south england best places to visit

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33 of the Best Places to Visit in the South of England

• Last Updated 28 May 2024

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A guide to the best places to visit in the South of England – brought to you by locals!

Perhaps I’m a bit biased because I grew up and live here, but I really love the South of England. Epic coastline, quintessentially English countryside, quaint villages, and historic cities… there’s just so much to discover!

So, I decided to put together this post, all about the best places to visit in the south of England.

From cute villages and idyllic countryside escapes to lively cities and brilliant beaches, this list features some of the best sights and spots in southern England. Perfect if you’re planning a day trip or a UK staycation this summer! 

I’ve included a bunch of my personal favourite places, as well as recommendations from some amazing bloggers from around the country. So all the places on this list are tried, tested, and genuinely recommended.

I’ve excluded London , as that enormous city is really a destination unto itself! But the rest of the lower third of England is all here.

So get ready to fall in love with the south of England as you plan some escapes to these dreamy places…

Map of the Best Places to Visit in the South of England

Places to visit in the south west of england, places to visit in the east and south east of england, tips and further reading on the south of england.

1. Dorset Jurassic Coast

For beautiful beaches, rugged coastal walks, and picturesque seaside towns, you just can’t beat the Dorset Jurassic Coast .

I grew up here, so I’m a little biased! But this stretch of coastline is famous for its geological and historical significance – because the rock formations and fossils date back some 185 million years! So there are a LOT of reasons to visit this part of England’s south coast . 

There are so many things to do along the Jurassic Coast. Hit the beaches, explore cute seaside towns like Lyme Regis and Weymouth , or head to the cliffs for some hiking. One of the most famous sites is the rocky archway of Durdle Door, and there are several cliff walks which afford some great views of this iconic landmark. But with a whole 95 miles of coastline to explore, you’re truly spoilt for choice! 

RECOMMENDED TOUR: 2-Hour Jurassic Coast Cruise

Bath is one of the most beautiful cities in the south of England, and definitely one of the top places to visit. The UNESCO-protected skyline is filled with gorgeous Georgian buildings. And it’s almost all exclusively built from honey-coloured Bath stone, so the overall effect is really breathtaking. 

The city is packed with history, especially the ancient Roman Baths which are fed by local hot springs.

You can also soak up these hot spring waters for yourself at the UK’s only natural thermal spa. The rooftop pool at Thermae Bath Spa is a particular highlight. Or you can simply soak up the history of the city as you wander through the stunning town centre. Bath is also a great place to enjoy an afternoon tea , as there seems to be a tearoom on every corner! 

RECOMMENDED TOUR: 1.5 Hour Walking Tour of the City from £15pp

3. Cotswolds

Recommended by: Roshni from The Wanderlust Within

Home to some of the most unspoilt villages in England, the Cotswolds are one of the best places to visit in the South of England. Known for their honey-coloured stone, cosy cottages and traditional tea rooms, there is nowhere as charming and historic as the picture-perfect towns and villages in the Cotswolds. The most popular choices are Castle Combe, Bibury, Burford and Broadway. But there are some beautiful hidden gems too, such as Minster Lovell.

If you’d like to explore more of the countryside, you can hike the Cotswolds Way, which extends over 100 miles from Chipping Campden to Bath. Or you could take part in the water sports on offer at the Cotswolds Water Park.

Recommended by: Victoria, Bridges and Balloons

Newquay is one of Cornwall’s most popular beach towns, perched on the Atlantic cliffs and famous for its surf. It sometimes gets marred by its reputation as a party town, popular for stag and hen dos. But the area offers much more than bars and nightclubs! It’s also very well suited to families, especially with its bounty of Blue Flag beaches.

It’s also a destination which is much more than the town itself. Newquay is surrounded by many charming villages and beaches, like St Agnes , Perranporth, and Holywell.

Don’t miss a trip to Padstow, the fishing village famous for being the home of Rick Stein and his restaurants. A favourite beach in the area is Watergate Bay, home to one of the most stylish family hotels in Cornwall . Watergate Bay is also the perfect place to learn different watersports at the beach’s Extreme Academy.

RECOMMENDED TOUR: Introduction to Surfing Lesson in Newquay – from £35pp

5. Stonehenge and Salisbury

One of the most visited places in the south of England is Stonehenge in Wiltshire. This ancient stone circle remains one of the country’s greatest mysteries. Although we know when – and even how – it was built, some 5,000 years ago, we still don’t really know why ! That mystery only adds to the appeal, so it’s no surprise that this is such a popular attraction in southern England. 

The nearest town is Salisbury , which is also well worth a visit. This medieval city boasts a 13th-century cathedral and a charming, historic high street. There are plenty of boutique shops to explore, as well as independent eateries and bars. So this is the perfect base if you want to explore Stonehenge and the rest of Wiltshire. 

RECOMMENDED TOUR: Stonehenge Half-Day Tour from London with Audio Guide

6. English Riviera

Recommended by: Steph & Lewis from Book it Let’s Go!

The English Riviera is located on the south coast of Devon . It comprises three key seaside resorts: Torquay, Paignton, and Brixham, as well as the smaller village of Babbacombe. Sometimes referred to as Torbay, the area holds the UNESCO Global Geopark status , one of only seven in the UK and 140 in the world.

The English Riviera has a distinctly continental feel. With golden sandy beaches, clear calm waters and swaying palm trees, it’s easy to imagine you are abroad. There are plenty of accommodation options from budget camping to luxury boutique hotels.

