Why choose South East England?

Share this with

x

Discover South East England, with its rich history and heritage and acres of natural beauty. Explore the destinations links to royalty with a visit to the iconic Windsor Castle, the fascinating Royal Pavilion or the Queen Victoria's holiday home on the Isle of Wight.  Dive into the past and marvel at King Henry's famous warship the Mary Rose or learn the stories and sacrifices of those involved in the D-Day landings.  Walk the cobbled streets and admire the historic half-timber houses of Rye or enjoy the bohemian vibes of the bustling lanes of Brighton.  South East England is a destination with royal, literary and film connections aplenty, with vibrant cities, bustling towns, and quaint villages littered throughout the region, all awaiting to be explored.

We hope that these pages provide inspiration for your group and individual itineraries. We have highlighted some great places to visit across the region.

Coastal Discoveries 

With 400 miles of stunning coastline and 27 blue flag award-winning beaches, there are plenty of coastal towns and cities providing a great backdrop for an escape by the sea. Whether you choose to get out on the water or enjoy from the slidelines, discover its marine wildlife or just enjoy the stunning views and natural beauty, the South East coastline is must do on a visit to the region.

Inspiration

  1. Rye Harbour Nature Reserve
    An important wildlife site set in an exceptional coastal and wetland landscape. Home to more than 4,355 species of plants and animals.
  2. Full Throttle Boat Charters
    Boat trips from Rye Harbour out to sea for an exhilarating experience. 9 seater RIB speedboat is the best way to see the Sussex coastline
  3. Hover Travel
    Hovertravel provides the fastest Isle of Wight ferry route across the Solent and is the world’s only year round passenger hovercraft service
  4. Spinnaker Tower
    Stands at 170 metres tall, offering breath-taking 23 mile views over the city, Portsmouth Harbour, the Solent and the Isle of Wight. It has a high speed lift and 3 sky-high viewing decks. The thrilling glass ‘Sky Walk’ is 100m above sea level.
  5. Samphire Hoe
    There is something for everyone who enjoys the outdoors and wildlife: a stunning location and outstanding scenery, peace and quiet, walks, wildflowers, birds and picnics.
  6. Dover Sea Sports Centre and River Runner
    White Cliff Country offers paddle boarding, windsurfing and sailing at Dover Sea Sports Centre or why not have a ride River Runner leaving from Sandwich Quay to see if you can spot seals in their natural habitat.

Explore the Countryside 

With 3 million acres of countryside, South East England is a walker’s paradise, with two National Parks and nine Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty to explore. A voyage of discovery awaits on one of the many National Trails, at one of the many nature reserves, country parks or gardens littered throughout the region.

Inspiration

  1. The Savill Garden
    In 1932 Queen Mary gave Sir Eric Savill permission to develop The Savill Garden, a 35-acre garden in Windsor Great Park.
  2. French Brothers
    French Brothers run boat trips on the River Thames from Windsor, Runnymede and Maidenhead. Choose from a short return trip or a full-day cruise.
  3. Gravetye Manor
    35 acres of stunning world renowned gardens set in 1000 acres of woodland. Gardens are considered amongst the most influential in English gardening history. Gardens include a 1.5 acre walled kitchen garden (elliptical in shape) and glasshouses.
  4. Charles Palmer Vineyards
    Charles Palmer Vineyards is a family run wine estate that sits within the National Trust owned 16th Century Manor House, Wickham Manor, in Winchelsea nestled within the 750-acre mixed farm producing a sparkling wine of the highest standard.
  5. Walmer Castle
    Explore over eight acres of award-winning gardens in the grounds of a Tudor fortress turned country house. Built on the orders of Henry VIII to defend England's southern shores.
  6. Keats' Walk - Ode to Autumn
    Follow in the footsteps of English Romantic poet, John Keats, while he staying in Winchester. It is said to be the inspiration for his famous poem 'To Autumn'.

Cultural Escapes 

The South East's rich cultural offering is awe-inspiring. Whether it’s the chance to embrace British history, follow in the footsteps of royalty or take inspiration from the destination that has inspired over 7 million literary words to be written, there is history, heritage and stories around every corner.

Inspiration

  1. De La Warr Pavilion
    Open skies and broad horizons inspire the imagination and highlight the growing arts scene at Bexhill on sea with contemporary De La Warr Pavilion.
  2. Rye
    A medieval citadel huddled against invaders and the sea. It’s home to a myriad of art, curiosities, cosy pubs, as well as modern boutique hotels, contemporary restaurants and Rye Castle Museum (Ypres Tower).
  3. The D-Day Story
    Following a £5 million transformation project (Heritage Lottery Fund) - the museum provides an engaging insight into the lives of those who took part in D-Day; individuals on the shore in Portsmouth, or those who went over to Normandy.
  4. Whitchurch Silk Mill
    A creative collaboration between Whitchurch Silk Mill and Jane Austen’s House in Chawton, Hampshire is now underway, with work continuing through until September 2024. Whitchurch Silk Mill has designed and will produce silk ribbons, inspired by Jane Austen’s home and objects from the museum.
  5. Windsor Castle
    There is such a strong connection between the Royal Family and the Royal Borough of Windsor. Queen Elizabeth II latterly spent the majority of her time in Windsor and was laid to rest in King George VI Memorial Chapel within St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle.
  6. The Mary Rose
    2022 marked 40 years since the Mary Rose, Henry VIII's favourite ship, was raised from the sea bed. Now on view in world-class museum within the Dockyard.