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: 263

, currently showing 61 to 80.

  1. 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.

  2. Winter Gardens Theatre

    Type

    Type:

    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.

  3. Andover Museum and Museum of the Iron Age

    Type

    Type:

    Museums & Galleries

    Andover

    Housed in a Georgian town house built in the 1750s, Andover Museum tells the story of the town and its surrounding area from prehistoric times to the present day.

  4. Eastgate House

    Type

    Type:

    Historic House / Palace

    Rochester

    Situated in the heart of historic Rochester, Eastgate House featured in the work of Charles Dickens.

  5. Drusillas Park

    Type

    Type:

    Animal Collection / Zoo

    Alfriston


    Award winning Drusillas Park offers a fun-tastic family day out that includes the best small zoo in Europe where you’ll come face to face with hundreds of exotic animals from monkeys and meerkats to penguins and pandas. But animals are just part…

  6. Stockbridge Down Wildlife and History Walk

    Type

    Type:

    Nature Trail / Watching

    Stockbridge

    Explore this isolated island of characteristic chalk downland set in a sea of intensively farmed land.

  7. Herstmonceux Castle Estate

    Type

    Type:

    Garden

    Hailsham

    Herstmonceux is renowned for its magnificent moated castle, set in 550 acres of glorious parkland and superb Elizabethan gardens.

  8. Devonshire Park Theatre

    Type

    Type:

    Theatre

    Eastbourne

    The Devonshire Park Theatre is a Grade II listed building designed by Henry Currey, built in 1884 and further improved by celebrated Theatre Architect Frank Matcham in 1903.
    The theatre has a seating capacity of 936.

  9. Bolney Wine Estate

    Type

    Type:

    Vineyard

    Bolney, Haywards Heath

    Find out why Sussex sparkling wine has been beating champagne in blind taste tests. Bolney Wine Estate carries a tradition brought to Britain nearly 2,000 years ago.

  10. Aldingbourne Country Centre

    Type

    Type:

    Parkland / Woodland Garden

    CHICHESTER

    The Aldingbourne Country Centre is a ‘Great day out’ in West Sussex.

    Visit their open farm, woodland walk, castle playground, maze, sand & water play area, ride on tractors, and indoor soft play. With their own onsite café, they also have a…

  11. Knockhatch Adventure Park

    Type

    Type:

    Adventure Park / Playground

    Hailsham

    Exciting family rides
    Amazing indoor & outdoor play
    Zoo, Daily Owl Displays & much more!

  12. The Surrey Explorer

    Type

    Type:

    Road Cycling

    Guildford

    All inclusive guided bike tours of the Surrey Hills, only 35 minutes by train from central London. Bikes, helmets and tour guide are provided. You can see so much more by bike: hidden villages and woodlands; points of interest; incredible views; and…

  13. River & Rowing Museum

    Type

    Type:

    Museum

    Henley-on-Thames

    We are here to tell the river’s story. Through exhibitions, galleries and educational activities that focus on the non-tidal River Thames, the town of Henley-on-Thames and the international sport of rowing, we use the river to excite, involve and…

  14. St. Thomas a Becket Church

    Type

    Type:

    Church / Chapel

    Capel Le Ferne

    Basically a Norman church from the 14th Century with significant wall paintings of 13th Century on the north wall.

  15. Hogshaw Farm & Wildlife Park

    Type

    Type:

    Farm

    Buckingham

    Located in beautiful open countryside where there's plenty of space for families to explore.

  16. 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.

  17. Walmer Castle & Gardens

    Type

    Type:

    Castle / Fort

    Deal

    This castle was built in 1540 as part of Henry Vlll's chain of coastal defences. See the Duke of Wellington's room, the reception rooms and magnificent commemorative gardens of HM Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother.

  18. Ridgeview Wine Estate

    Type

    Type:

    Vineyard

    Ditchling, Hassocks

    Ridgeview was established in 1995 and is renowned as a pioneer in emerging English sparkling wine industry. We offer tours, tastings and corporate hire at our state of the art winery, which overlooks the South Downs National Park.

  19. Bluebell Railway

    Type

    Type:

    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.