The area offers so many diverse things to do. You can visit Britain’s largest model village in Babbacombe, outdoor adventures along the Jurassic coast, historic museums and prehistoric caves to explore.

7. Exmoor National Park

Recommended by: Heather, Conversant Traveller

Located in North Devon and West Somerset, Exmoor National Park is an area of hilly moorland famous for its unique landscapes and wilderness habitats. There are miles of hiking trails to explore, coastal cliffs to scramble over, and deep wooded valleys with quaint tea shops hidden at the bottom.

Renowned for its wildlife, Exmoor is the place to go if you want to spot red deer, as well as otters and rare butterflies. The iconic Exmoor ponies are a common sight too, grazing in large wild-roaming herds close to the road.

The area feels remote but is easily accessible by car – and there are plenty of great holiday parks in Devon that make a great base for your trip. Within Exmoor, there are also lots of great hotels and countryside inns to be found in the picturesque villages dotted about the moors.

8. Penzance

Recommended by: Stella, Around the World in 24 Hours

Penzance, a town in western Cornwall, is most famous to some people for the musical The Pirates of Penzance . But Penzance also deserves to be known for its beautiful architecture, fascinating museums, delicious food, and charming residents. You can easily spend an enjoyable day or two in Penzance by itself, or you can use it as a base for exploring other places in Cornwall.

Visit the port and the famous Admiral Benbow Inn to learn about Penzance’s maritime history. Explore 19th and 20th-century Cornish art at the Penlee House Gallery and Museum or more contemporary works at The Exchange. Finally, don’t miss dining on the local seafood at excellent restaurants like The Shore.

9. Cranborne Chase

One of my new favourite places to visit in the south of England is Cranborne Chase . This Area of Natural Beauty (AONB) lies on a chalk plateau straddling the counties of Dorset , Hampshire and Wiltshire. It’s not very well known, which is one of the real selling points. Because unlike more popular national parks and AONB’s in England, Cranborne Chase is often incredibly empty! 

Rolling chalk grassland, ancient woodlands, and river valleys await you, lined with walking trails and nature reserves. In summer, the grasslands are covered with wildflowers, making them even more picture-perfect. And with idyllic countryside villages to give the Cotswolds a run for their money, there are so many reasons to add Cranborne Chase to your England bucket list! 

10. Cheddar

Recommended by: Darek and Gosia

Cheddar village is definitely one of the best places you can visit in the south of England. Located in the southern part of the Mendip Massif, in the county of Somerset, Cheddar is famous mainly for two things.

First is the amazing Cheddar Gorge – the largest limestone gorge in England which attracts 1000s of people every year. You can go for a walk above the gorge, then explore the beautiful caves which it’s full of.

In one of them, you’ll have the opportunity to see how the yummy attraction of the region is made, which is the second famous thing – Cheddar Cheese! There are also a few great pubs and small shops selling local products.

RECOMMENDED TOUR: Glastonbury and Cheddar Gorge Guided Day Trip from London

If you want to stay a bit longer, check out these 6 Beautiful Places to go Glamping in Somerset

11. The Lizard Peninsula

Recommended by: Annabel, Smudged Postcard

The Lizard Peninsula is a peaceful corner of southwest Cornwall. The Lizard has an incredible coastline dotted with lively fishing villages. One of the most popular beaches on the Lizard is Kynance Cove with its smooth sand, sea caves and rocky backdrop.

There are plenty of great places to eat and drink, including Roskilly Farm, which has delicious ice cream. One of the most scenic places to stop for a Cornish cream tea is Lizard Point, the most southerly place in England.

Although the beaches draw most of the crowds, it’s worth heading inland a little for a day on the Helford River, perfect for kayaking and stand-up paddle-boarding. The river also has some excellent pubs close to its banks.

12. Avebury

Recommended by: Wandering Carol

For fans of the Neolithic, the village of Avebury is an absolute find. While its main draw, the henge that contains the Avebury stone circles , is not as famous as Stonehenge, it’s larger and even more ancient. However, you’ll find it very different in look and feel.

Containing ‘male’ and ‘female’ stones, represented by rectangle- and diamond-shaped standing stones respectively, the henge is so intertwined with the village that you’ll find a couple of shops and roads right inside, not to mention a few grazing sheep. Within walking distance are other sacred sites such as Silbury Hill, a 4,000-year-old monumental mound, as well as the burial chamber of West Kennet Long Barrow. Avebury is truly a step into the past!

Recommended by: Laura, What’s Hot Blog

Lacock is a tiny village in the south of England, known for its quintessential British charm. It has managed to retain its medieval architecture meaning that upon arrival in Lacock you could be forgiven for thinking that you had walked straight onto the set of a period drama.

In fact, Lacock is a popular location for filmmakers and you can find many Harry Potter locations in Lacock , as well as those for Downton Abbey, The Other Boleyn Girl and Cranford.

For day-trippers, Lacock has a number of small and charming independent establishments where you can stop for afternoon tea or a pint. Lacock Bakery is a must!

14. Bristol

Get ready to meet one of the coolest cities in the south of England: Bristol . This vibrant, bustling city boasts a fascinating maritime history, as well as plenty of more modern temptations.

Among them is the much-loved street art culture. Banksy was born and started painting in Bristol, and there are several of his works around the city. 

Bristol also boasts an amazing foodie scene. Don’t miss Wapping Wharf, the trendy new dining and shopping hub just off the historic Bristol Harbourside. And if you fancy a challenge, you can also try abseiling Avon Gorge on the outskirts of the city. I did a few years ago and loved the experience! 

