Top Things to do in South East England
Top Hotels in South East England
- 1. Premier Inn London Gatwick Airport (North Terminal) Hotel
- 2. Forest Park Country Hotel & Inn
- 3. Hotel Pelirocco
- 4. The Grand Brighton
- 5. room2 Southampton hometel
- 6. Sofitel London Gatwick Hotel
- 7. The Holt Hotel
- 8. Southampton Harbour Hotel & Spa
- 9. The Runnymede on Thames
- 10. The Crown Manor House Hotel
10 Outdoor Activities in South East England That You Shouldn't Miss
Discover the best top things to do in South East England, United Kingdom including Heythrop Zoologicial Gardens, BCA Zoo, Sandwich Wildlife Park, Cuckoo Trail, Undercliff Walk, Isle Of Wight Coastal Footpath, Viking Coastal Trail, Snozone, Joss Bay, Viking Bay.
Restaurants in South East England
1. Heythrop Zoologicial Gardens
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 81 reviews
For a totally unique experience with exotic animals - book your animal encounter today. Immerse yourself in Oxfordshire’s best kept secret, Heythrop Zoological Gardens!
Reviewed By Cruisekid25
Amazing sloth encounter, Talita loved being stroked and fed vegetables, keeper was very knowledgeable and was amazing to see pygmy hippos too as share same house. Amazing where else can you get up close with a beautiful sloth, who adores the fuss and attention you give her. Simply magical, made a 60th birthday present unforgettable and even got a beautiful certificate to remind us of the special day. Highly recommended for all sloth lovers, not to be missed.
2. BCA Zoo
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 125 reviews
Come and visit BCA's fully accredited zoo! You can book a tour of the zoo and reptile house, an up close encounter with one of our animals or even come and work with us as a Zookeeper for the Day! All visits are available during weekends, school holidays and bank holidays and MUST BE BOOKED IN ADVANCE.
Reviewed By SarahH123UK
Great tour of a little zoo with a personal guide who had limitless patience for questions and was clearly passionate about her animals. Highlight was half an hour inside the meerkat enclosure with a dozen of the little creatures clambering all over us. Enjoyed by children (aged 7 and 9) and adults alike. Total duration two hours. Excellent value for money. An unforgettable experience.
3. Sandwich Wildlife Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 73 reviews
Sandwich Wildlife Park is Kent’s newest venue for up close and personal encounters of the wild kind, where you can meet some of your favourite animals. If you liked the surroundings of the Rare Species Conservation Center and the feel of Wingham Wildlife Park, you’re going to love Sandwich Wildlife Park – WWP’s brand new sister park! Our coffee shop on the other hand is now open so if you’re in Sandwich, passing by or on your way to Wingham Wildlife Park why not pop in for a barista style coffee by Lavazza and a slice of cake or panini.
Reviewed By Elliot_Page1
I got brought the sloth experience at Sandwich Wildlife Park as a birthday present and it was absolutely amazing! We arrived for the experience a little early so sat & had a tea in the cafe there, the ladies working in there were lovey & very friendly, wishing me a good experience & asking how it was afterwards. The girl who showed me around on the experience was a girl named Georgia, she was very friendly & knowledgable. She also took lots of pictures on my phone of me with the sloth which was good of her. After being able to stroke & feed Sid the sloth, you get taken around on a little tour looking at the other animals at the centre and asking any questions you wanted. Overall I would highly recommend this experience to anyone.
4. Cuckoo Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 65 reviews
Reviewed By Mamma1703 - Heathfield, United Kingdom
I use this to walk to the high street, so lovely and relaxing and no cars going by. Very friendly people and people walking their dogs. Very occasionally you see a horse but it often.
5. Undercliff Walk
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 771 reviews
Reviewed By JenQatar - South Africa, null
Great walk...start at the marina ( car park of the shopping centre....at the back). There is a board explaining the cliffs history and geology at the start. The walk is wide and flat....sea on one side and cliff on the other. Easily done by all ages and accessible for wheelchairs. Cafe after about 45min walk. Walk on to Rottingdean and visit the quaint village. If u r too tired to walk back to Brighton catch the bus at the bus stop outside the white horse pub in Rottingdean.
