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
The 10 Best Hiking Trails in South East England, England
Discover the best top things to do in South East England, United Kingdom including South Downs Way National Trail, Darent Valley Path, Saxon Shore Way, Arlington Bluebell Walk, Toys Hill, Brewers Wood, Friezley Wood, Mapp & Lucia's Rye, Isle Of Wight Coastal Footpath, Thames Path National Trail.
Restaurants in South East England
1. South Downs Way National Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 71 reviews
Reviewed By alan2303 - Shoreham-by-Sea, United Kingdom
Although I do plan to walk the entire length of the path I have walked along many sections at various times. Most recently I walked circular routes from Harting, Fulking, Pyecombe, Upper Beeding in West Sussex as well as from Wilmington, Alciston and Firle in East Sussex. All sections have provided climbs up to spectacular views both South towards the sea and North across the Weald. Whichever section you choose you will experience some taxing climbs from sea level in the river valleys and some great viewpoints. It can be a cheap day out if you find a sensible place to leave your car and avoid some of the busy official car parks. Public transport to various jump off points is possible but a little limited in some sections.
2. Darent Valley Path
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 8 reviews
Reviewed By Sandygranny - Sandy, United Kingdom
The Darent Valley Path stretches from Dartford Marshes to Sevenoaks town centre and it is 19 miles long. We enjoy walking and particularly like taking a leisurely stroll along some of the many riverside footpaths – the views across the valley are breath-taking and it is good exercise. While walking the various footpaths you will see the remains of a Roman Villa, two historic castles, lavender fields, plenty of good pubs, ancient churches and some really pretty villages.
3. Saxon Shore Way
4. Arlington Bluebell Walk
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 111 reviews
Reviewed By Alansaltmarsh
I have been attending the Bluebell walk for a number of years now & apart from the stunning Wood Anemones and Bluebells , it is a Great place to meet people and support the local charities that are present during the 5 weeks or so that the walk is open . Excellent refreshments available in the barn which are served by the charities taking part . All in all , Cannot wait for next season all being well ! Highly recommend !! Visited in April 2019 .
5. Toys Hill
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 21 reviews
Reviewed By MFC31 - London, United Kingdom
Only a 35-40min drive from London is Toys Hill which is an easy 3-4mile walk offering some beautiful views of the Kent countryside. There’s free parking, and several different routes, all of which are easy to follow due to adequate signage.
6. Brewers Wood
7. Friezley Wood
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
Reviewed By hawkes2an - Cranbrook, United Kingdom
At one time, timber was very important to Kent. In this part of Kent, around Cranbrook, as well as being used for heating and cooking, timber was used for both housebuilding and shipbuilding and also as fuel for the huge Wealden iron industry. The iron industry has long since gone but timber is still used for domestic fuel and coppicing, which is also a benefit, for wildlife and flowers produces a sustainable supply of wood for fencing. Friezley Wood, near Cranbrook, along with nearby Brewers Wood and Hillywood, and, not that far away, Angley Woods and Comfort's Wood, are just remaining bits of the once great forest that used to cover the High Weald of Kent. Friezley wood, along with those others woods, is just great for dog walking and getting out and about in the great outdoors. There are paths and trails both through the woods and also round and about in the neighbourhood but be warned, in we weather they can get very muddy.
8. Mapp & Lucia's Rye
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 65 reviews
Reviewed By lextoon - Preston, United Kingdom
Taking the tour of Rye with Allan was the highlight of our recent visit- his knowledge and enthusiasm for the writer and the town really brought the books to life. Invaluable knowledge gained, I would highly reccomend
9. 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.
10. Thames Path National Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 72 reviews
A 184-mile path winding from the river's source in rural Gloucestershire to the Thames Barrier in London.
Reviewed By CarolinaTrekkers
My wife and I enjoy walking in Britain, with its well tended beauty and abundance of fascinating trails, not to mention the many who welcome and appreciate hikers. She saw that I was reading up on the Thames Path Trail and stated she would like to give it a try this summer, so we did. She liked the fact that it is essentially level, well marked, and historic, and that we could spend some time in London afterward. Since we would be spending time in London afterward, we planned to start at Staines Bridge, near historic Runnymede, and walk east to the source - a distance of about 135 miles. This would afford us the chance to focus on the countryside and perhaps do the urban part another time. It took us 9.5 days. Things we really liked: 1. Convenience. From Heathrow Airport, it was only about a 12 minute taxi ride to Staines Bridge. From there we promptly began our walk and wound up walking 14 miles that day, having been invigorated by the fresh air. The trail is well marked, and the latest Cicerone guide by Hatts, with extra map material, was plenty. 2. Flexibility. With a relative abundance of towns along the way, booking a room in advance was not required; finding a room was not difficult, with the exception of one small town which was having an event which caused us to walk five more miles one evening to the next (larger) town on the trail. We each brought only a small pack weighing 10-12 pounds, which we had carefully packed with extra clothes, sleeping gear, and everything else we would need. This approach, for example, also enabled us to stop early after one half-day walk in the delightful village of Sonning, to attend an unanticipated hilarious play at a dinner theatre near the bridge. We were also able to spend an extra day in Oxford and sample its many offerings. 3. History. All along the route were reminders of historic events, such as Runnymede's Magna Carta (love the 1400 year old yew tree) and Sir Walter Raleigh's conviction for treason, plus Roman, Viking, and other sites ... everywhere! And the ancient churches and WW2 pillboxes. 4. Beauty. The Thames is beautifully maintained and preserved, and is very tidy with the exception of a small area west of Reading (surprising). The river and stream side are absolutely beautiful, and we enjoyed seeing deer and red kites on a regular basis. 5. Lovely inns, pubs, and food. As for pubs, we really liked Marlow's Two Brewers, Oxford's Wig and Pen, Red Lion in Castle Eaton, and Thames Head (with Ben, its amazing proprietor) near the source. Lodging and food at the Beetle and Wedge in Moulsford will never be forgotten, and the Thai meal at the Jigsaw in Cricklade really shone. So many more. 6. Good health. Walking about 14 miles per day for this period of time got us into pretty good shape, and both relaxed and energized us. We both lost a few pounds and felt great. 7. People. Saving the best until last, it must be said that the interesting and helpful people along the route were the real highlight. At lodgings and inns, service was helpful and understanding when questions (even dumb ones) were asked. All along the trail we encountered fellow walkers both local and from around the world who were really fun to just stop and have a chat with, and we also picked up many helpful hints on where to stay, etc. from them. Plus, if you walk a substantial part of the Thames Path and notify the Thames Path officials of that fact, they will send you a nice certificate with your names on it. Giving the Thames Path a go is highly recommended ... you will be glad you did.