RECOMMENDED TOUR: Bristol Hop-On Hop-Off Bus from £14pp

15. Dartmoor National Park

Dartmoor National Park holds a special place in my heart, as I spent my teenage years taking school camping trips here! This vast moorland in Devon is known for its craggy landscapes, wild ponies, and dramatic tors (rock formations).

Camping, hiking, and mountain biking all await if you want to indulge your adventurous side. Or you can tour the pretty villages, stopping for a cream tea or a slap-up pub lunch! One of my favourite sights is the stunning Burrator Reservoir, which is circuited by a walking and cycling path for epic views. 

READ MORE: My Wet and Wild Dartmoor Road Trip

16. Windsor

Recommended by: Jade, Two Tall Travellers

Whether you’re interested in the town’s royal history, want to release your inner child at Legoland, or you fancy treating yourself to the perfect afternoon tea, Windsor is a great place to spend a weekend .

Windsor Castle is a stunning maze of towers, apartments, gardens, and chapels. You can explore inside with a guided tour and get a glimpse of royal living. Be sure to book your ticket in advance for ease – click here to check prices and availability.

The town itself offers plenty to do at only a short train ride from London. Enjoy a day of water sports on the Thames, or something a little more relaxing like a boat ride on the river. You can also walk over the bridge and spend some time exploring Eton, the home of the historic college.

17. Brighton

Recommended by: Teresa, Brogan Abroad

Brighton is one of the most popular seaside resorts in the South of England, particularly with Londoners looking to spend a day on the coast. However, Brighton is more than a day trip destination.

Once the playground of the Prince Regent, Brighton is a diverse city with a vibrant cultural and arts scene that offers something for everyone. It’s also one of the best cities in the UK for nightlife , with a fab party scene and a brilliant Gay Village. For those looking for a bit of fun and excitement, the historic Palace Pier is a local institution.

If history is more your thing, head to the Royal Pavilion, where you can admire its Indian-inspired architecture and Chinese-inspired interior. And for shopaholics, getting lost in The Lanes, a maze of narrow alleyways full of independent shops with traditional shop fronts, is a must.

18. Winchester

Recommended by: Devashree Sanghvi, Thecrazyindianfoodie

Located in Hampshire, Winchester is a spectacular, historical city. You can spend hours exploring its gorgeous alleys, churches, libraries and stunning beauty on foot. Winchester Cathedral is a popular tourist spot here and you must visit this magnificent medieval structure.

One of the largest cathedrals in all of Europe, the sheer grandeur of its incredible architecture will mesmerise you. The cathedral houses a 17th-century Morley Library, the Winchester Bible and a Norman crypt.

Apart from the cathedral, Winchester is also home to the Great Hall of Winchester Castle, the city mill and many other beautiful monuments. Don’t forget to dine at Chesil Rectory, an award-winning, exemplary restaurant situated in a 600-year-old medieval house offering incredible food made with fresh local produce.

19. Norfolk Broads

Recommended by: Kristin, Adventures with En Suite

The Broads is a national park with over 125 miles of lock-free waterways located close to Norwich. The man-made area can be explored by bike or on foot, but the best way to see the region is by boat. No prior experience is required to rent a boat and you will be given a short demonstration before you set off.

Sailing through the quiet wetlands landscape on a sunny day is incredibly relaxing. Along the canals, you will find luxurious waterside holiday homes, picturesque villages, and riverside pubs where boats can be moored – typically a few boats wide on busy summer days.

20. Chichester

Recommended by: Kat, Wandering Bird

Chichester has everything an English city should have: history, a beautiful cathedral, and a mixture of modern and quirky shops.

Chichester was built in Roman times and there is still plenty of Roman history to enjoy, from the layout of the streets to the Roman walls surrounding the inner city. While you’re in the area, be sure to visit the Roman Palace at Fishbourne – the largest roman residence found in Britain.

Chichester is not a large city, and it’s perfectly possible to explore it in a day. Why not combine your trip with a visit to the South Downs just north of Chichester, or the fantastic beach of West Wittering to the south.

21. New Forest

Recommended by: Stuart Forster of Go Eat Do  

England’s New Forest National Park lies approximately 90 minutes’ train journey south-west of London. The area was formerly a royal hunting ground, established during the reign of William the Conqueror and much of it is still crown land. Around 5,000 ponies roam the scenic countryside.

Walking and cycling are popular ways of exploring the New Forest’s woodland and meadow trails. Bicycles, including electric bikes, are available for hire next to the railway station at Lyndhurst, meaning you don’t need to transport your own.

Thatched buildings hint at the region’s long heritage. Those that are now country pubs prove enjoyable spots to visit for liquid refreshment and dinner. The National Motor Museum at Beaulieu is a must-visit attraction for petrolheads.

22. Dorchester-on-Thames

Recommended by: Rose, Where Rose Goes

The gorgeous Oxfordshire village of Dorchester-on-Thames is the perfect place to escape city life and get lost in the Oxfordshire countryside. This picture-perfect village is known for its pretty thatched cottages and Dorchester Abbey, one of the oldest Christian sites in England, which stands on the remains of a 7th-century Saxon cathedral.

One of the highlights is the walk to nearby Wittenham Clumps , two 120m chalk hills offering views out across Oxfordshire from the top. This four-mile circular walk runs along the banks of the Thames and passes over Days Lock, where scenic steamboat rides begin. Once you’ve explored the scenery, you can return to Dorchester and enjoy a typical English meal or cream tea at The George Hotel, a 15th-century coaching inn in the heart of Dorchester.

