Kent Downs 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
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Beach
CAMBER
This stunning stretch of sandy beach is home to the only sand dune system in East Sussex. Camber Sands is the perfect get-away with unspoilt views of sand and sea stretching for miles.
Lake / Reservoir
READING
Hosehill Lake is also a local nature reserve. The path around the lake is a mile long and rustic seating and bird viewing areas at frequent intervals give the visitor time to stop and reflect.
Nature Trail / Watching
Brighton & Lewes Downs
The Brighton & Lewes Downs UNESCO Biosphere Region is an area that stretches between the river Adur and Ouse, where the chalk grasslands of the South Downs National Park meet the English Channel and continues into a Marine Conservation Zone out at…
Country / Royal Park
Basingstoke
This was originally part of the Hackwood Estate. Evidence of the historical significance of this site can still be seen in the Bolton Arch, the main entrance to Crabtree. The woodland is a mixture of oak, horse chestnut, sycamore and ash, with many…
Nature Trail / Watching
Aylesbury
A 5.5-mile circular walk starting at Brill. It combines stunning views over the Vale of Aylesbury with fascinating heritage, including the 17thC post mill on Brill Common.
Castle / Fort
Rochester
One of the finest keeps in England. Also the tallest, partly built on the Roman city wall. Good views from the battlements over the River Medway.
Water Based Activities
Goring By Sea, Worthing
Authorised retailler of major watersport brands, hire of sea kayaks and towable tube rides at Goring
Lake / Reservoir
Standlake
The watersports centre is located between our two lakes. We have a wide variety of watersports available both on a board and on your feet! There's no better day out than one on the water!
Picnic Site
Littlehampton
Located on Littlehampton promenade, home to a Quality Coast Award-winning beach, it’s officially the longest bench in Britain.
Country / Royal Park
Eastleigh
Sixty acres of lakes, meadow and young woodland situated between Eastleigh and Southampton with easy access.
Countryside, Parks & Gardens
Exbury
Created by Lionel de Rothschild in the 1920's, the Gardens are a stunning vision of his inspiration, offering 200-acres of natural beauty & horticultural variety. Exbury reflects the changing moods of nature. Early spring sees the magnolias and…
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.
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…
Country / Royal Park
Sandhurst
Trilakes Country Park incorporates an animal park, nationally renowned fishing lakes, cafe and a new indoor children's adventure playworld.
Animal Collection / Zoo
Weedon Lois, TOWCESTER
Try something different - take a Llama to lunch! Discover the beautiful Northamptonshire countryside leading one of our gentle llamas along bridleways and country lanes. Half day experience or full day treks with llamas or donkeys.
Historic Site
Oxford
Secular venue for the principal meetings & public ceremonies of the university.
Historic Site
Uffington
Pay a visit to this ancient rolling downland, home to an enigmatic chalk hill figure!
Beach
Bembridge
The main beach in Bembridge runs down the coast from the spit at the edge of Bembridge harbour. The beach is comprised of stones, pebbles and shells but has sand below the high water mark and a large sandbank that extends into the Solent at low tide.
Country / Royal Park
Crowborough
Crowborough Country Park is a 16 acre local nature reserve set within the Jarvis Brook area of Crowborough entranced from Osborne Road.
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…