Discover historic castle tourist attractions in South East England, credit Bodiam Castle

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Tourist Attractions

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We are passionate about you exploring South East England and enjoying the many indoor and outdoor attractions on offer within the region.  Whether you choose to visit those must-see royal palaces and castles, or the award-winning animal parks and gardens, discover somewhere new or re-visit a firm favourite, you'll find some of the most popular tourist attractions in England here in the South East, so you will never be stuck for ideas on places to visit and things to do whatever your interest.     

Dive into the Past

With over 185 million years of history to discover the South East is littered with historic houses, enchanting castles, impressive cathedrals and inspiring museums, allowing you to delve into stories of a time long since past.  Explore famous battles, smuggling adventures and stories of individuals that have changed the course of English history, you'll find them all here in the South East.   

For starters there is Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard and Winchester Cathedral in Hampshire, Osborne House on the Isle of Wight.  These attractions have a host of awards between them!

Kids Entertainment

If you are out with the family, and looking for some family fun, check out the exciting theme parkspopular zoos and farm parks – all of which are sure to provide that next memorable day out in South East England.  You'll also find a whole host of steam railways offering the chance to sit back and enjoy the beautiful South East countryside and kid friendly museums to discover, learn and inspire.

Don't miss a ride on the Bluebell Steam Railway in East Sussex, and the all-weather Beaulieu, Home of the National Motor Museum in the New Forest or Tapnell Farm on the Isle of Wight.

Made in the South East

Learn how local food and drink is made on one of the many distillery and brewery tours on offer, or join in one of the 'Made in South East' workshops where you can make, do and create your own holiday experience.There are over 140+ vineyards scattered across the South East for you to explore, offering the chance to enjoy a tour and tasting, a delicious lunch, or a wander around their glorious estates. Make a stop at Balfour Winery, Kent for a wine tasting mastercalss or a self guided tour, or head along to one of the regions great Country Pubs for a pint, great company and the chance to try an array of local brews - some of the most famous include Bombay Sapphire Distillery in Winchester.

Outdoors Adventures

South East England’s climate also makes the area perfect for must-see gardens such Painshill in Surrey or Bates Green Garden in East Sussex. With over 1900 hours of sunshine a year, the South East is one of the sunniest destinations in the UK. Take advantage of this fantastic location and experience a day at the races, enjoy a boat trip along the River Thames, a visit to one of the many award-winning blue flag beaches and dip you toe in the sea. With over 3 million acres of natural beauty and 400 miles of stunning coastline to explore you are sure to find plenty to enjoy here on a sunny day.

Adventure too the 140-acre Marwell Zoo home to hundreds of exotic and endangered species or take to the tree's for a different view with Go Ape with its various sites across the South.

Indoor Attractions

But if the weather changes, that doesn't matter too, as there are plenty of indoor attractions for a rainy day.  With beautiful heritage theatres full of entertainment, comedy, drama, dance and music for you to enjoy, along with great places to shop and eat, you can stay warm and dry inside.  The South East and all its diversity is ideal place to visit whatever the time of year, whatever the weather and with some great free things to do, it doesn't have to cost the earth either to get out and about on your next visit, staycation or holiday.

Best Tourist Attractions Near Me

Browse the below list featuring some of the best attractions in the South East or for a list of local attractions near you, select map view to search geographically.

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Number of results:

Number of results: 265

, currently showing 101 to 120.

  1. Fishers Adventure Farm Park

    Type

    Type:

    Farm

    Billingshurst

    Award-winning Adventure Farm Park and open all year. Ideally suited for ages 2-11 years. Huge variety of animals, rides and attractions from the skating rink, to pony rides, toboggan run, bumper boats, theatre shows and much much more!

  2. Bolney Wine Estate

    Type

    Type:

    Vineyard

    Bolney, Haywards Heath

    Find out why Sussex sparkling wine has been beating champagne in blind taste tests. Bolney Wine Estate carries a tradition brought to Britain nearly 2,000 years ago.

  3. Royal Military Canal

    Type

    Type:

    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.

  4. RAF Manston Spitfire & Hurricane Memorial Museum

    Type

    Type:

    Museum

    Ramsgate

    The Memorial Museum permanently houses splendid examples of two WW11 fighter aircraft, which served the Royal Air Force so well in so many areas of battle, both at home and overseas.