23. Colchester, Essex

Recommended by: Kylie from Essex Explored

A great place to visit in the South of England is Colchester in Essex, which is the oldest recorded town in the UK! Originally it was known as Camulodunum and for a while, it was the Roman capital of Britain.

There are lots of things to do in Colchester , with Colchester Castle museum being one of the main attractions. The underground vaults were built around 50A.D., while the main structure is Norman, dating back 900 years. Castle Park is also a lovely outdoor space. Another major attraction is Colchester Zoo. It’s one of the best zoos in the UK with over 220 animal species. The Kingdom of the Wild enclosure has rhinos, zebras, giraffes, ostriches, and greater kudu, all living together!

24. Arundel

Recommended by: Tracy, UK Travel Planning

Located in the county of East Sussex in England, the town of Arundel has a number of attractions that make it a great place to visit.

The medieval castle (which is England’s second-largest) is inhabited by the Howard family and dates back to the days of the Norman Conquest of 1066. The beautiful gardens shouldn’t be missed – nor the Gothic Church which is located on the grounds.

Take a walk along Arundel’s main street and pop into some of the many cafes, tea rooms, antique shops, art galleries and restaurants along the way. At the top of the street, you will find another place of note – Arundel Cathedral, which was built in the late 19th century.

Throughout the year many popular events and festivals are held in this market town, so do check before you visit and plan accordingly.

Recommended by: Sima, the Curious Pixie

Oxford , the “City of Dreaming Spires”, is home to academics, literary greats and magic. Visitors can explore its 800-year-old history, wandering picturesque streets dotted with beautiful honey-coloured architecture.

Find where Lewis Carroll took the real Alice in Wonderland, and which colleges CS Lewis and JRR Tolkien taught at. Relive the Harry Potter films as you marvel at New College, Bodleian Library and the Great Hall at Christ Church college. This last was the inspiration for Hogwarts Great Hall – so be sure to book a Harry Potter tour like this one to explore the sights!

To round off a trip in true Oxford style, indulge in a tradition from before the 1880s and cruise down the river in a punt. All the sights are easily accessible by foot so you can enjoy Oxford in 24 hours – or stay longer. A guaranteed feast for the eyes!

26. Box Hill

Recently, I discovered Box Hill in the Surrey North Downs, and I can safely say this is one of the best places to visit in the south of England. Especially because it’s within such easy reach of London! The viewpoint at the “front” of the hill offers one of the best vistas of green English countryside I’ve ever witnessed. 

If you fancy a challenge, the 15km Box Hill Hike is a great way to explore the rolling countryside. But it’s also pretty hilly, so if you’d rather keep things simple there are several shorter and easier routes. With lots of cute villages and cosy country pubs to explore, this is the perfect countryside day out in southern England! 

27. Seven Sisters

Recommended by: Alexei, Travel Lexx  

A visit to the Seven Sisters chalk cliffs is an epic day out in beautiful East Sussex. As well as the iconic cliffs, there’s plenty to see and do.

Abundant trails will keep even the fussiest walkers happy. A part of the South Downs Way runs through here and can be followed over the cliffs themselves. Climbing to famous Beachy Head allows for sweeping views of the coastline as well as an offshore lighthouse below.

If all that exercise sounds like hard work, hit the beach, and explore the rock pools at Birling Gap before fuelling up on coffee and cakes from the café. End your visit at Eastbourne with its Victorian pier, 1930s bandstand and good pubs and restaurants.

RECOMMENDED TOUR: Seven Sisters and South Downs Day Trip from London

28. Cambridge

Recommended by: Paul – Anywhere we Roam

With the wonky laneways of Cambridge housing handsome facades of exquisite gothic architecture, it’s easy to see why this gorgeous university town is often regarded as one of the best places to visit in the south of England. But the real spellbinding nature of Cambridge is in The Backs – a large swathe of green, cut by the River Cam, with sublime views of the iconic buildings that make up the old colleges.

Cambridge is an experience to savour. Be awe-struck by the fan-vaulted ceiling of Kings College Chapel; inspect the intricate design of the Bridge of Sighs; go punting on the river ; and stroll around the independent traders and craft stalls on the very atmospheric Market Square.

29. Hastings

Recommended by: Caroline and Neil, CK Travels

Historic Hastings is a stunning seaside resort in East Sussex on the south coast of England. Boasting a beautiful beach and picture-perfect pier that stretches into the sea, Hastings is a classic coastal town that has all the traditional trappings including a cobbled high street, numerous old inns and pubs, plus several rather delicious fish and chip shops to choose from.

You will also find the UK’s steepest cliff railway, which allows you to quickly get to the top of the cliffs for stunning views looking down on the resort as well as the nearby protected coastal parks.

The surrounding countryside and coastline, known as 1066 Country , are full of historic sights and epic adventures. Be sure to take a day trip to nearby Battle to learn all about the famous Battle of Hastings.

GLAMPING NEARBY: Read my review of Starcroft Farm Cabins , the most beautiful place to stay near Hastings!

30. Norwich

Recommended by: Jeremy of Cultura Obscura

As the central commercial and social hub of East Anglia, Norwich has everything you could want from a city, from high street shopping to museums, entertainment venues, historical buildings, restaurants and bespoke cafes – with some unique additions.

The central marketplace was established by the Normans almost a thousand years ago, and still thrives to this day. 

Due to its literary background, and the high number of graduates from the local University of East Anglia’s creative writing courses, Norwich was listed as England’s first UNESCO City of Literature in 2012.  There are also a notably large number of pubs in Norwich – including the Adam and Eve, which has served local patrons for over 750 years.

