Top 10 Free Things to do in South East England, England

April 13, 2022 Stefan Strunk

Discover the best top things to do in South East England, United Kingdom including University of Oxford, Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology, Isle Of Wight Coastal Footpath, Oxford University Museum of Natural History, The White Cliffs of Dover, Beachy Head, North Laine, The Lanes, Pitt Rivers Museum, Cuckoo Trail.
Restaurants in South East England

1. University of Oxford

University Offices 1 Wellington Square, Oxford OX1 2JD England 011-33-1865-270-396 http://www.ox.ac.uk/
Excellent
73%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,610 reviews

University of Oxford

Starting as early as 1096 with some form of teaching, Oxford is the oldest English-speaking university in the world.

Reviewed By Onleaveagain - Stratford-upon-Avon, United Kingdom

The university is formed from almost forty individual colleges. The grandest buildings are located in the colleges which are the oldest. The majority of buildings are built in sandstone with ornate door and window surrounds, towers and huge pillars. Access to several colleges can be gained for a small fee. Oxford is known as the ‘city of dreaming spires’ and just looking around the skyline it is easy to see why.

2. Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology

Ashmolean Museum Beaumont Street, Oxford OX1 2PH England +44 1865 278000 http://www.ashmolean.org/
Excellent
70%
Good
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Satisfactory
4%
Poor
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 5,850 reviews

Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology

The Ashmolean is the University of Oxford’s museum of art and archaeology, founded in 1683. Our world famous collections range from Egyptian mummies to contemporary art, telling human stories across cultures and across time. The Museum is open every day, 10am–5pm. Admission is free.

Reviewed By alisonccooper - London, United Kingdom

The artefacts in the Ashmolean have survived the rise and fall of several Empires, and the museum has adapted to change, moving from its original venue to the current site a decade ago. Undeterred by the corona virus pandemic it has reopened its doors. Climbing the stairs from the buried urns of Ancient Egypt and Greece towards modern European Art, the spotlight trail mobile phone download takes the visit right up to the present day. Lower visitor numbers mean it is quiet and still with ample opportunity to get up close to the objects. Staff maintain a discreet distance and the status provide plenty of company.

3. Isle Of Wight Coastal Footpath

England http://iofwcoastalpath.blogspot.com
Excellent
61%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 181 reviews

Isle Of Wight Coastal Footpath

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.

4. Oxford University Museum of Natural History

Museum of Natural History Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PW England +44 1865 272950 [email protected] http://www.oumnh.ox.ac.uk
Excellent
72%
Good
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Satisfactory
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Terrible
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,362 reviews

Oxford University Museum of Natural History

The Museum of Natural History houses the University's scientific collections of geological and zoological specimens. The Museum itself is a Grade 1 listed building, renowned for its spectacular neo-Gothic architecture. Among its most famous features are the Oxfordshire dinosaurs, the dodo, and the swifts in the tower.

Reviewed By TeamWard - Nottingham, United Kingdom

The exterior is stunning the interior is fabulous like a movie designed museum, the T-Rex is there to greet you when you enter and the interior design is just spectacular, a sheer joy to visit and look at the exhibits, make sure you make a donation.

5. The White Cliffs of Dover

Upper Road Langdon Cliffs, Dover CT16 1HJ England +44 1304 205108 [email protected] http://www.whitecliffsofdover.co.uk/
Excellent
70%
Good
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Satisfactory
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Poor
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4.5 based on 2,851 reviews

The White Cliffs of Dover

Reviewed By nigel567

We had lovely walk along the top of the cliffs great views of the ferries and the harbour on a bright sunny day

6. Beachy Head

Beachy Head Countryside Centre Beachy Head Road Beachy Head Road, Eastbourne BN20 7YA England +44 1323 728060 http://www.visiteastbourne.com/countryside/beachyhead.aspx
Excellent
70%
Good
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4.5 based on 4,042 reviews

Beachy Head

Reviewed By nurseclair

Beautiful scenery blue skies white chalk cliffs the lighthouse Well worth a visit with your walking boots and four legged companion to take a stroll along the cliff tops. I loved it wish I’d had longer

7. North Laine

Between Church Street and Trafalgar Street, Brighton England +44 1273 683666 http://www.northlaine.co.uk
Excellent
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4.5 based on 2,956 reviews

North Laine

Reviewed By lottieg2021 - Haywards Heath, United Kingdom

The laines are a unique experience to Brighton, you can find everything from fudge to vintage clothing to jewellery; one of my favourite things about Brighton and I love that it’s full of local independent businesses

8. The Lanes

West Street, Brighton England +44 1273 329167 http://www.visitbrighton.com/shopping/the-lanes
Excellent
57%
Good
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Satisfactory
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4.5 based on 6,137 reviews

The Lanes

This area is home to an eclectic mix of shops and restaurants.

Reviewed By Good_Partner - Sydney, Australia

Unlike walking through the high streets for window shopping, this area provides visitors more fun as shops are close and lanes are narrow only one person can pass through at a time in many occasions, so the excitement is high. It's not a small maze to most unless you are familiar with each lane and corner by identifying the shops and benchmarks. Without visiting The Lanes, your trip to Brighton is not complete.

9. Pitt Rivers Museum

Pitt Rivers Museum South Parks Road Suggested Time Taken 5 Adys, Oxford OX1 3PP England +44 1865 613000 [email protected] http://www.prm.ox.ac.uk/
Excellent
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Good
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Satisfactory
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4.5 based on 3,827 reviews

Pitt Rivers Museum

The Pitt Rivers Museum is one of Oxford’s most popular attractions, famous for its period atmosphere and outstanding collections from many cultures around the world, past and present.

Reviewed By livbundy89 - Truro, United Kingdom

I have a confession...I came here just to see the shrunken heads. While it would have been worth the walk just for that (a staff member was giving a talk on them just as we got here!) we actually thought the entire museum was wonderful. There is so much to see, and it is all tightly packed in like some kind of Indiana Jones treasure trove. The items on display really fire up the imagination and a sense of appreciation for the beauty of other cultures. We were only in Oxford for the day so couldn't spend more than an hour here, but we could have easily spent half a day walking around and really taking it all in. Highly recommend.

10. Cuckoo Trail

England +44 1323 442667 http://www.eastsussex.gov.uk/leisureandtourism/cou
Excellent
55%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
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Terrible
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 65 reviews

Cuckoo Trail

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.

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