Surrey Hills AONB
With over 3 million acres of countryside to explore in South East England, it's the perfect place to escape the four walls and enjoy some great open spaces, fresh air and exercise. Discover the National Parks, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, country parks, nature reserves, glorious gardens, waymarked walks of the South East.... there's no better place to fall in love with the great outdoors.
South East England is home to two National Parks covering over 2,193km2 between them. New Forest National Park in Hampshire, famous for its colourful heather, and ponies that wander through the villages and across its large open expanses and forest trails, and South Downs National Park which stretches from Winchester to Eastbourne, through the counties of Hampshire, West Sussex and East Sussex, and is the newest National Park in the UK. One of the many iconic images of the South, is the white chalk cliffs of the Seven Sisters and Beachy Head which is part of the South Downs, along with the famous Devils Dyke, Blackdown and ancient forests of Kingsley Vale, all providing some of the best countryside in the UK. Don't miss the chance to visit both parks when you are here in South East England, they have very different landscapes and experiences to enjoy.
We encourage you to explore the countryside at every opportunity, it is so good for your well-being and mental health. However, whilst you are out and about remember to follow the Countryside Code - RESPECT - PROTECT - ENJOY. This countryside code contains advice for the public and landowners, making it easier for visitors to help respect, protect and enjoy the outdoors
There are an amazing nine Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in South East England. These have been recognised for their exceptional landscape, character, and natural beauty, and are prized enough to be protected for all to enjoy. Whether you choose to hunt for dinosaur footprints on the Isle of Wight, follow in the path of Olympians in the Surrey Hills or be charmed by the space and beauty of Chichester Harbour, these areas offer the chance to explore the beautiful English countryside easily. Reaching into every county in the South East it doesn't matter where you stay or visit, it is easy to head out and explore these stunning rural areas with the Kent Downs, Surrey Hills, North Wessex Downs and Chiltern Hills providing the easiest access to countryside near London.
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 coastlines with heritage status, nature reserves, woodlands, chalk hills and stunning views that'll test the memory of any smartphone camera.
There are approximately 50 chalk carved figures in the UK countryside, the most famous is the Uffington White Horse in Oxfordshire, which is located 25 miles outside of Oxford and is believed to date back to the bronze age. It can be found in the aptly named Vale of the White Horse and can be seen for miles dancing over the Ridgeway hills. Head to Eastbourne and walk to the bottom or top of the Long Man of Wilmington, a giant etched out in slopes of Windover Hill.
Don't miss the ever changing seasons that bring yearly change to the countryside, from carpets of white snowdrops in winter (January - February) the stunning bluebells walks that follow (April - May) or the rich colours of Autumm that signal the end of summer.
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.
Most of the world's chalk streams are found here in the southeast of England. The crystal-clear water provides a unique habit for wildlife, and is one of most biodiverse types of rivers in the UK, they provide a beautiful place to walk and lookout for wildlife. The rivers wander through some of the most beautiful British countryside with tranquil water meadows and rolling chalk hills. The River Test, Itchen and Meon are the three main chalk rivers in Hampshire.
You may not know that the South East is also home to two UNESCO Biosphere Reserves at Brighton and the Isle of Wight - there are only 7 sites in the UK. These Biospheres bring together rural, marine and urban environments, to take care of these special places for both nature and people.
Our extensive list below will help you find a host of ideas and countryside near me to visit when next in South East England.
Number of results: 229
, currently showing 181 to 200.
Parkland / Woodland Garden
Littlehampton
A great place to walk, exercise and observe nature through the seasons.
Natural Feature
Lancing
A landlocked brackish lagoon which is home to some unique plantlife and a regular base for some birds.
Country / Royal Park
Lightwater
The Country Park is predominately heathland habitat, but there are also ponds, woodland, shrubs and lowland bog
Fishing
Sarisbury Green, Southampton
A beautiful setting for fly-fishing in rural Sarisbury Green. Clean weed-free water with good access for all keen fly-fishers. Pre-order catering available for all visitors. Corporate entertainment also available.
Enviromental Attraction
Itchenor, Chichester
Chichester Harbour is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty including the harbour and surrounding land. Year round programme of guided walks and activities throughout Chichester Harbour including trips on a solar-powered boat.
Museum
Pitstone
Major collection of historical farm implements, local rural crafts and domestic bygones housed in Listed farm buildings.
Walking Tour
Wadhurst
Great Oak Walks offers scenic self-guided walking holidays, over rolling hills and fields and through ancient woodland and valleys, linking some of the finest castles, houses and gardens in England.
Nature Reserve
Chobham Common is the largest National Nature Reserve in the southeast of England and one of the finest remaining examples of lowland heath in the world. Managed and maintained by the Surrey Wildlife Trust for nature conservation.
Viewpoint
Dorking
Set in the beautiful Surrey Hills Leith Hill has always been a popular place for visitors as there are so many adventures to be had and interesting spots to explore. Climb to the top of the tower and admire the views from the highest point in…
Garden Centre
Bampton
Bampton Garden Plants started out as a small plant sale that occurred a couple of times a year serving local residents in and around the village of Bampton.
Natural Feature
Dorking
Dramatic and stunning chalk escarpment with panoramic views With amazing views towards Leith Hill, the highest point in south east England, Denbies Hillside is a great spot for wildlife-watching. Named after John Denby, a 17th-century farmer, the…
Garden
Slough
This Grade 1 registered Garden of Remembrance contains formal and informal water features, a colonnade, rose garden, woodland, rock garden and open parkland with stunning views across the Capability Brown landscape.
Water Mill
Reading
The last working corn and grist watermill on the Thames with parts dating from the 15thC. Flour produced is sold in the shop, and the traditional working machinery can be viewed.
Animal Collection / Zoo
Reading
Located on the banks of the River Thames in Berkshire, Beale Park is home to a unique collection of rare and endangered birds, animals favourites including monkeys, prairie dogs, meerkats and wallabies.
Picnic Site
Dichling
Ditchling Beacon is located 7 miles to the north of Brighton and just south of the village of Ditchling. At 248 metres above sea-level, Ditchling Beacon is the highest point in East Sussex and offers commanding 360 degree views from its summit. Look…
Lake / Reservoir
Reading
This beautiful lake offers a wide range of activities from open water swimming, stand up paddle boarding, kayaking, canoeing, aqua park and family beach with an onsite cafe and bar serving food and drinks throughout the day.
Historic Site
Arundel
If you’re looking for weekends, short breaks or days out, Arundel is perfect for couples - spanning the banks of the beautiful River Arun, the town lies between the magnificent South Downs and the Sussex coastline.
Model / Miniature Village
GODSHILL
RHS Partner Garden & Winner of Wight in Bloom Small Tourist Attraction 2016
This beautiful Model Village nestles in the grounds of the Old Vicarage. Set in nearly two acres of gorgeous landscaped gardens this is a real retro find - a…
Country / Royal Park
Hurst
A 350-acre site with meadows, fishery, watersports and conservation lakes. Three bird hides, orienteering course, children's play area, cafe.
Nature Reserve
Bruern
Foxholes is a tranquil woodland sloping down to the River Evenlode with year-round colour and wildlife interest but particularly noted for its springtime bluebells.
Managed by Berks, Bucks & Oxon Wildlife Trust, this 66ha (165 acre) reserve has a…