RECOMMENDED TOUR: Norwich Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour from £14pp

31. Mersea Island, Essex

Recommended by: Sarah Carter, A Social Nomad

Reached by a tidal causeway that was built by the Romans, Mersea Island is a glorious escape from the everyday. Stay in a gorgeous cottage, stunning sea view apartment, or on one of the small friendly holiday parks, and enjoy a proper British seaside holiday.

Mersea has it’s own vineyard and brewery and is famous for her seafood. The fabulous Company Shed restaurant or neighbouring West Mersea Oyster Bar are great options for seafood platters which include the famous Colchester Native Oyster. Complete your British seaside break by renting a beach hut for the day, going crabbing on the pontoon and enjoying a local wine or beer to savour the sunset.

32. Canterbury

Recommended by: David from Your Ireland Vacation  

Steeped in history, Canterbury is a charming city in southeast England. Its most famous landmark is Canterbury Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site which was built over 1,400 years ago and is the headquarters of the Church of England.

Part of the city is still enclosed by ancient Roman walls and is protected by Westgate, a 14th Century medieval gatehouse. Quaint cobbled streets lead past Canterbury’s distinctive black and white timber frame houses and delightful tea houses.

The city is the setting for one of the most important works in medieval literature, Geoffrey Chaucer’s ‘The Canterbury Tales’. Other popular sights include the ruins of St Augustine’s Abbey and Canterbury Castle and punt rides along the River Stout.

33. South Downs

Last, but by no means least, the South Downs is definitely one of the best places to visit in the South of England. This sprawling national park is England’s newest, stretching all the way from Winchester in the west to Eastbourne and the coast in the east. 

With rolling countryside, rich wildlife, and the iconic white cliffs at East Sussex, there’s plenty to discover. Visit Virginia Woolf’s country retreat at Monk’s House, or tour some of the English vineyards dotted amongst the hills. And, of course, there’s the 160km long hiking and biking trail, the South Downs Way . Hike a portion, or the whole thing, for some of the best views in southern England! 

RECOMMENDED TOUR: Seven Sisters and South Downs from Brighton

I hope you’ve found some inspiration for your next trip to England! There’s so much to see around the south, from gorgeous coastal locations to cities rich in history and culture

If you’re visiting from overseas, I strongly recommend the English Heritage Attractions Pass , which allows for unlimited free entry to over 100 places including Stonehenge and Dover Castle. Click here to check the price and find out more.

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What are your favourite places to visit in the South of England? Share in the comments! 

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12 thoughts on “33 of the Best Places to Visit in the South of England”

So many brilliant ideas! Avebury sounds like a great place to camp and you’re right, I’ve never heard of Cranborne Chase!

I think a lot of people haven’t – which is my favourite thing about it. Such a beautiful area and there are so many pretty villages there :)

Thank you very much for providing the best places to visit in the South of England.

Thanks for reading!

Sorry if the question is not appropriate for the section. I am coming to Europe in April, 2022 March-April 23. From April 15-April 23, I would like to explore the southern coast of England. This is not my first trip to Great Britain, but I have never had the opportunity to do some exploring in the south. I will be by myself. Your site is very informative and the possibilities seem endless Are there any tours which you could suggest for my stay? I am also content to rent a car and explore on my own. I am almost 75, in good health, love to walk. The first part of my European trip this time will be in the Cech Republic on a Tauck Cruise on the Danube. My airline flights in and out of Europe are via Heathrow. Any suggestions would most appreciated. Thank you in advance for your help.

Hi Eugenia! Great question. I’ve never done any tours within England so there aren’t any I could recommend first hand. I know InnTravel come quite highly recommended, and there’s a company called selectsouthwesttours.com who look like they have some great multiday options. But if it was me I’d rent a car and explore at my own pace, as I’m a big fan of solo travel, and then you could book day tours in each place you visit if you wanted to meet people etc. I always use getyourguide.com to search for local tours. Hope that helps :)

Hello! I’m so glad I found your blog! I am taking a tour in Ireland with my adult granddaughter and then planning on 6 days in the South of England (mostly). We are flying into Tintagel, hoping to rent a car there and head toward Bath, Salisbury, etc. I am wondering about the time frame for seeing things and stops to stay the night. Is Salisbury a good first stop? I would like to spend a couple days at each overnight and drive to sights (Stonehenge, Lacock, Oxford), then move on to our next overnight. Am I being practical or should I plan on more time in one place? We have never traveled to Europe or the UK and want to make great memories for myself and my granddaughter. Where are some place you would recommend? The last place I thought about for our trip is York and then fly out of Leeds? Practical or time to rethink? Thanks so much for any input! Becca

Hi Becca! Thanks so much for commenting. I didn’t realise there was an airport in Tintagel to be honest, it’s a really small village and I’m not sure there is anywhere there to rent a car. Perhaps you’re flying into Newquay airport and heading to Tintagel from there? There’s a lot to see and do in Cornwall and Devon so I’d recommend at least stopping in a few places there as you drive up to your next stop, you could make a day of the drive and call into a couple of places. Salisbury and Bath are both lovely, and you can easily visit Stonehenge from either, so I’d suggest picking one as your base and doing a day trip to the other – eg Salisbury and Stonehenge make a good combined day trip. If you only have 6 days I think 2 nights at a time in 3 different places should give you a good overview – but I think it would be a real stretch to fit York or Leeds into a 6 day trip. Salisbury to York is a 5 hour drive (when the traffic is being reasonable) so you’d probably give most of a day to travel and not actually have much time in York. If you only have 6 days I’d suggest sticking to one region.