6. Isle Of Wight Coastal Footpath
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 181 reviews
Reviewed By stewartc640 - Chatham, United Kingdom
We have been walking the Isle of Wight Coastal Path in sections with an ambition of completing the complete circuit in time. The coastal paths are generally well signposted (though not always strictly ‘coastal’), and due to the coastal erosion in some areas of the island not there at all! Nether the less we enjoy taking these paths as we see parts of the island and views from the coast that we have not seen before and self-initiated impromptu diversions add to the experience for us. We completed the following sections on our most recent visit: Niton to Ventnor One of our most recent walks around the island Coastal path was between Niton and Ventnor, walking towards the latter as we had parked our car here. We started at Niton (‘Baptist Church’ bus stop), catching the bus (service 6) to there from Ventnor. Our walk started a short distance from here and we soon found ourselves skirting a large field high up on the cliffs giving fantastic views over the area known as the ‘Undercliff’. St Catherine’s lighthouse can also be seen from this vantage point. A bit later the path drops down the side of the cliffs into the pretty village of St Lawrence and from here to Steephill Cove the path literally runs along the edge of the cliffs right next to the sea. Looking back, the walker can see the cliff tops from which they have just descended. Fantastic views can be gained on this part of the walk as you pass Woody Bay, Mount Bay and Orchard Bay and photographers can get some good pictures though don’t get too near the edge! After passing by the Ventnor cricket ground and Steephill Gardens, the very pretty Steephill Cove is reached and here you can get refreshments if required and there are also toilet facilities available. From Steephill Cove, the path follows the coast as you approach Ventnor and some nice shots of this beach resort can be taken and also look out for the large ‘Ventnor’ sign cut into the grass bank. Our walk ended in the ‘La Falaise’ car park in Ventnor but the Coastal Park continues from here onto Bonchurch, Luccombe and Shanklin via the ‘Landslip’ which is also an interesting walk. Although not a particularly long walk (about 4.5 miles), we enjoyed it nethertheless and it was nice passing the time with some fellow walkers along the way. Bembridge to Ryde Another of our walks around the island Coastal path was between Bembridge and Ryde we chose to walk towards the latter town as we would have views across the Solent towards the mainland as we went. We started at Bembridge (‘Bembridge Point’ bus stop), catching the bus (service 8) to there from Lake. The walk starts off skirting the harbour area at Bembridge passing a number of small boatyards along the way and then enters the town of St Helens with its picturesque town sign. Just past the old St. Helens mill there is a lovely walk across the mill dam wall and on the other side we crossed to the beach at Duver with its ruined church and what appears to be old railway carriage bodies being used as beach huts. After leaving Duver beach, the coastal path heads inland to pass around the Nodes Point holiday camp and after passing through some countryside the path re-joins the coast again at the picturesque Seagrove Bay. The coastal path now diverts along an alley way by some public toilets, but if the tide is out it is possible to walk along the shingle beach to Seaview. We stopped here for refreshments before continuing on past Nettlestone Point and Puckpool Point following the sea wall getting some fine views of the Solent forts and also the mainland just across the water. There were regular public toilets along this stretch should you need them. Puckpool Park is worth a passing visit sited in an old Victorian coastal battery and here you will also find refreshments and toilet facilities. The walk continues into Ryde passing Appley beach and its tower and we ended it with a walk along the ½ mile long Ryde Pier to catch the train back to Shanklin. A pleasant and good length walk (about 8 miles) mixing a vibrant harbour scene, an inland walk through fields and tree lined paths and finally along the coast with some picturesque bays and as you approach Ryde, expansive beaches. The walk is mostly flat but with some minor climbs as you pass around Nodes point. Bembridge to Shanklin Another of our walks around the island Coastal path was between Bembridge and Shanklin we chose to walk towards the latter town as we would returning to our accommodation. We started at Bembridge (‘Bembridge Point’ bus stop), catching the bus (service 8) to there from Lake. The walk starts off skirting the beach at Bembridge although we chose to divert from the coastal path and walked along the seashore itself. Regaining the path at Bembridge lifeboat station we were then diverted away from the coast firstly along a tree lined path and then through a housing estate emerging at the Crab & Lobster Inn. Between here and White Cliff Bay, sections of the coastal path have been lost to a landslip and is impassable. We chose to take to the beach and because the tide was going out walked along to White Cliff Bay on the shoreline. Note that this route requires the walker to pass over rocky and slippery terrain and is not recommended for those with mobility issues. We reached White Cliff bay with some sense of relief having kept our eye on the tide and climbed up the very steep tarmac path to regain the coastal path once more. The path now skirts a large caravan park before ascending up to Culver Down with its tall Yarborough monument on top, this is quite a climb although the paths are easy to follow but the views from the Down are very rewarding. There is a small café on the summit and also a public house and we chose the former for a cup of tea and a snack before continuing along the path now taking the long descent from Culver Down into Yaverland where there are public toilets in the car park. From Yaverland we followed the promenade through Sandown and passing its pier and once again diverged from the path which climbs up onto the cliffs, choosing instead to continue along the promenade to Shanklin. Certainly an interesting and good length walk (about 7 miles) especially if like us you take the shoreline in places instead of the formal coastal path. The missing section between Bembridge and White Cliff Bay could be a problem if you are seeking a path with a good surface and the alternative would be to follow the public roads that run parallel with the coast. The walk requires a significant climb from sea level up to Culver Down about 104m so bear this in mind if you are undertaking this route. Alternatively the approach from Yaverland in the opposite direction is shallower but longer.
