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
Top 10 Nature & Parks in South East England, England
Discover the best top things to do in South East England, United Kingdom including Abbotts View AlpacasAbbotts View Farm, Wytham Woods, Upton House & Gardens, The White Cliffs of Dover, Isle Of Wight Coastal Footpath, Beachy Head, Cuckoo Trail, Windsor Great Park, Royal Military Canal, The Shell Grotto.
Restaurants in South East England
1. Abbotts View AlpacasAbbotts View Farm
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 435 reviews
We are listed as closed everyday as we are open by appointment only (book a slot via our website). Our family run farm is located in glorious Buckinghamshire countryside offering Walks with Alpacas and private Group/Corporate Visits. Come and learn about these wonderfully inquisitive animals and take them for a walk around our 22 acres. Meet our rare breed sheep,pygmy goats, ducks, rabbits and guinea pigs and sample some of Jo's famous homemade cakes! Relaxing, peaceful and true escapism. Please note that as we are not an open farm visits are only by private booking only.
Reviewed By TSTB06
We had a fantastic, memorable family experience here! The session was very well organised and managed, the staff were very friendly and knowledgeable, the animals were all well cared for and loved, and there were lovely extra touches such as the tea and cake, feeding the other animals as well as the alpacas, and the sweet little shop of souvenirs! The booking system was straightforward and effective, with clear information on what to expect and how to come prepared, as well as reminders running up to the event. We would definitely recommend the experience!
2. Wytham Woods
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By SergeLourie - Richmond-upon-Thames, United Kingdom
Wytham Wood is owned by the University of Oxford and is around five miles from the city centre. It is just by the river Tames and has been studied by Oxford botanists for many years. It appears frequently in fiction especially in the Morse books of Colin Dexter, where bodies are often found in these woods. It is near the village of Wytham and we stayed in the excellent Swinford Manor Farm, which is near the western entrance to the woods, There are a lot of well maked paths and the flora are extremely interesting and attractive. To get access, you need a permit from the University but we found this process easy to undertake. The woods could be incorporated in a longer walk but there is a lot to see including a chalet and the sawmill
3. Upton House & Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,197 reviews
Come and see how Lord & Lady Bearsted made Upton House and Gardens the perfect country retreat for their family in the 1930s. You can also discover Lord Bearsted's famous art collection including works by Bosch, Stubbs and Canaletto. We have a stunning collection of porcelain too; so if you are visiting us for the first time you may wish to expect your visit to the house to last a minimum of an hour. Viewings of the house available by timed ticket from 11:00am with last entry to the house at 15:30 before closing at 16:00; the gardens, shop and cafe close at 17:00. Please bear in mind that the car park is 300 yards from the house.
Reviewed By srablair - Lytham St Anne's, United Kingdom
This is a wonderful property with a lot to see so allow plenty of time. We spent around 4 hours here including a nice visit to the cafe. Access to the house is by timed appointment and there is a choice of 3 tours to do at timed appointments too, so I would advise getting these scheduled in As soon as you arrive. There is a large garden to visit with a few surprises along the way and a good kitchen garden which I found inspirational. The house dated back to 17th Century although it was extensively redesigned in 1921. The redesign is interesting in its own right and the main draw is the house contents including spectacular art collection including paintings tapestries and Chinaware. We were interested in the history of the house and it's owners over the years which provide a glimpse into the past. Quite fascinating. There is a temporary natural science exhibition of portraits of scientists and environmental contributors which is very interesting. Is a tribute to the work of people from a range of backgrounds from Darwin to David Attenburgh via Chris Packham and Vivien Westwood! Nice little exhibition which is worth 20 minutes look if you are here anyway. The cafe was doing a roaring trade and we enjoyed tea/coffee ,scone and jam and very nice shortbread. We we were pleased to see that the clotted cream for the cream tea was served in a reusable pot which is much more sensible than the standard foil sealed type pot. Very good visit.
4. The White Cliffs of Dover
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,851 reviews
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
5. 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.
6. Beachy Head
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,042 reviews
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. 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.
8. Windsor Great Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,579 reviews
Welcome to 4800 acres of sweeping parkland, award-winning gardens, ancient woodland and forest trails that are just waiting to be explored.There is something for everyone within Windsor Great Park, at any time of year. Encompassing The Savill Garden, Virginia Water, The Valley Gardens and the Long Walk and Deer Park - the Great Park offers a rich tapestry of experiences to discover, with a Royal history spanning over 1,000 years. You will encounter historical monuments, ancient forests and stunning horticultural displays, as well as rare wildlife, plants and fungi - so whatever your interest, there will be something to excite and amaze you.
Reviewed By japplet0n - Warrington, United Kingdom
The Long Walk is exactly what it says it is and from the Castle gates to the Horse Monument and back again is a total of 5.2 Miles, every each of it is well worth the effort and walk - wear comfy shoes, definitely dont miss doing this.
9. Royal Military Canal
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 43 reviews
Reviewed By JudithTintern - Yeovil, United Kingdom
We visited 3 parts of the canal. We put our kayak in at Hamstreet - the bridge near the garden centre and paddled to Bilsington and back. Lovely peaceful stretch of the canal. We visited Hythe Lock and walked a fair bit of the canal. A good, free car park and stunning views. We also parked in Hythe and walked a stretch. Really lovely. The bottom line - its quite stunning to walk by and kayak on. For kayaking you have to have a licence from Hythe Lock to Seabrook which is why we explored further up - glad we did.
10. The Shell Grotto
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,231 reviews
Pre-booking essential. The Shell Grotto is one of the world’s most mysterious places: a series of underground rooms and passageways covered by 2000sqft of exquisite mosaic created with 4.6 million shells. Discovered in 1835, nobody knows who created it, when, or why. “The grotto is simultaneously haunting and homely. It could be a lost pagan shrine or have ‘A Present From Margate’ picked out in the shells - it wouldn’t matter. It’s still magical, mysterious and (once it’s in your head) impossible to forget.” Far From the Sodding Crowd: More Uncommonly British Days Out, Penguin Books.
Reviewed By Choxbird - Norfolk, United Kingdom
This is only a very small attraction but well worth a visit .. Had to prebook ticket due to the Covid-19 situation ... Amazing and mysterious display of shells lining a tunnel and underground room .. Friendly staff and nice gift shop .. Well worth a visit when in Margate :-)
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