  5. Wiston Estate Winery

    Type

    Type:

    Vineyard

    PULBOROUGH

    Awarded Winery of the Year 2018, the beautiful family-run Wiston Estate offers Wine Tours by appointment from their vineyard nestled in the heart of the rolling South Downs in West Sussex. Each tour concludes with a guided tasting of their English…

  6. Preston Manor & Gardens

    Type

    Type:

    Historic House / Palace

    Brighton

    A delightful manor house which belonged to the Stanford family for over 200 years and which still has the atmosphere of an Edwardian country house.

  7. Oxford Castle & Prison

    Type

    Type:

    Heritage / Visitor Centre

    Oxford

    For the first time in 1000 years, the secrets of Oxford Castle have been ' unlocked', revealing episodes of violence, executions, great escapes, betrayal and even romance. Visit Oxford Castle and uncover the secrets for yourself.

  8. Aldingbourne Country Centre

    Type

    Type:

    Parkland / Woodland Garden

    CHICHESTER

    The Aldingbourne Country Centre is a ‘Great day out’ in West Sussex.

    Visit their open farm, woodland walk, castle playground, maze, sand & water play area, ride on tractors, and indoor soft play. With their own onsite café, they also have a…

  9. Walmer Castle & Gardens

    Type

    Type:

    Castle / Fort

    Deal

    This castle was built in 1540 as part of Henry Vlll's chain of coastal defences. See the Duke of Wellington's room, the reception rooms and magnificent commemorative gardens of HM Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother.

  10. Winchester Castle

    Type

    Type:

    Historic Site

    Winchester

    Winchester Castle includes The Great Hall, The Round Table and Queen Eleanor's Garden - see individual entries for more details.

  11. Hampshire Cultural Trust

    Type

    Type:

    Museum

    WINCHESTER

    Hampshire Cultural Trust was established as an independent charity in 2014 to promote Hampshire as a county that offers outstanding cultural experiences to both its residents and visitors.

  12. Leonardslee Gardens

    Type

    Type:

    Countryside, Parks & Gardens

    Horsham

    One of the finest gardens in Britain, Leonardslee will reopen to the public in March 2018. The Grade 2 listed Italianate style ropery will house dining facilities and become a local attraction for wedding groups and events.

  13. High Beeches Woodland and Water Garden

    Type

    Type:

    Garden

    Haywards Heath

    High Beeches Woodland and Water Garden is a beautiful, tranquil and historic garden of some 27 acres. It was begun more than 100 years ago and is full of rare and important plants and trees.

  14. Bexhill Museum

    Type

    Type:

    Museum

    Bexhill-on-Sea

    It’s curious, it’s quirky, it’s packed to the rafters with diverse objects with a surprise in every cabinet and around every corner.

  15. Paradise Park

    Type

    Type:

    Theme Park

    Newhaven

    From plants to play, Paradise Park has something for all generations of the family to enjoy a unique and exciting day out. Visit Planet Earth Museum, Sussex Plant House, Sussex History Trail, themed gardens and extensive indoor and outdoor play…

  16. Booth Museum of Natural History

    Type

    Type:

    Museum

    Brighton

    This fascinating museum houses exhibits that include hundreds of British birds displayed in recreated natural settings, insects from butterflies to beetles, a killer whale skeleton and dinosaur bones

  17. Lakeside Country Park

    Type

    Type:

    Country / Royal Park

    Eastleigh

    Sixty acres of lakes, meadow and young woodland situated between Eastleigh and Southampton with easy access.

  18. Kentish Lady

    Type

    Type:

    Boat Tours

    MAIDSTONE

    The Kentish Lady River boat is synonymous with Maidstone and is one of Kent’s premier excursion providers for groups and individuals, between Spring and Autumn we provide a unique experience of the Upper River Medway, we also offer self-drive hire…

  19. Go Ape Leeds Castle

    Type

    Type:

    Climbing / High Ropes

    Maidstone

    Just 7 miles southeast of Maidstone, you can find us in the grounds of Leeds Castle. We're just off the B2163 - through the main entrance on Penfold Hill. In addition to free parking, Go Ape boasts three high ropes experiences.