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

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Tourist Attractions

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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 Winchester Cathedral in Hampshire, Osborne House on the Isle of Wight.  These attractions have a host of awards between them!

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 or Tapnell Farm on the Isle of Wight.

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:

Number of results: 259

, currently showing 161 to 180.

  1. Portchester Castle

    Type

    Type:

    Castle / Fort

    Portchester

    A Roman-Saxon shore fort with Norman additions. A near-perfect keep and Norman church within the walls.

  2. Kentish Lady

    Type

    Type:

    Boat Tours

    MAIDSTONE

    The Kentish Lady River boat is synonymous with Maidstone and is one of Kent’s premier excursion providers for groups and individuals, between Spring and Autumn we provide a unique experience of the Upper River Medway, we also offer self-drive hire…

  3. The Great Hall with Westgate Museum

    Type

    Type:

    Historic Site

    Winchester

    Built by William the Conqueror, Winchester Castle was the seat of power of medieval monarchs. The Great Hall, one of the finest medieval halls in England, and the Westgate, which served as the castle’s primary defence, are now the sole survivors of…

  4. West Dean Gardens

    Type

    Type:

    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…

  5. 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…

  6. All Saints' Church

    Nuneham Courtenay

    A gentleman’s folly in a beautiful Thames-side setting

    This stunning church was built in the 1760s by Solicitor-General Simon Harcourt as part of the landscaped park for Nuneham Park House.

    Built to a classical design, with a gleaming dome and…

  7. Devonshire Park Tennis

    Type

    Type:

    Sports Ground

    Eastbourne

    Eastbourne’s oldest park probably dating from around 1873 or 1874 when the Devonshire Park Company was set up

  8. Aldershot Military Museum

    Type

    Type:

    Museums & Galleries

    Aldershot

    Housed in the only surviving brick-built barrack blocks left in Aldershot, Aldershot Military Museum tells the story of daily life for both soldier and civilian in the town since 1854. 

  9. The Brook Theatre

    Type

    Type:

    Theatre

    Chatham

    Formerly Chatham Town Hall, The Brook Theatre is a hive of entertainment, activity and learning.

  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. UK Electric Bike Centre, Vineyard tours on an electric bike

    Type

    Type:

    Sightseeing

    ASHFORD

    UK Electric Bike Tours run scheduled and bespoke electric bike tours in and around Kent. We also hire out electric bikes and help to advise you where to go and what to see.

  12. St Thomas' Church

    Type

    Type:

    Church / Chapel

    Hungerford

    Alabaster nobles and wall paintings in a rural idyll.

    This simple little church, with pre-Norman origins, stands in an idyllic spot beside a water meadow next to the River Lambourn.

    Its village has long since vanished, but the spirit of the…

  13. Denbies Wine Estate

    Type

    Type:

    Vineyard

    Dorking

    Established in 1986, Denbies Wine Estate is England’s largest single estate vineyard with 265 acres of vines.

  14. Bodleian Libraries

    Type

    Type:

    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.

  15. Amberley Museum

    Type

    Type:

    Museum

    Arundel

    Amberley Museum & Heritage Centre is a 36 acre open-air site dedicated to preserving the industrial heritage of the south east.

  16. Kelmscott Manor

    Type

    Type:

    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.

  17. Highdown Gardens

    Type

    Type:

    Parkland / Woodland Garden

    Worthing

    A unique and beautiful garden on downland countryside overlooking the sea. The Chalk Garden is the achievement of Sir Frederick and Lady Stern who worked for 50 years to prove that plants would grow on chalk. Green Flag Award winner.

  18. Bedgebury National Pinetum & Forest

    Type

    Type:

    Forest

    CRANBROOK

    The National Pinetum is a world-class collection of dramatic conifers and a beautiful setting for a country walk in all seasons.

  19. Chichester Cathedral

    Type

    Type:

    Cathedral / Minister

    Chichester

    In the heart of Chichester, a magnificent Cathedral with treasures ranging from medieval stone carvings to world famous 20th Century artworks. Free entry and free guided tours. Exhibitions, concerts and special trails for children.

  20. Wildheart Animal Sanctuary

    Type

    Type:

    Wildlife Centres & Nature Reserves

    SANDOWN

    From pocket sized primates to powerful predators, the residents of Wildheart Animal Sanctuary, will charm and amaze you!