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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, National Landscapes (Previously known as 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 National Landscapes (Formally known as 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 National Landscape, 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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Animal Collection / Zoo
Ringwood
Liberty's is home to a large collection of birds of prey and reptiles. Observe the birds flying free and reptiles up close in various spectacular displays throughout the day. Kennels for dogs provided free of charge.
Nature Reserve
Maidstone
The Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is a nationally important, protected landscape offering, beauty, tranquility, fascinating history, vibrant communities, local produce and many opportunities to explore and enjoy.
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…
Waymarked Trail
RYE
The scenic route this canal takes is perfect for walking and cycling. Dug by hand in the early 19th century, the canal was designed as a defence barrier on the low-lying land between Winchelsea and Hythe.
Museum
Pitstone
Major collection of historical farm implements, local rural crafts and domestic bygones housed in Listed farm buildings.
Country / Royal Park
Eastleigh
Sixty acres of lakes, meadow and young woodland situated between Eastleigh and Southampton with easy access.
Country / Royal Park
Newbury
One of the best known hill forts in England and the site of one of the beacons that formed a network across Hampshire.
Beach
Aldwick and, Bognor Regis
London Clay good for fossil hunting, particularly around Bognor Rocks, west of pier and along to Aldwick Rocks
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.
Country / Royal Park
Lightwater
The Country Park is predominately heathland habitat, but there are also ponds, woodland, shrubs and lowland bog
Country / Royal Park
Aldershot
Brickfields Country Park, possibly the smallest country park in the UK.
Country / Royal Park
Faversham
Oare Gunpowder Works - Gunpowder was manufactured at Oare for several centuries on a site that has become valuable for wildlife.
Natural Feature
Worthing
Cissbury Ring, just north of the coastal town of Worthing, is one of the jewels in the crown of the new South Downs National Park. It's the largest hill fort in Sussex and has a history dating back over 5,000 years.
Natural Feature
Leatherhead
Ancient commons, mentioned in the Domesday Book, with grassland plains, mighty oak woods and serene ponds
Animal Collection / Zoo
Speen, Princes Risborough
Pay a visit to the oldest horse charity in the world, established in 1886 to help the working horses of London.
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.
National Park
Lyndhurst
Spotting deer in the New Forest isn't always easy, but at Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary there is a purpose built viewing platform overlooking a large meadow area where a herd of fallow deer regularly gather.
Nature Reserve
Maidstone
A beautifully restored 17thC barn, now a visitor centre, with displays on Kent's wildlife habitats and nature reserves, surrounded by a large wildlife garden. Small shop and cafe
Castles & Stately Homes
Basingstoke
he Vyne is a warm red-bricked Tudor mansion built in the 16th century for Lord Sandys, Henry VIII's Lord Chamberlain, which later passed into the hands of the Chute family, who cared for the house and estate for over 300 years. It was remodelled to…
Country / Royal Park
Gillingham
Riverside Country Park is an excellent site for Winter birdwatching.
Situated alongside the Medway Estuary at Gillingham, the park is made up of many different habitats, including ponds, reedbed and grassland.
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