Hope that helps :) Emily

Great list of places to visit but for anyone visiting the New Forest note an error in the write up. There is no railway station in Lyndhurst and I think the writer meant Brockenhurst where there is a cycle hire shop next to the station. And note that Brockenhurst is well worth a visit as often voted one of the prettiest villages in England. Plus its one of the few forest villages where the ponies and donkeys can wall along its roads. Also recommend nearby ornamental drive arboretum at Rhinefield with nearby quaint village of Burley. David

Good spot – you’re absolutely right, Brockenhurst is where the bike rental is. Both are lovely villages but that’s the one I think the contributor meant as it’s on the train line. I’ll update now. Thanks so much for commenting :)

Hello, This is all very informative, thank you. Together with my boyfriend we plan to go to the South of England in the first half of August. We will take a ferry from Calais to Dover, the same way back. We have around 10-14 days off, would you have any recommendations? Is it a very busy time, for example in places like Brighton? Also, do you think it’s possible to move around by buses or trains? We are more keen to backpacking, camping or even cycling rather than renting a car. I was just wondering if it’s convenient around there.

Thank you in advance!

Hi Anna! Thanks so much for commenting. Most of my recommendations for the area are covered in this blog post. Maybe start by heading to Eastbourne for the Seven Sisters and the white cliffs etc, then work your way south west a little bit – perhaps as far as Dorset, which is lovely this time of year. August is the busiest time on the south coast in general, but it won’t be impossible to travel and you can still find lots of hidden gems. If you don’t mind a bit of walking you can often get a beach to yourself, too. Getting around by public transport is actually very doable depending on how far you want to go. Trains can be a little bit slow in this part of England but there are quite a few buses between the bigger towns. And then most areas also have tourist buses which run for the season and go between all the major attractions – in Dorset for example we have the Purbeck Breezer and Jurassic Coaster buses which are hop on hop off buses that cover pretty much the whole Dorset coast.

Hope that helps! Emily

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The Best 20 Towns & Cities In Southern England

We’ve put together some of the best towns and cities in south England for a day trip, holiday, or vacation.  

From epic coastline to quaint villages and ancient cities, there’s just a lot to explore in Southern England. 

Here are our picks…

Table of Contents

We start with the biggest place in the South of England, and the UK: London .

With about 20 million people in Greater London there’s bound to be something for everyone. Whether it’s the history and spectacle of central London, or areas like Greenwich, Camden, Covent Garden, and Chiswick are all great.

London’s also a melting pot of different cultures and people, best scene via the vibrant food scene.

If you want to know more about this great global city, visit here for all our London articles. In the meantime, here are a selection of posts:

Full English Breakfast In London: 19 Great Places To Eat

5 castles that make a great day trip from london, 11 historic london churches to visit, 3 days in london: 72-hour itinerary for the perfect london getaway, 9 great places to visit near london.

Bath is one of the unique and most beautiful cities in South England. It is a historic town with an ancient history of Roman baths.

The city is full of fantastic Georgian buildings built from bath stone. 

It’s also got a close connection with Jane Austen, who lived in the town, and fans of the author can visit the excellent Jane Austen museum.

3. Cotswolds

Home to some of England’s most popular villages, the Cotswolds is a place worth visiting. This town is known for its cosy cottages and honey-coloured stone. Visit Broadway, Bibury, Castle Combe, and Burford – which are beautiful, charming, and historical.  

If you’re adventurous, you can go hiking on the Cotswolds way, about 100 miles to Bath or participate in the water sports at the Cotswolds water park. 

Newquay is a famous beach town in Cornwall . The town is a great vacation destination for families, especially for its bounty of blue flag beaches, bars, and clubs. However, that’s not all. 

Newquay is home to unique villages such as Holywell, Perranporth, and St Agnes. 

You can visit Rick Stein’s restaurant in  Padstow for some special breakfast treat. Then hit the Watergate beach, home to some of the best family hotels in Cornwall. 

The county town of Cornwall is a lovely market town on a river of the same name.

It’s notable for its cathedral which, despite its ancient looks, is actually only about 100 years old (a youngster for a English cathedral).

6. Salisbury 

Salisbury boasts a beautiful, ancient high street and a cathedral. There are several boutique shops, independent bars, and eateries to explore. 

But the main attraction is Stonehenge. The giant stone circle in Stonehenge remains one of the historical mysteries in the country. Built 5,000 years ago, no one knows why or how the stone was built. This mystery is a source of attraction for visitors from across the world. 

7. Arundel 

Sitting right in the hills of West Sussex, Arundel is one of the most stunning places to visit in the South Of England, especially if you love history. 

When you get there, visit the Arundel castle and cathedral and explore the numerous antique stores on the main street. Also see the Parsons table restaurant to taste some of the native Arundel foods. Their meals are incredible. 

8. Bournemouth 

Located around the seaside, Bournemouth is an exciting city to visit in the south of England, especially for its excellent sandy beaches. 

The city comprises over 7 miles of beaches, making it a popular destination for beach lovers. The good part is that the beaches offer some of the warmest waters in south England.  

In addition, head over Freida’s Tabus to visit the harbour area for afternoon tea. To fully enjoy your outdoors, visit the Bournemouth Pier for some rock climbing and zip lining. 

9. Brighton 

 Located a few miles from London’s best areas, Brighton and Hove is a famous city in England. Plus, it is one of the best places to enjoy a mix of food, seaside, and culture.

