101 Things to do in South East England - Part 1: Small & Simple Pleasures

24th May 2021

Undercastle Cottage, New Forest, Hampshire

With the recent lifting of the restrictions and most businesses now able to welcome back guests, inside and out, let us inspire you to get you out and about, travelling and meeting up with friends and family in South East England.  As international travel remains uncertain, now is a great time to make the most of the fantastic UK, from discovering new places you haven’t visited before, to revisiting those old tried and tested favourites.  2021 has been deemed the year of the ‘staycation’, so why not take a look and discover a whole of host of adventures, just waiting for you here in the South East. 

Let us help you get those 'wish lists' going, with our amazing 101 things to do in South East. This is the 1^st of 5 blogs we are posting this week themed around this year's hot travel trends. You'll not only find a destination full of diversity, from its beautiful coastline to its glorious countryside, you'll find a destination full of small and simple pleasures to make you smile, lift the mood and make you feel like to you have escaped from the everyday.   

South East England is one of the sunniest destinations in the UK, with over 1900 hours of sunshine a year, so there's plenty of opportunity to spend time on the many award-winning beaches, building sandcastles or strolling along the promenade. Or visiting the newest or smallest of the National Parks or one of the other nine areas of outstanding natural beauty located within the South.  Enjoy a picnic in the countryside, a climb to seek an amazing view, or time just in space and fresh air that over three million acres of natural beauty can provide. 

Take a look and discover some Small and Simple pleasures to enjoy on your next visit, staycation or holiday in South East England.  

Sussex Prairie Gardens, Henfield

• Roam the Sussex Prairie Garden, near Henfield, a must-visit during the late summer for the dreamy combinations of perennials and grasses. The soft colours and borders encourage exploration, the garden complements the natural landscape, whilst also housing various artists in residence, sculptures and exhibitions.  
• Walk in the footsteps of Jane Austen across the beautiful East Hampshire countryside that inspired her writing. The 4.5-mile circular walk starts at Jane Austen’s House in Chawton and passes by Chawton House Library and the village of Farringdon.
• Head out for an on the water adventure with Elvey’s Canoes along the beautiful River Medway. Hire your own, or travel on an organised event on this quiet river full of wildlife and beauty.
• Take a hike up the infamous Tennyson Down and reward yourself with spectacular views as you reach the monument at the top.

• Enjoy a summer's evening out under the stars combined with some fantastic live entertainment at the BOAT, Brighton Open Air Theatre.  From dance and live music, stand-up comedy to family friendly productions.
• Crack open a crab. Enjoy one of ‘Europe’s Top 10 Beach Restaurants’ on the coast at Worthing. The Crab Shack offers the freshest Crab, Prawns, Squid and much more right beside the sea.
• Get close to nature with a stay at Gambledown Farm in one of their brand-new luxury barn conversions. You can purchase home grown produce from the farm shop, get involved in farm life, and stretch your legs in the 270 acres of Hampshire countryside.
• There are not many places to see the Red Squirrel today.  Head out on foot or bike and take the aptly named Red Squirrel trail on the Isle of Wight, keeping an eye out for the island’s famous furry residents on route.
• You don't have to travel to north west Spain to do the famous Camino Ingles to Santiago de Compostela, there is an English leg of this pilgrim route.  It starts at St James Church in central Reading.
• Do you fish or would you like to learn? Fishing Breaks provide a full program of fishing days, camps and parties for all ages and abilities along the famous chalk stream that is the River Test, Hampshire.

River Test, Bossington – Test Valley

• Walk in the footsteps of William the Conqueror along the 31-mile long 1066 Country Walk. 2021 will see ten specially commissioned sculptures based on the Bayeux Tapestry being added along the route.

1066 Country Walk credit Jim Holden

• Take to two wheels and head out and explore the new King Alfred's Way. The route cuts through the heart of Hampshire as well as neighbouring Surrey, Berkshire and Wiltshire countryside, connecting four of England's National Trails. Starting and finishing at King Alfred's statue in Winchester, it provides a network of long-distance off-road routes across the South East.
• Head out and up with a visit to Beacon Hill an impressive iron age hillfort near Burghclere in Basingstoke and Deane, with extensive views over the North Wessex Downs. 
• Take a wander through the ancient capital of the UK, Winchester. This market town is home to a host of independent shops, local producers and a whole wealth of history and heritage to explore.
• Walk your way round Hengistbury Head to the Spit, peppered with beautiful beach huts, you can enjoy the stunning views across to Christchurch on one side and the Isle of Wight on the other.
• Great accommodation makes for a great holiday, the Two Hoots adult only campsite in Alresford, Hampshire is a Trip Advisor Travellers Choice winner.  With its 2 shepherd huts, 4 camping pods and space for 5 caravans or campervans it offers an escape to the South East countryside.  

Two Hoots Campsite, Hampshire

• Experience the far-reaching views from the new all-weather cabanas at the Denbies Vineyard Hotel, Surrey combined with a food and wine matching experience.
• Escape to the countryside with a stay at the fairy tale Undercastle Thatched cottage. Located at the end of a private track you will be surrounded by trees and sprawling acres of the New Forest National Park and all its wonderful wildlife.
• Explore one of Bournemouth's 1000 acres of gardens, making up 20% of the whole borough including right at its heart, the 1.5-mile grade II listed, lower, central and upper gardens.

• Discover the largest pinetum in the World at Bedgebury in 1066 Country. The 350 acres of rolling Wealden countryside is awe-inspiring in its size and grandeur.
• Did you know that the brand-new English Coast Path National trail will stretch a total of 2,795 miles. Walk along the section, which includes the iconic White Cliffs of Dover from Folkestone, through to Ramsgate.
• Benefit from 60% off RRP at more than 90 designer outlets at Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth. Situated at the water's edge, it's also home to 30 bars and restaurants, a cinema, bowling alley and contemporary art gallery.

Discover a host of other great places to visit including award winning blue flag beaches, walks, cycle routes and gardens in the South East.  Please remember to plan ahead and pre-book your visits before you travel to avoid disappointment.  This list is written to provide inspiration and ideas, please visit the individual attraction/destination websites for the most up to date information.