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
What to do and see in South East England, England: The Best Lighthouses
Discover the best top things to do in South East England, United Kingdom including St Catherine's Lighthouse, South Foreland Lighthouse, Old Lighthouse Dungeness, Hurst Castle, Roman Lighthouse, Egypt Point, Folkestone Harbour Arm.
Restaurants in South East England
1. St Catherine's Lighthouse
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 540 reviews
A light to warn shipping was first established on the Southerly tip of the Isle of Wight in 1323. Today the distinctive octagonal tower of St.Catherine's Lighthouse provides a waymark for vessels navigating in the English Channel and a guide to vessels approaching the Solent. Each tour is approximately 40 minutes. Tours of St Catherine's Lighthouse are operated by Andrew Booth, under licence from The Corporation of Trinity House.
Reviewed By Marita-Amie - Guildford, United Kingdom
Myself and James although being from the Island had never been to St Catherine's, so we decided to go and visit on a whim after checking out the website to make sure it was open. We parked about 10 minutes up the road by a local pub and walked down through a hidden pathway we found and came out to the side of the lighthouse. We had a lovely walk over and were greeted by a lovely gentleman named Chris. Sadly myself and James were the only 2 people actually interested in the tour, which surprisingly worked out well for us as it was basically like a private tour. Chris was very informative and a real gent. He made the tour fun and answered all of the questions we had. Upon entering the lighthouse he made sure we were safe at all times and let us take some photographs. We had a little moment to remember the lighthouse keepers that were killed and learnt about the local ghost! We had a great time and are actually planning to come back with some family and friends. I cannot recommend the tour more and if you get Chris as your guide you'll have a great time. For £5.00 it was an absolute bargain and well worth the money.
2. South Foreland Lighthouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 488 reviews
A remote, isolated, pristine-white, solid beacon; a place of innovation and scientific firsts, now also a romantic hideaway and big-hearted family haven, the South Foreland lighthouse stands proud atop the White Cliffs of Dover. It surprises and delights with its warmth of welcome and unexpectedly wistful atmosphere, quaint and charming and yet robust and protecting. Like the Knott family of the past, its current keepers, who mostly offer their time for free, are witness to events and show commitment and spirit in manning the light. Inside the Victorian tower, surprising stories unfold of a unique history that has shaped our world and influenced our travel, our trade, and our industrial and maritime heritage. Outside seemingly endless skies roll away across the English Channel and 21 miles away, the coast of France splits the sky from the sea. Serenity is broken when waves steepen, dark clouds tumble in, the wind lashes and the mouth-watering views are swallowed up. The lighthouse stands its ground and is once again protector, until the calm returns as quickly as it left and butterflies come out of hiding. Arrival is on foot across the beautiful and yet challenging cliffs, thus the lighthouse attracts the more adventurous. None the less, children’s laughter is all around, and the nostalgia of Mrs Knott’s tearoom attracts all generations, those who come to reflect and those who want to find out more about the traditions of the past. From its post on top of the gateway to Britain, South Foreland Lighthouse watches over their past, their present and their future.
Reviewed By enaid035 - London, United Kingdom
A wonderful day rambling over the white cliffs of Dover to this little gem , a fabulous light house and tea rooms called Mrs Knotts The guide was so informative and interesting and all the guides were friendly and helpful It’s an amazing piece of British history and the view on a day like ours was marvellous, you can see France clearly. The tearooms are quirky and quaint the scones delicious and the service excellent
3. Old Lighthouse Dungeness
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 259 reviews
Reviewed By Alwaysmagicmoments - Gillingham, United Kingdom
I thought it would be was just something to do after getting off the train, and something to tick off, on a bucket list. But I truly underestimated how I would love this place. I went with husband three year old and two stroppy teams. That at first would not go in.The staff were amazing and very helpful with all my day trip stuff. They were patient with the teens and very polite. My three year old loved it and would not come down after going up, we got him down by getting him to bring his sister's in. He wanted them to come too. So down we went and after much persuasion the fourteen and twelve year old came in. They loved it and soon forgot why they didn't want to come, as they claimed the stairs up and up. There are several levels so if you have an issue with hights you don't have to go straight to the top. You also don't feel you are up that high, for most of it untill the ladder steps, there is most of the building before this point. The lantern room is beautiful. My newly joined up, twelve year old sea cadet didn't want to go. She took pictures of everything. For me the widow's walk was my favourite bit, it was literally breathtaking. The breeze hit you, and you instantly got resect for the people that would have worked there, on those God forsaken night/ days of lashing storms. You truly realize how important that job was, to work this life saving house. All this at a very cheap price too
4. Hurst Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,314 reviews
Located within the New Forest National Park, Hurst Castle is situated on the seaward end of the shingle spit that extends 1.5 miles from Milford-on-Sea, Hampshire. Built by Henry VIII as a chain of fortresses to protect the Solent in 1544, this is the site where Charles I was imprisoned in 1648 before being taken to his trial and execution in London. The castle was modernised during the Napoleonic wars and again in the 1870s when the enormous armoured wings were added, making it the largest coastal fort in the world. Two of the huge 38-ton guns installed in the 1870s can be viewed in their casemates together with other weapons developed through 412 years of military use. During World War II, Hurst was manned with coastal gun batteries and searchlights. You can get to Hurst Castle by ferry from Keyhaven Quay (sat nav postcode: SO41 0TP) or you can walk along the shingle Hurst Spit. The castle is currently closed, however refreshments are available from outside the castle.
Reviewed By LondonConyers - London, United Kingdom
Our visit to Hurst Castle was definitely a highlight of our trip to the New Forest, probably second only to a particularly great tree at Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary. We had a very enjoyable mooch around (tudor castle to the left, tea room to the right) learning about the history (built by Henry VIII, King Charles I was a prisoner there) and enjoying the views from the top. Room 8 is definitely worth a visit. Excellent lighting.
5. Roman Lighthouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 27 reviews
Reviewed By BT3rd - Datchet, United Kingdom
It is amazing to think this is still standing this high bearing in mind when it was built, 46-50AD. It stands in the grounds of Dover Castle and together it’s a good day out.
6. Egypt Point
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 14 reviews
Reviewed By 549RichardN549 - Stroud, United Kingdom
The coastal path from Cowes to Gurnard passes Egypt Point. The weather was fine and clear during our visit, so there was plenty of activity to look at in the Solent. In worse weather perhaps there would be less going on, but still a very pleasant place to be.
7. Folkestone Harbour Arm
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1,339 reviews
Closed for the winter months
Reviewed By Rearlukewarm
Wow, what an amazing venue. I am Folkestone born and bred and it surprises me every time I go how brilliantly this place has been transformed from it's make over; from the Greek Bus restaurant to the Lighthouse Champagne bar, from live music to spot-on-views from the array of eateries and drinking pop ups it's a perfect afternoon for all ages! Kudos to the big outdoor screen for live sports and outdoor cinema. Well done Folkestone!!
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