Visit the Brighton Palace pier to grab some fish, and take a walk around the wooden walkways at noon. For the best food, hop over to Halisco which prepares some of the most delicious Latin food. 

10. Canterbury 

Canterbury’s history in England is phenomenal as it was formerly a spiritual pilgrimage site. 

In fact, it remains an epic location for visitors who love history. 

Visit the Roman museum if you love to go a bit further back in time. When you’re hungry, quickly stop by Pinocchio’s Restaurant to enjoy some of the delicious moat pasta.

But it’s key draw is Canterbury Cathedral which looms over the city.

11. Exeter 

Located on River Exe’s bankside, the history of Exeter dates back to the Roman days.  The town offers a lot of exciting sights to see and things to do. The original city walls are located in the town’s central location next to the gigantic Exeter Cathedral.

Be sure to wander around to explore the history of this city. Then head to the Royal Albert Memorial Museum to explore all kinds of nature’s art and history. Hop over to Harry’s Restaurant to satisfy your craving for yummy steaks in Exeter. 

11. Windsor 

Located a few miles from Central London, Windsor is a beautiful place in southern England, especially for people who love castles . 

Today, it’s easier to reach Windsor from London by train, and it takes about 30 minutes. When you get there, hop over to Windsor Castle to explore the ancient history of the city. 

12. Lyme Regis 

Lyme Regis – often called the Pearl of Dorset – is a fine traditional English seaside town on the south coast of England.

But it’s also in the middle of the Jurassic coast, known for its ancient background such as the fossils and rock formations which have been around for 185 million years.

The coast offers plenty of activities to explore. You can go hiking on the cliffs or visit unique seaside towns like Weymouth and Lyme Regis. 

With over 95 miles of incredible coastlines to explore, Dorset Jurassic Coast delivers a memorable adventure experience. 

13.  Hastings

Hastings is a reasonably non descript town in East Sussex .

However it was also the site of one of the most consequential battles in British history: the Battle of Hastings.

The actual site of the battle is the village of, well, Battle, just outside the town and is definitely worth the visit.

14. Penzance

Penzance is located in Mound’s Bay in Cornwall, and it’s a beautiful place to visit.

When you get there, head to the historic Walk down chapel street with old buildings from the 18th century. It has that warm and exciting Cornwall charm that attracts visitors from everywhere. 

Visit the Morrab Gardens and Jubilee pool for a natural view,  and head to Trengwainton restaurant to satisfy your craving for delicious food. 

15. Plymouth 

Plymouth is popular for its historical naval background. It is where the Pilgrims departed for the new world in 1620. When you get there, visit the Plymouth Hoe, Plymouth sound, and the Mansion of Saltram. 

Head over to the Tudor Rose Tea Rooms and Garden for a lovely afternoon tea. For dinner time, visit the Artillery Tower for delicious fresh fish. 

16. Portsmouth 

Another town with a strong naval history, Portsmouth is popular as a port and naval city and essential visit for tourists looking to know about naval and British maritime history. But that’s not all! Also called Pompey by locals, Portsmouth is a crucial base for the British Royal Navy.

Explore the beautiful museums and historic dockyards, and enter the town to grab some traditional chips and fish with great beers to wash them down. 

17. Southampton

Situated on the southern coast,  Southampton city is easy to reach. 

When you get there, head to the SeaCity Museum, explore the Tudor house, and hop over to the Southampton Town walls. 

You can visit the Uptons of Bassett for the best chop experience. 

But if you want a sweet fix, hop over to Stacks Pancake House for some tasty dessert and brunch. 

18. Torquay

Also called England’s Riviera, Torquay is known for amazing beaches and Babbacombe. 

When you get here, visit the Babbacombe Model Village. Then head over to the Kents Cavern, an iconic historical monument in Torquay. Finally, explore Cockington Country Park with lots of fun activities. 

If you love birds, hop over to Living Coasts, a place that showcases the local seabirds and emphasis on conservation. 

Then head over to Small World Tapas for dinner. They’ve got great selections of delicious tapas. 

19. Weymouth

Weymouth is one of the best places to visit in the South of England, especially for its beautiful promenade of Georgian-style townhouses.  

Weymouth has a fantastic beach, an old town to explore, and a completely kitsch harborfront suitable for a walk. 

The beautiful Yeovil town is home to the Fleet Air Museum with gardens and parks. This means if you love parks and planes, you’ll enjoy Yeovil. After a visit to the museum, head to Ninesprings Park, a popular and beautiful spot with lush scenery and impressive waterfalls. 

Then you can take a 25-minute drive out of Yeovil to visit the Cerne Abbas Giant, a huge nude figure of a male. This image has been used in historical practice for hundreds of years, where couples dance around the image and pray for fertility. 

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35 best places to visit on the South Coast of England!

Welcome to the enchanting South of England! Whether you’re yearning for a taste of the salty sea air along the South Coast UK or keen to meander through quaint countryside villages, there’s an adventure waiting for you here in southern England.

From Brighton’s bustling pier to the peaceful New Forest National Park , there’s an incredible variety of places to explore. Picture yourself sailing on Bournemouth’s sparkling waters or wandering through the charming Cotswolds , each place offers its own unique charm.

Navigating through this region is a breeze! With well-connected rail networks, hopping from one exciting place to another has never been easier. Driving through the rolling hills is also an option, but be sure to plan for parking if you’re exploring smaller destinations. Cornwall , with its winding country roads, can be a bit tricky, so don’t shy away from trains and buses for these routes.

