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 and Portsmouth Historic Dockyard in Hampshire - 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 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.

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: 238

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  1. Bewilder Box Escape Rooms Brighton

    Type

    Type:

    Escape Room

    Hove

    Bewilder Box is a puzzle based adventure game in which you and your team race against the clock to complete challenges whilst taking part in a tantalisingly silly immersive story. For families, friends, stag/hen parties, & team building!

  2. The Needles Landmark Attraction

    Type

    Type:

    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.

  3. 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…

  4. Waddesdon Manor

    Type

    Type:

    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.

  5. Museum of Gardening and South Downs Heritage Centre

    Type

    Type:

    Heritage / Visitor Centre

    Brighton Road, Hassocks

    Independent British artists, designers and makers regularly showcase their work to the public at this unique visitor attraction in a stunning oak-framed barn. The South Downs Heritage Centre is the perfect stop to explore, discover, shop and enjoy…

  6. Chiltern Open Air Museum

    Type

    Type:

    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…

  7. Winchester Castle

    Type

    Type:

    Historic Site

    Winchester

    Winchester Castle includes The Great Hall, The Round Table and Queen Eleanor's Garden - see individual entries for more details.

  8. Go Ape Leeds Castle

    Type

    Type:

    Climbing / High Ropes

    Maidstone

    Just 7 miles southeast of Maidstone, you can find us in the grounds of Leeds Castle. We're just off the B2163 - through the main entrance on Penfold Hill. In addition to free parking, Go Ape boasts three high ropes experiences.

  9. Dover Castle

    Type

    Type:

    Castle / Fort

    Dover

    Discover 2000 years of history at Dover Castle! Step inside the Great Tower and immerse yourself in the medieval world and royal court of King Henry ll. Travel deep inside the White Cliffs and tour the Underground Hospital.

  10. 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.…

  11. The Historic Dockyard Chatham

    Type

    Type:

    Historic Site

    Chatham

    The Historic Dockyard Chatham is a unique, award winning maritime heritage destination with a fantastic range of attractions, iconic buildings and historic ships to explore, PLUS a fabulous programme of touring exhibitions at No.1 Smithery.

  12. Flora Thompson Circular Walk

    Type

    Type:

    Walking

    Liphook

    Flora Thompson, of Lark Rise and Candleford fame, inspired this circular walk on Weavers Down and Holly Hills near Liphook. Flora Thompson came to Liphook in August 1916, when her husband John was appointed postmaster here. In 1926 they bought a…

  13. Kew Wakehurst

    Type

    Type:

    Garden

    Haywards Heath

    Wakehurst Place and the interactive Millennium Seed Bank exhibition are the perfect answer for visitors of all ages, whatever time of the year. Open all year.

  14. Field Place & Arts Complex

    Type

    Type:

    Event Venue

    Worthing

    A popular facility offering bowls, petanque, a centre for artists and potters, the Barn Theatre, and other activities. There are lovely grounds with childrens play area and the Model Engineers miniature railway (see events).

  15. SS Shieldhall

    Type

    Type:

    Boat Trip

    Southampton

    Shieldhall was laid down in October 1954 and entered service in October 1955. Built by Lobnitz & Co of Renfrew, she is of special interest as she was built on older classic lines with a traditional wheelhouse, of riveted and welded construction with

  16. 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.

  17. Bombay Sapphire

    Type

    Type:

    Distillery

    Whitchurch

    Located in rural Hampshire just 60 miles from London, Laverstoke Mill is a site steeped in natural beauty, sitting astride the crystal clear River Test and situated within a Conservation Area and Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

  18. Windsor Castle

    Type

    Type:

    Castle / Fort

    Windsor

    Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world and the Official Residence of Her Majesty The Queen. Its rich history spans almost 1000 years.

  19. Coral Reef Bracknell's Water World

    Type

    Type:

    Adventure Park / Playground

    Bracknell

    Find out why this has become one of Berkshire's most popular attractions with with 3 giant water slides, pirate ship, erupting volcano and water rapids.