Things to do

When to visit

There’s never a bad time of year to visit South East England, a region comprising nine different counties. However, it is at its busiest and most popular during the summer high season since the area boasts some of the country’s most popular seaside towns, including Brighton, Margate, Bournemouth, Poole, and Whitstable. Autumn, however, is also an atmospheric time to visit—time your trip with Bonfire Night in November, and head to Lewes in Sussex to witness the traditional celebrations.

Getting around

The South East England region includes a number of major urban centers and towns. mainline trains make cities including Brighton, Bournemouth, Poole, and Canterbury easily accessible, as do National Express and Megabus bus lines. London’s two major airports, Gatwick and Heathrow, are located on the edge of the region’s borders, while international Eurostar trains stop in Ashford International and Ebbsfleet International. Ferry services from multiple ports also connect the UK to France.

Traveler tips

While few think of England as having a comparable wine scene to France, the South East has seen an explosion in the number of high-caliber wineries in recent years. It helps that its chalky terroir is very similar to what’s found in the Champagne region, and warming temperatures make it easier for grapes to ripen. Visitors should seek out the region’s top-drawer wineries such as Chapel Down, Gusbourne, and Tillingham, and enjoy the rather exceptional English sparkling wines.

Port of Southampton

The Port of Southampton is the UK’s most frequented cruise port, welcoming some of the largest cruise ships in the world, including those owned by Cunard, P&O, and Royal Caribbean. The port also runs passenger ferries to the Isle of Wight and across the channel to France, as well as serves as the gateway to London and wider South East England.

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Rye

Numerous historic attractions, unique handmade ceramics, and some of the country’s most picturesque and best-preserved medieval streets make Rye a quintessential English destination. In this town long favored by writers and artists, climb the clock tower of the local church, enjoy a pint in a former smuggler’s tavern, and more.

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Kent & East Sussex Railway

Opened in 1900 as the first light railway in England, the historic Kent and East Sussex Railway now operates a 10.5 miles (17 kilometer) route between Tenterden and Bodiam. Riding aboard one of the 20th-century steam or heritage diesel trains is one of the most traditional ways to appreciate the English countryside, including the Rother Valley and Wittersham.

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Maidenhead

On the banks of the River Thames, Maidenhead is an affluent city which is home to an 18th-century bridge built by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, as well as the country’s oldest soccer stadium. An ideal day-trip destination in and of itself, Maidenhead is also a jumping-off point for exploring charming villages such as Bray, Cookham, and Littlewick Green.

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Tenterden

First making a name for itself as a wool trading and shipbuilding center in the 13th century, the historic village of Tenterden is today best known as the starting point of the Kent & East Sussex Railway. Here, visitors can take a ride on one of England’s best preserved steam heritage railways—but not before exploring Tenterden’s shops, wood-beamed cottages, and Victorian townhouses.

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The Look Out Discovery Centre

Inspire young minds and have a fun, as well as educational, day out at the Look Out Discovery Centre. Hands-on science and nature exhibits and shows teach kids all about the way the world works. Children can learn from more than 90 activities, from launching a hydrogen rocket to playing with boats or building a house.

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Attractions in South East England

Sand Bay

Sandwiched between Weston Woods and the headland at Sand Point, Sand Bay in Somerset is a sweeping sand and shingle beach backed by unspoiled dunes. A favorite for hiking, horseback riding, dog walking, and seaside strolling—as well as birdwatching at Sand Point—Sand Bay also offers vistas of the River Severn and its two suspension bridges on a clear day.

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Attractions in South East England

Shanklin

One of the Isle of Wight’s top resort towns, seaside Shanklin offers both natural and cultural attractions. Its sandy beach, offset against dramatic cliffs, is the town’s undisputed highlight, though Shanklin Chine (a coastal ravine, the Shanklin Theater (founded in the 1870s, and the quaint Old Village are all top draws.

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What is the South East of England famous for?

A:Rolling countryside, coastal cliffs, national parks, castles, seaside towns, and great cathedrals characterize England’s South East, which comprises nine counties, from Kent to the east to Oxfordshire in the north. Highlights include Oxford’s medieval spires, Dover’s White Cliffs, Windsor Castle, Canterbury Cathedral, fun-loving Brighton, and the charming Isle of Wight.

What cities are in South East England?

South East England boasts seven cities, each with a rich history and distinct personality. Oxford revolves around its medieval university, while Winchester centers on Regency architecture and its cathedral. Further east are the historical maritime port cities of Portsmouth and Southampton, hip-and-happening Brighton, and Canterbury, home to 11th-century Canterbury Cathedral.

What are the popular things to do in South East England?

Among South East England’s top attractions are Oxford’s stone architecture, Canterbury Cathedral, and Windsor Castle. It’s popular to visit Portsmouth Historic Dockyard to see the Tudor-built Mary Rose battleship and HMS Victory. Tours of Brighton Royal Pavilion and hiking in New Forest and South Downs National Parks are also pastimes.

How long should I spend in South East England?

Allow seven to 10 days for a grand tour of highlights including Oxford, Canterbury, Windsor, and Portsmouth. Alternatively, take about four days to explore a destination such as Winchester or Kent, the latter home to Dover’s White Cliffs and dubbed the garden of England for its orchards and hop farms.

What shouldn’t I miss in South East England?

Don’t miss Windsor Castle, the burial place of a dozen English and British monarchs. History buffs should see Oxford’s butter-colored buildings, including Bodleian Library and Radcliffe Camera. Canterbury Cathedral, the Mary Rose (a Tudor warship at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard), and Dover’s castle atop its White Cliffs are other musts.

What’s the best way to get around South East England?

A car is best for navigating South East England. Motorways link London to cities such as Canterbury and Oxford. And connecting rural and coastal roads weave through history-steeped countryside, villages, and towns. If you’re based in one place, traveling by train and using rail and buses to explore works, too.

South East England