7. Viking Coastal Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 36 reviews
Reviewed By stewartc640 - Chatham, United Kingdom
We decided to walk part of the Viking Coastal Trail between Minnis Bay to Reculver and back on a mid-week morning in April. The walk is about 3.7 miles in each direction and is fairly level throughout and with a good walking surface. We had originally tried to park at Reculver and start the walk from there however the car parks there were full and so we ended up at Minnis Bay and in hindsight we thought this was the best option. We found ample free car parking along the front and additionally, there is a large ‘pay & display’ park should the free spaces be unavailable. At Minnis Bay, you will find cafes, a public house and public toilets. We also noticed a cycle hire shop who also seemed to do four person bikes which is an alternate way to enjoy a ride along the coast. We started our walk toward the Reculver towers which can be clearly seen in the distance, passing some colourful beach huts some of which were being prepared by their owners for the forthcoming summer season. There is a good wide footpath on the seawall to follow for the whole route but note that this is also shared with cyclists. On the way, the walker can enjoy the views out over the Thames Estuary towards Essex and on a clear day the wind farms and also some of the Thames forts can also be seen with the naked eye. On the other side may be seen farmland punctuated with small steams and waterways. If you own a pair pf binoculars we would recommend taking them on this walk. Along the way we noted several types of birds including swans, ducks, sparrows and the occasional Kestrel as well as gulls. On our return journey we even got to see a grey seal sunning itself on the shingle beaches. Arriving at the ruined church at Reculver, there is much to see here and there are also cafes and a public house close to a grassed area if you are looking for refreshments. There is a visitors centre (not open on the day of our visit due to covid restrictions), and public toilets. There are two reasonably sized pay and display car parks and public busses also serve the area if you are not intending to walk onward (or back). The remains of the Church itself is well worth a look around, there are some explanatory signs to help if you are unaware of its history. After taking refreshments at Reculver, we started back to Minnis Bay along the same route leaving the towers of the church behind us. I personally think that this direction gives the better views as you approach Minis Bay with the bay stretching out before you. Arriving back at Minnis Bay we enjoyed a well-deserved drink before driving home after what had been a thoroughly enjoyable coastal walk.
8. Snozone
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,331 reviews
Snozone Milton Keynes is an outstanding venue for skiing, snowboarding and sledging indoors on real snow, all year round! We’ve taught more than three million people to ski and snowboard and we offer a wide range of activities for all ages and abilities, from beginner ski lessons to freestyle snowboarding sessions and family sledging fun in the snow! We are also the only indoor operator in Europe to operate our own Disability Snow school which means we can truly deliver ‘Sport for All’. We also operate our own fully licenced restaurants ‘The Alpine Kitchen’ serving up deliciously fresh home made food seven days a week.
Reviewed By carolandjohn08
As a nervous beginner, over 50 years old, I've had 4 fab ski lessons with different instructors in the last few weeks - John, Alex, Ovi and Gary. All very patient, clear informative, and I'm making progress beyond what I expected. Slow but sure! They always work at my pace. Great facility and excellent instructors.
9. Joss Bay
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 276 reviews
Reviewed By Taz3619 - Hawkinge, United Kingdom
Loved this beach had a fab day out car park is great £5.00 all day in farmers field opposite beach there is a shop toilets and rock pooling when tide is out. Still space on beach when tide is in but get there early as gets busy real quick on hot days definitely going again and will reccomend to anyone.
10. Viking Bay
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 877 reviews
Reviewed By SueW80
This beach is wonderful all year round but during the summer season it is especially interesting. There are activities for younger children, for example, bouncy castles, swingboats, a vintage roundabout and Punch and Judy Show. There is also a watersports school offering surfing, stand-up paddling and kayaking for older children and adults. There are lots of cafes on the beach and around the promenade. It is a really traditional English seaside resort - quaint, charming and very photogenic!
