch of shingle beach is popular with kite surfers and wind surfers, families and holidaymakers. From the shoreline you can look across the Solent to the Isle of Wight. Watch yachts, ferries…

  18. Rockbourne Roman Villa

    Type

    Type:

    Historic Site

    Fordingbridge

    Situated in picturesque and peaceful south west Hampshire, Rockbourne Roman Villa is the largest known Roman villa in the area. The villa once stood in the centre of a large farming estate, and its history spans the period from the Iron Age to the…