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 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 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.

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: 241

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  1. British Wildlife Centre

    Type

    Type:

    Animal Collection / Zoo

    Lingfield

    The British Wildlife Centre is the best place to see and learn about Britain’s own wonderful wildlife, with over forty different species including deer, foxes, otters, badgers, pine martens and red squirrels.

  2. High Beeches Woodland and Water Garden

    Type

    Type:

    Garden

    Haywards Heath

    High Beeches Woodland and Water Garden is a beautiful, tranquil and historic garden of some 27 acres. It was begun more than 100 years ago and is full of rare and important plants and trees.

  3. 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.

  4. Belmont House and Gardens

    Type

    Type:

    Historic House / Palace

    Faversham

    A late 18th century country house designed by Samuel Wyatt, seat of the Harris family since 1801. Harris clock collection, mementos of connections with India. Gardens and pinetum.

  5. Paradise Park

    Type

    Type:

    Theme Park

    Newhaven

    From plants to play, Paradise Park has something for all generations of the family to enjoy a unique and exciting day out. Visit Planet Earth Museum, Sussex Plant House, Sussex History Trail, themed gardens and extensive indoor and outdoor play…

  6. Manor Farm

    Type

    Type:

    Farm

    Southampton

    Traditional Hampshire farmstead - range of buildings, farm animals, machinery and equipment, pre-1950's farmhouse and 13thC church set for 1900 - living history site.

  7. 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.

  8. Bekonscot Model Village & Railway

    Type

    Type:

    Model / Miniature Village

    Beaconsfield

    Established in 1929, Bekonscot is the oldest original model village in the world, set in 1.5 acres of tranquil gardens and detailed model buildings, it is a brilliant day out for all the family and delights visitors of all ages.

  9. Isle of Wight Steam Railway

    Type

    Type:

    Steam Railway

    Ryde

    Inspiring, Surprising and Award-Winning … Equally appealing to adults and families, your visit to The Isle of Wight Steam Railway will charm, engage and captivate, leaving you with some lasting memories of a special day out.

  10. Cliff Railways - West Hill

    Type

    Type:

    Railway

    Hastings

    The West Hill Lift retains its original wooden Victorian coaches, and also runs through a tunnel, very unusual for a funicular.

  11. New Forest Activities

    Type

    Type:

    Family Fun & Activities

    Beaulieu

    New Forest Activities is a one-stop shop for booking activities and discovering what there is to do in The New Forest National Park. Based on Beaulieu High Street, the New Forest Activities Booking Centre specialised in providing information about…

  12. Longdown Activity Farm

    Type

    Type:

    Wildlife

    Southampton

    There’s farming fun for everyone at Longdown Activity Farm with a fabulous daily schedule of animal activities including bottle-feeding kid goats and calves, as well as the Animal Encounter Barn. There are so many exciting play areas too, including…

  13. 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.

  14. Brooklands Museum

    Type

    Type:

    Museum

    Weybridge

    Brooklands Museum is on the site of the world's first purpose-built motor racing circuit and houses collections of cars, motorcycles and bicycles, particular from the heyday of the track until it closed in 1939.

  15. St Peter’s, Preston Park

    Type

    Type:

    Church / Chapel

    Brighton

    This simple square-towered church, built from flint rubble, is 800-years old. It stands in the beautiful landscaped park of Preston Manor. Now all looks serene but in 1906 the church was damaged by fire and nearly lost its greatest treasures - its…

  16. Quex House & Gardens, Home of the Powell-Cotton Museum

    Type

    Type:

    Museum

    Birchington

    Quex House and Gardens, home of the Powell‑Cotton Museum in Birchington, Kent, is a unique heritage attraction offering a combined experience of history, nature, and world‑class collections. Set within Quex Park on the Kent coast, visitors can…

  17. Dover Museum and Bronze Age Boat Gallery

    Type

    Type:

    Museum

    Dover

    Dover Museum, the district's largest and most varied museum, has a range of fascinating real objects, models and original pictures showing the history and archaeology of Dover, along with the Dover Bronze Age Boat, the world's oldest known seagoing…

  18. Walmer Castle & Gardens

    Type

    Type:

    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.

  19. Newport Roman Villa

    Type

    Type:

    Historic Site

    Newport

    On the edge of Newport town centre, the remains of this Roman farmhouse are well worth discovering. The villa has one of the finest bath suites in southern England and there are hands on activities for all of the family.

  20. Preston Manor & Gardens

    Type

    Type:

    Historic House / Palace

    Brighton

    Discover the historic country house that shaped Brighton

    Discover the hidden history of the city at Preston Manor, Brighton’s only historic country house. Fully open with a completely refreshed visitor experience, this grand Edwardian estate…