South East England
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South East England is a region rich in experiences. It has something to offer every age group and every traveller. Whether you are looking at visiting for a weekend or a month this region has everything you could want.
Over the years, authors of novels to writers of classics have lived in and gained inspiration from, the South East of England, with its rich mix of historical cities and wonderful sea bordered countryside. The stunning scenery and historical attractions have also provided the perfect setting for many movies and TV shows.
The South East has played an important role in the military history of Britain from great naval battles to world wars there are sites across the South East that play tribute to this past. Strong royal connections, royal residences, stately homes, castles, fortresses and momentous events mean’s the region has seen many Royal visitors and residents.
Relax in the tranquil settings of some of the most beautiful gardens and parks, stroll through the streets, villages, towns and cities and experience the architectural heritage on offer.
For a spot of retail therapy the South East has it all: premier shopping centres, unique boutiques and designer outlets - pure heaven!
Hidden gems
BMW Factory - the birthplace of the MINI and a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility. Plant tours cover the body-in-white and assembly areas of the plant.
www.mini-production-triangle.com
Shell Grotto - 4.6 million shells, 2000sqft of mosaic and one big mystery! 70ft of winding underground passages leading to an oblong chamber, its walls decorated with strange symbols mosaiced in millions of shells.
www.shellgrotto.co.uk
Llama Trekking - after a long wait, Surrey Hills Llamas have moved home and can now be found in the picturesque village of Hambledon near Godalming.
www.surrey-hills-llamas.co.uk
Smugglers Cave - these acres of caverns conceal Hastings' exhilarating history of smugglers, bootleggers and warring gangs.
www.smugglersadventure.co.uk
Berkshires’ Living Rainforest - a live, growing rainforest under glass in Newbury, Berkshire. Run by a non-profit charity, it’s one of the first such projects in Europe.
www.livingrainforest.org
Must see and do
- Dover Castle and Secret Wartime Tunnels, Kent
- Windsor Castle, Berkshire
- Leeds Castle and Gardens, Kent
- Goodwood Festival of Speed, West Sussex (May)
- Skandia Cowes Week, Isle of Wight (July/August)
- Henley Royal Regatta, Oxfordshire (June/July)
- 1066 Battle Abbey and Battlefield, near Hastings, East Sussex
- Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, Oxfordshire
- Royal Horticultural Society Garden Wisley, Surrey
- Hever Castle and Gardens, Edenbridge, Kent
Related Links
Featured destinations in South East England
England’s favourite seaside city, Brighton is historic, elegant and offbeat and the perfect place for a break.
More about Brighton
Historic cathedral city of Chaucer’s Tales and a UNESCO world heritage site. ‘Pilgrims’ are still welcomed to this walled city for its shopping, restaurants and attractions.
Canterbury travel guide
Known as the gateway to England, Dover welcomes millions of visitors from all over the globe every year.
Dover travel guide
The Isle of Wight is the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing break, with unspoilt scenery and a wealth of fascinating attractions.
More about Isle of Wight
Created by William the Conqueror in 1079, the New Forest is a place of wilderness heathland, dappled woodland and thatched hamlets.
More about New Forest
This ancient university city is both timeless and modern, its 'dreaming spires' and tranquil college quadrangles coexisting with lively arts venues, bustling shops and fashionable restaurants.
Oxford travel guide
A short break destination combining history, fine shopping and dining, sports, leisure activities and events. Home to 13 attractions including Windsor Castle, Eton College and Legoland.
Windsor travel guide
