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: 258

, currently showing 141 to 160.

  1. The D-Day Story

    Type

    Type:

    Museum

    Portsmouth

    The D-Day Story is the only museum in the UK dedicated to the Allied Invasion in June 1944. It tells the unique personal stories behind this epic event. Also, home to the new fully restored only surviving D-Day Landing Craft LCT 7074, which is…

  2. St Mary's Church, Itchen Stoke

    Type

    Type:

    Church / Chapel

    Alresford

    A jewel inspired by the chapel of French kings

    St Mary's was built in 1866, by Henry Conybeare for his brother who was the Rector of the church, and felt the previous church was cold and damp.

    He himself bore most of the cost, with the…

  3. West End Centre, Aldershot

    Type

    Type:

    Theatre

    Aldershot

    Aldershot's West End Centre is a friendly, intimate venue that hosts classes, workshops, art exhibitions, music performances and stand-up comedy, and also has an on-site, small scale theatre.

  4. 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.

  5. Down House - The Home of Charles Darwin

    Type

    Type:

    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” .

  6. Congress Theatre

    Type

    Type:

    Conference / Exhibition Centre

    Eastbourne

    The Congress Theatre is Grade II* listed. Purpose built, the theatre and conference venue has a seating capacity of 1655, and is one of the largest theatres on the south coast.

  7. Queens Park Arts Centre & Limelight Theatre

    Type

    Type:

    Arts Centre

    Aylesbury

    Offering over 70 weekly arts and crafts workshops, live comedy, music and theatre as well as exhibitions and demonstrations, Queens Park Arts Centre and Limelight Theatre has something for everyone.

  8. 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.

  9. Leonardslee Gardens

    Type

    Type:

    Countryside, Parks & Gardens

    Horsham

    One of the finest gardens in Britain, Leonardslee will reopen to the public in March 2018. The Grade 2 listed Italianate style ropery will house dining facilities and become a local attraction for wedding groups and events.

  10. Eastney Engine Houses

    Type

    Type:

    Museum

    Eastney, Southsea

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

  11. Tulleys Farm

    Type

    Type:

    Family Fun & Activities

    Crawley

    Tulleys Farm believes in bringing people together by creating unique entertainment experiences for families, adults, and groups that unite great design with exceptional talent, resulting in lasting memories. Tulleys Farm boasts some of the country’s…

  12. Deal Castle

    Type

    Type:

    Castle / Fort

    Deal

    Deal Castle is one of the finest artillery works in England; this fortress once carried 119 guns. Now in the care of English Heritage, this castle offers exciting battlements, dark passages and a huge basement to explore.

  13. Riverhill Himalayan Gardens

    Type

    Type:

    Garden

    Sevenoaks

    Beautiful hillside garden, privately owned by the Rogers family since 1840, extensive views across Weald of Kent. Spectacular rhododendrons, azaleas, fine specimen trees and roses. Bluebell and natural woodland walks. Children's play area.

  14. Thames Path National Trail

    Type

    Type:

    Walking Tour

    Oxford

    The Thames Path National Trail is a wonderful way to explore the River Thames. This long distance walking route starts at the source of the river in a field in the Cotswolds and follows the banks of the Thames for 185.2 miles (298km) meandering…

  15. Royal Engineers Museum

    Type

    Type:

    Museum

    Gillingham

    There is something for all the family. Zulu War items, Boer War, World Wars I and II, planes, trains, tanks, bridges, bombs, 25 galleries.

  16. Royal Observatory Greenwich

    Type

    Type:

    Museum

    London

    Stand astride two hemispheres on the Prime Meridian Line and enjoy spectacular views over London at the Royal Observatory Greenwich.

  17. 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…

  18. 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…

  19. 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…

  20. 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.