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, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard and Winchester Cathedral in Hampshire, Osborne House on the Isle of Wight. These attractions have a host of 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.
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.
If you have trouble viewing the above sign up form on mobile, please click here.
Number of results: 259
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Steam Railway
Uckfield
The Bluebell Railway is a preserved country branch line, lovingly restored and maintained by a team of dedicated volunteers. The railway runs nostalgic steam trains through nine miles of Sussex countryside.
Museum
Worthing
Varied collections including art, costume, toys, archaeology and local history. Exciting programme of rotation exhibitions throughout the year. Garden hosts changing sculpture exhibitions.
History and Heritage
Winchester
Step into Anglo-Saxon Winchester!
Experience the sights and sounds of Anglo-Saxon Winchester and discover the stories of the people who lived there, brought to life with the spectacular world of Assassin’s Creed Valhalla and Discovery Tour: Viking…
Historic Site
Basing, Basingstoke
Discover the many stories of Basing House, a nationally important historical site. This magnificent attraction dates from the Norman period and was the site of the largest private house in Tudor England.
Museum
Birchington
The Powell-Cotton Museum offers an exciting, fun and interactive day out for all. There are incredible natural history displays, featuring animals from the African and Asian continents in world-famous dioramas as well as fascinating displays of…
Walking Tour
Hailsham
Unique holidays in Southern England, brought to you by Tudor History Tours, who offer an unrivalled opportunity to bring this period in our nation’s history to life!
Theatre
Worthing
The Art Deco Connaught Theatre, Cinema and Studio hosts a wide variety of plays ranging from musicals and thrillers to drama and children’s shows as well as 2D and 3D blockbuster films.
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…
Nature Reserve
ARUNDEL
WWT Arundel Wetland Centre is a 65-acre reserve in an idyllic setting, nestled at the base of the South Downs National Park.
Historic House / Palace
Petworth
Explore this majestic mansion and beautiful landscaped deer park.
Museum
Brighton
This fascinating museum houses exhibits that include hundreds of British birds displayed in recreated natural settings, insects from butterflies to beetles, a killer whale skeleton and dinosaur bones
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.
Theatre
Eastbourne
The Winter Garden consists of the Floral Hall, Gold Room and Devonshire Halls, used for functions, music, shows, conferences, exhibitions and comedy clubs.
Historic House / Palace
Aylesbury
This National Trust property houses the Rothschild Collection of art treasures and wine cellars. It also features spectacular grounds with an aviary, parterre and woodland playground, licensed restaurants, gift and wine shops.
National Park
The South Downs, now a newly designated National Park are accessible from Worthing. The South Downs Way runs from Winchester to Eastbourne and can be accessed at several points around Worthing or Adur.
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…
Gallery
Eastbourne
Towner, the contemporary art museum, is Eastbourne's new art gallery and centre for the visual arts in the South East.
Church / Chapel
Sandwich
The tower of St Peter's dominates the skyline of this town. A long and eventful history has moulded the character of the building. There was once a Norman church on the site. The present church dates from the late 13th and 14th centuries.
Historic House / Palace
Edenbridge
Childhood home of Anne Boleyn and later of Lord Astor.
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…
© Visit South East England 2025. All Rights Reserved
.png){kind=icon}
