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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 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.
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.
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: 239
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Museum
Rochester
Discover the history of Medway from pre-historic times to the present day at the Guildhall Museum in Rochester.
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.
Castle / Fort
Deal
Discover a Tudor fortress turned country house with over eight acres of award-winning gardens. Walmer Castle was built by Henry VIII and later became home to the Lords Warden of the Cinque Ports, including the Duke of Wellington and the Queen Mother.
Venue Provider
WINCHESTER
The brand-new place to experience live performance, library and community services, art, classes and talks, all together, under one roof in the heart of Winchester.
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.
Vineyard
Dorking
Established in 1986, Denbies Wine Estate is England’s largest single estate vineyard with 265 acres of vines.
Gallery
Hastings
Hastings Contemporary brings world-class modern and contemporary art to the heart of Hastings Old Town.
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.
Special Interest
Alton
Growing and harvesting lavender, used to produce a wide range of products. Essential Oils, Body Care, Home Fragrance and more. Farm shop open all year round. Field is open to visitors every day during the flowering season (June-August)
Museum
Portsmouth
Portsmouth Museum and Art Gallery is the museum of and for the people of Portsmouth, featuring exciting and varied displays.
Climbing / High Ropes
Ringwood
Located 10 miles north of Bournemouth and 5 miles west of Ringwood, you can find us in Moors Valley Country Park. We're just off Horton Road - near to the New Forest. Go Ape Moors Valley hosts five action-packed adventures.
Country / Royal Park
Beaulieu
Lepe Country Park has something for everyone. The long stretch of shingle beach is popular with kite surfers and wind surfers, families and holidaymakers. From the shoreline you can look across the Solent to the Isle of Wight. Watch yachts, ferries…
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.
Abbey / Priory
Canterbury
This great Abbey, marking the rebirth of Christianity in southern England, was founded in AD 597 by St Augustine.
Abbey / Priory
Battle
Visit the site of one of the most famous battles in England's history – the 1066 Battle of Hastings, and discover the fascinating story of events behind that historic date.
Science Centre
Morn Hill, Winchester
Winchester Science Centre is more than a day out. It’s a chance to spark your children’s curiosity in science which could lead them on an exciting journey for life! Situated in the stunning South Downs National Park, this exciting family destination…
Animal Collection / Zoo
Dartford
Eagle Heights is a Not for Profit organisation that is home to a vast collection of Birds of Prey as well as Meerkats, Reptiles, Servals and over 20 rescued Huskies!
Castle / Fort
Hastings
Breath-taking panoramic views of the English Channel and historic Hastings Old Town frame this legendary ancient monument. Formed by 8,000 years of settlements, stories and the seaside, it's now home to a wild variety of plants and animals,…
Castle / Fort
Southsea, Portsmouth
Visit Henry VIII's Southsea Castle, right along the water's edge.
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.
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