East Sussex
Now more than ever it's become vitally important that we look after our health and wellbeing. With 3 million acres of natural beauty to explore in South East England, it's the perfect place to escape those four walls and safely enjoy the great outdoors. From National Parks to natural wonders, glorious gardens to waymarked walks, there's no better place to 'Love Where you Live'.
South East England has two National Parks covering over 2,193km2 between them. The New Forest in Hampshire and South Downs, which stretches with rolling hills from Winchester to Eastbourne.
We encouage you to enjoy the countryside at every opportunity, it is so good for our well being. However, whilst you are out and about remember to follow the Countryside Code. RESPECT - PROTECT - ENJOY. This code contains advice for the public and landowners, making it easier for visitors to help respect, protect and enjoy the outdoors.
Both our national parks have an excellent selection of walking and cycling routes, and their is plenty to keep the children entertained to. Looking out for ponies, horses, cows and even pigs roaming free around the New Forest while the South Downs has a selection of stunning viewpoints including Devils Dyke, White Cliffs of Dover and Beachy Head.
The South East also benefits from nine areas of outstanding natural beauty. These areas have been recognised for their exceptional landscape, character and natural beauty, and are prized enough to be protected for all to enjoy.
Half the Isle of Wight is a designated 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.
South East England's countryside also includes leafy Surrey near London. Newlands Corner, Box Hill and Leith Hill offer outstanding viewpoints around Guildford while the Wey and Arun Canal Trust offer the chance to discover the countryside from a different perspective.
Highdown Gardens in Worthing, created out of a chalk pit over-looking the Downs, offers a beautiful collection of unusual plants and trees including the National Plant Collection introduced by 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 Test Valley runs from the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty right down to the New Forest National Park in the south, with walkers and cyclists being able to enjoy parts of the 44 mile Test Way, nestling between Winchester, Salisbury and the New Forest.
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, along with the South Downs National Park which is the world's newest International Dark Sky Reserve and the Isle of Wight a UNESCO Biosphere reserve, but anywhere away from the lights of urban centres is a great place to start.
Number of results: 221
, 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!
Nature Reserve
Hill Head
Wetland nature reserve with varied habitats including river, marshland and scrapes. Excellent birdwatching with easy access to the viewing hides. Good views of other wildlife.
Beach
Broadstairs
A surfer’s paradise, this popular 200-metre long bay is known as the best surfing beach in Thanet.
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
Sheerness
Sheerness Beach is a shingle beach, bordered by a wide expanse of green open space which leads to the promonade - making it an ideal spot for a picnic. Popular amongst families, it offers plenty of attractions for a great day out.
Country / Royal Park
Riseley, Reading
Wellington Country Park, ‘The Biggest Outdoor play in Berkshire’, was established in 1974 by the Eighth Duke and Duchess of Wellington. Set in 350 acres of beautiful parklands off the A33 between Basingstoke and Reading, Wellington Country Park…
Beach
Sheerness
Minster Leas is a Blue Flag award winning (2017) beach on the north coast of the Isle of Sheppey in Kent.
Beach
Broadstairs
This magnificent horse shoe shaped bay is the main attraction in Broadstairs.
Garden
Hartley Wintney
West Green House Gardens is an historic garden with a contemporary twist.
Beach
Margate
A long stretch of sand coupled with ample free parking and children’s outdoor play area near by.
Natural Feature
Shoreham-by-Sea
The River Adur, an important trade route since Roman times, derives its name from the Celtic word 'Dwyr', meaning 'water'. It gives its name to the Adur District dividing it roughly in half.
Beach
Whitstable
As you walk along the Whitstable front you will come to grassy banks that gently slope down to the beach, characterised by pretty wooden beach huts and an established sailing club.
Garden
Hurst Green
Merriments’ stunning 4-acre RHS Partner Garden is one of the South East's hidden gems. The garden has deep meandering borders, a rich tapestry of colour, texture and scent.
Nature Reserve
ARUNDEL
A stunning nature reserve with guided boat trips through reedbeds, secluded spots to watch wildlife and a collection wildfowl from around the world.
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.
Nature Trail / Watching
Stockbridge
Explore this isolated island of characteristic chalk downland set in a sea of intensively farmed land.
Garden Centre
Oxford
Waterperry Gardens
Eight acre ornamental gardens with a fascinating history, including; Plant Centre, Gift Barn, Gallery, Museum, Teashop and events throughout the year.
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.
Beach
Shanklin
Shanklin Beach is a one of the Isle of Wight’s best known stretches of golden sands, which backs onto a traditional English seafront promenade.
Animal Collection / Zoo
Winchester
Embrace your wild side at Marwell Zoo! Home to hundreds of endangered and exotic species in 140 acres of beautiful parkland, there’s plenty for the whole family to enjoy and admire. From Amur tigers to brilliant birds, Marwell offers you the chance…
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