There are two National Parks in South East England with the New Forest in Hampshire and South Downs, which stretches from Winchester to Eastbourne.
Both have an excellent selection of walking and cycling routes. Look out for ponies, horses, cows and even pigs roaming free in the New Forest while the South Downs has a selection of stunning viewpoints including Devil's Dyke, Ditchling Beacon and Beachy Head.
Other stretches of beautiful countryside in South East England include:
A review of the countryside in South East England wouldn’t be complete without reference to leafy Surrey near London. Newlands Corner, Box Hill and Leith Hill offer outstanding viewpoints around Guildford while Hatchlands Park and the Wey and Arun Canal Trust offer different countryside perspectives.
Half the Isle of Wight is designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, making it an ideal escape to the country. A varied terrain includes dramatic coastline with heritage status, nature reserves, woodlands, chalk hills and stunning views that'll test the memory of any Smartphone camera.
Highdown Gardens in Worthing, created out of a chalk pit over-looking the Downs, are a beautiful collection of unusual plants and trees including the National Plant Collection of the Plant Introductions of Sir Fredrick Stern. A visit to Worthing's countryside isn't complete without a trip to Cissbury Ring, the largest hill fort in Sussex and history dating back 5,000 years.
The rural geography of South East England makes for ideal star gazing spots to wonder in the night sky. Butser Ancient Farm in Hampshire is one such location, but anywhere away from the lights of urban centres is a great place to start.
Number of results: 217
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Sightseeing
Brighton
Take to the skies to see Brighton and the South Coast as you have never seen them before!
Cave
Chislehurst
Your whole family can travel back intime, on an exciting lamp-lit tour of the labyrinth that is Chislehurst Caves.
Beach
Hove
Hove seafront begins at Hove Lawns and stretches right along to Hove Lagoon, near Portslade. There is a stunning walk along the seafront, especially just as the sun rises or sets, from the West Pier onwards.
Country / Royal Park
Seaford
Situated in the Sussex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), the Seven Sisters Country Park comprises 280 hectares of chalk cliffs, meandering river valley and open chalk grassland.
Beach
Broadstairs
This magnificent horse shoe shaped bay is the main attraction in Broadstairs.
Nature Reserve
Horsham
A haven of peace and beauty within a mile of Horsham, this 92 acre site offers a 17 acre millpond, reedbeds and woodlands which are rich in flora, dragonflies and birdlife. Includes a visitor centre, cafe, two bird hides and free parking.
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…
Beach
Hastings
Hastings' main beach backs right onto the seafront of this established seaside resort town so you are never far away from the town's facilities and attractions.
Beach
Brighton
Saltdean beach is shingle between rock groynes backed by high chalk cliffs and at low tide, you have rock pools to explore. Located approximately 5 miles to the East of Brighton.
Forest
Crowborough
"A hidden treat". A unique 61 acre family-run working woodland, where you can still see traditional coppicing. Fascinating and beautiful at all seasons, with miles of paths and tracks to explore, including springtime bluebell walk.
Nature Trail / Watching
Dorking
Hidden woods with ancient trees and flower-sprinkled grasslands, just off the North Downs and Pilgrims Ways
Abinger Roughs, above the village of Abinger Hammer, is an area of grassland and mixed woodland - some of the mighty oak trees are over…
Walking
Chawton
Come and discover the beautiful countryside that inspired Jane Austen and take a peek inside her house where she lived and worked for 8 years.
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.…
Country / Royal Park
Hursley, Winchester
A large area of beautiful downland and woodland, including West Wood. The Park is ideal for walking and picnicking, with fine views over central Hampshire, particularly from the interesting monument at Beacon Hill. Several car parks serve the area.
Parkland / Woodland Garden
Worthing
A unique and beautiful garden on downland countryside overlooking the sea. The Chalk Garden is the achievement of Sir Frederick and Lady Stern who worked for 50 years to prove that plants would grow on chalk. Green Flag Award winner.
Country / Royal Park
Newbury
Heathland, valley bog and woodland. Suitable for most quiet recreational activities such as walking and picnicking. Walking distance to Donnington Castle.
Parkland / Woodland Garden
Horsham
Leechpool is an ancient woodland covering 53 acres and includes Oak, Ash, Hazel, Hawthorn, Holly, Blackthorn, Sweet Chestnut and Scots Pine.
Country / Royal Park
Maidstone
Mote Park has been a popular place to visit for both visitors and locals being a huge green open space in the heart of town. Its vast number of mature trees create a landscape of tranquil beauty.
Beach
Ramsgate
Ramsgate offers a popular long stretch of sandy beach situated right next to the only Royal Harbour and Marina in the country.
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