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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 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.
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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: 253
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Historic House / Palace
Rochester
Situated in the heart of historic Rochester, Eastgate House featured in the work of Charles Dickens.
Museum
Hastings
Visit Hastings’ family-friendly and diverse Museum and Art Gallery for an exploration of art, heritage and history from around the world.
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…
Country / Royal Park
Eastleigh
Sixty acres of lakes, meadow and young woodland situated between Eastleigh and Southampton with easy access.
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…
Family Fun & Activities
ALUM BAY
Set in an Isle of Wight National Landscape (formerly known as Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) overlooking The Needles Rocks and Lighthouse, there's breathtaking scenery and a spectacular chairlift past amazing coloured sand cliffs.
Model / Miniature Village
Beaconsfield
Established in 1929, Bekonscot is the oldest original model village in the world, set in 1.5 acres of tranquil gardens and detailed model buildings, it is a brilliant day out for all the family and delights visitors of all ages.
Historic House / Palace
Woodstock
Birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill and home to the Duke of Marlborough, Blenheim Palace, one of the finest baroque houses in England, is set in over 2,000 acres of landscaped gardens
Garden
Hastings
A 10 minute walk from Hastings town centre, this Grade II Listed Victorian park is one of the finest to be found anywhere in the country.
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…
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…
Climbing / High Ropes
Slough
Nets Adventure
Nets Adventure is an expansive network of four huge bouncy treetop nets, trampolines and much more. This is treetop heaven for children and adults alike with four huge bounce nets, one filled with giant balls and one just for kids,…
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.
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.
Garden
Hailsham
Herstmonceux is renowned for its magnificent moated castle, set in 600 acres of glorious parkland and superb Elizabethan gardens.
Garden
Chichester
Creatively inspired by its rich heritage and South Downs setting, West Dean Gardens is brimming with features to enjoy. The gardens include a Walled Kitchen Garden and 13 working Victorian glasshouses, extensive and richly planted grounds including…
Historic House / Palace
Orpington
Visit Down House, the family home of Charles Darwin. Explore the atmospheric family rooms where he lived and worked and learn about his fascinating life and groundbreaking theories with our exhibition “Uncovering Origins” .
Road Cycling
Guildford
All inclusive guided bike tours of the Surrey Hills, only 35 minutes by train from central London. Bikes, helmets and tour guide are provided. You can see so much more by bike: hidden villages and woodlands; points of interest; incredible views; and…
Museum
Ramsgate
The Memorial Museum permanently houses splendid examples of two WW11 fighter aircraft, which served the Royal Air Force so well in so many areas of battle, both at home and overseas.
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
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