101 Things to do in South East England - Part 2: Discover Something Different

25th May 2021

Hobbit House at Oastbrook Estate, 1066 Country

South East England is full of adventures and it certainly has a few surprises up its sleeves.  It is home to one of the most cosmopolitan cities outside of London - Brighton, its very own island, the Isle of Wight and a coastline where you experience the wonder of ancient white cliffs, hundreds of year-old rock formations, sand dunes, shingle spits and beautiful rock pools.  

Head out in search of the many follies littering the South East landscape, the twisting trees of ancient forests and the stunning views that will take your breath away.  You'll also find a host of new taste experiences to try from Garlic beer to Gorilla Gin, all made right here in the South East.  With a host of quirky and unusual places to stay, and some different experiences to enjoy, you're sure to find moments that will wow you, make you want to grab your camera and share stories about your travels with friends back home.

Discover the 2nd part of our 5 blogs, showcasing 101 things to do in South East England.  Take a look and find ‘something a little different’ for your next South East adventure.   

Hanningtons Lane, Visit Brighton

• Get into the cosmopolitan holiday vibe with a stroll around the famous Brighton Lanes. The twisting alleyways crammed with quaint shops and funky restaurants and cafes, choose to enjoy a coffee on the sidewalk or to shop till you drop. 
• Visit the brand new RHS Hilltop at RHS Wisley, Surrey. This new home of gardening science will open on 24 June 2021 and will be a place for us to inspire the next generation of scientists and open up our previously unseen work to visitors. 

• Literally experience a ‘high’ tea in the Clouds Cafe at the Spinnaker Tower, Portsmouth, 105 metres above sea-level.  Enjoy the spectacular views out across the city and sea. 
• Holidays are all about experiences, so step into the secret world of the submariner at the Royal Navy Submarine Museum, Gosport.  You can even step on-board a genuine submarine - HMS Alliance.  
• Stay at a vineyard in a luxury lodge nestled in the heart of Tinwood Estate’s Vineyard. Designed with luxury in mind they include a two-person jacuzzi bath, barrel sauna, a sumptuous extra-large king size bed and of course, a wine fridge fully stocked with Tinwood’s award-winning sparkling wine.  
• The English beach hut stretches back to the days of King George III. Why not book a stay in a modern equivalent at the Beachcroft Hotel and Beach Hut Suites, Bognor Regis and enjoy being by the sea 

The Old Railway Station, Petworth, West Sussex

• Stay in a Pullman Carriage at The Old Railway Station, Petworth, in the heart of The South Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Originally built in in 1892 you can stay in colonial splendour in one of the railway carriages or the station house itself.  
• Explore seven new site-specific artworks by leading contemporary artists and take part in the world's first ever art digital geocaching tour. Artworks are located in Eastbourne, Bexhill-on-sea, Hastings, Margate, Folkestone, Gravesend and Southend on Sea 
• Enjoy the most unforgettable flight, in the super smooth 14ft wind tunnel at iFLY Indoor Skydiving in Basingstoke - it doesn't matter what the English weather  does! There is lots more to do in Basingstoke, visit https://www.lovebasingstoke.co.uk/visit/see-do for inspiration   
• Stay at Oastbrook Vineyard in the unique Hobbit House deep in the Rother Valley. Close to Bodiam Castle, this hideaway offers unique luxury accommodation, built by local craftsmen from local materials. 

Isle of Wight Garlic Farm

• Experience the locally brewed artisan amber ale, infused with a garlic note from the Isle of Wight Garlic Farm.  Stop by and enjoy lunch, browse their shop and maybe even stay for the night in one of their self-catering cottages or yurts. 
• Experience the spectacular racing at Ascot Racecourse, taking place throughout the year, each race day offering a unique theme and atmosphere. 
• You don't have to go to India or China to enjoy breath-taking architecture and design.  A visit to the Royal Pavilion, Brighton is much easier to reach.  This instantly recognisable building stands out as a symbol of Brighton and is a marriage of cultures from around the world. 

• Make chocolate in the heart of Royal Windsor!  Visit Dr Choc's Windsor Chocolate Factory and discover why chocolate is the best medicine. 
• Enjoy a sneaky peek into the world of spirit making with a distillery tour at Gorilla Spirits Gin Co Distillery, nestled in Upton Grey in the wonderful countryside surrounding Basingstoke. 
• Head to Hampshire where you can not only experience the world’s only year-round passenger hovercraft service from Portsmouth to the Isle of Wight, but also visit the UK's only Hovercraft Museum at Gosport. See the actual one that featured in the Bond movie 'Die Another Day' plus ones from Top Gear, Scrapheap Challenge and Salvage Squad TV programmes 
• Discover Poole's varied history on the self-guided Cockle Trail, with 17 points of interest and blue plaques to explore. It's a great way to delve into the destinations hidden history.   
• Meander your way through the medieval streets of Sandwich, still lined with half-timbered buildings, to the Guildhall and dive into the town's rich history at the family friendly museum, you’ll even find a collapsible jury box in the old Courtroom