Now, you’re probably wondering about the must-visit places in the south of England, right? Well, you’re in luck! Our guide will take you through some of the most breathtaking spots, from hidden gems to popular favourites, each with their own stories to tell and experiences to offer. Whether you’re planning a seaside day out or hunting for the most beautiful places in South East England, we’ve got you covered.

Get ready to dive into the charm of the south coast of England, find the best spots for your perfect day out in the South East, and unearth some of the unusual places to visit in South East England. So buckle up for the ride and let’s start exploring the South England highlights! Happy adventuring!

What areas are in the south of England?

The south of England typically includes the regions of Kent, Sussex, Hampshire, Berkshire, Oxfordshire , Wiltshire, Bristol, Dorset , Devon , and Cornwall . It may also include the counties of Surrey and Gloucestershire. Additionally, the Greater London area is also often considered to be part of southern England.

South England – car hire

Check out our guide to the  best car hire company in the UK  or simply explore the options directly on  discovercars.com  if you need a car to visit the best places on the South Coast of England.

Is Southern England a good option for a UK weekend trip or a staycation?

Yes, Southern England is an excellent option for a UK weekend trip or a staycation . The region offers a wide range of attractions and experiences that are sure to appeal to visitors of all ages and interests.

For a weekend trip , you could explore one of Southern England’s vibrant cities, such as London, Bath, or Oxford. These cities are packed with historic landmarks, museums, galleries, and cultural attractions, as well as great restaurants, shops, and nightlife.

If you’re looking for a more relaxing break, you could head to the countryside, where you’ll find picturesque villages, scenic walks, and cozy pubs. The Cotswolds , the New Forest , and the South Downs are all popular destinations for a weekend getaway.

For a longer staycation , you could explore more of Southern England’s attractions, such as Stonehenge , Windsor Castle , or the Jurassic Coast . You could also combine a city break with some time in the countryside, or take a road trip along the scenic coastal roads.

Whatever your interests and preferences, Southern England offers plenty of options for a memorable and enjoyable weekend trip or staycation in the UK .

Holiday destinations south of England

The south of England is home to many popular holiday destinations, here are a few examples:

• The Isle of Wight : An island located off the south coast of England, known for its picturesque beaches, historic sites, and outdoor activities.
• Devon : A county in the south west of England known for its beautiful coastline, picturesque countryside and historic towns like Exeter, Plymouth and Torquay.
• Cornwall : A county in the south west of England known for its stunning coastal landscapes, picturesque fishing villages, and popular resorts like St Ives and Newquay.
• Dorset : A county in the south west of England known for its beautiful coastline, picturesque countryside and historic towns like Sherborne and Dorchester.
• Sussex: A county in the south east of England known for its beautiful coastline, picturesque countryside and historic towns like Chichester and Brighton.
• Kent: A county in the south east of England known for its beautiful coastline, picturesque countryside and historic towns like Canterbury and Royal Tunbridge Wells.
• Hampshire: A county in the south east of England known for its beautiful coastline, picturesque countryside and historic towns like Portsmouth and Southampton.
• The Cotswolds : An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty that is known for its picturesque villages, rolling hills, and charming stone cottages.

Quirky places to stay in South England

The south of England is home to many unique and quirky places to stay, here are a few examples:

• The Treehouse, East Sussex: A secluded treehouse that is nestled in the woods and offers a secluded and peaceful getaway.
• The Tipi, Hampshire: A secluded tipi that is set in the heart of the New Forest , surrounded by nature and offering a truly unique camping experience.
• The Yurt, Dorset: A traditional yurt that is set in the beautiful Dorset countryside, offering a unique and comfortable glamping experience.
• The Houseboat, London: A houseboat that is moored on the River Thames in London, offering a unique and peaceful place to stay in the heart of the city.
• The Shepherd’s Hut, Wiltshire: A traditional shepherd’s hut that is set in the rolling countryside of Wiltshire, offering a unique and rustic stay.
• The Lighthouse, Sussex: A converted lighthouse that offers spectacular views of the coast and the sea, and a unique and historic place to stay.
• The Gypsy Caravan, Kent: A traditional gypsy caravan that is set in a secluded spot in Kent, offering a unique and authentic experience.
• The Hobbit House, Devon: A unique and cozy hobbit-inspired house that is set in the beautiful Devon countryside , offering a truly unique and magical stay.
• The Converted Windmill, Berkshire: A converted windmill that offers a unique and historic place to stay, complete with modern amenities and spectacular views.

South of England’s top places:

Explore the best places to visit on South coast of England and top ideas for things to do in South England:

Top 35 places to visit in South England:

Best places to go in South England? London is one of the most well-known tourist destinations in the world. There are so many things to see and do that you will struggle to fit them into a single visit.

Yes, you can visit London in one day , at least the central part of the city. But you might be best served by making a list of the top few you want to see and enjoying those rather than rushing from place to place. Some of the top landmarks in London to choose from include Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, The London Eye, the Science and Natural History Museum. Of course, there are many more to see too including the top romantic places to visit in London .

There is a lot more to London than the landmarks. There are wonderful restaurants, exciting shows and performances, parks and of course, shopping.

Without a doubt, London is one of the best places to visit in southern England!

2. Burnham Beeches

Best things to do South England? Part of Buckinghamshire, just to the West of London, Burnham Beeches is another fantastic location in the South of England. It has a bit of a reputation in the film and television world, considering that several big titles have had scenes shot in this very area.

These are not limited to the following: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Robin Hood Prince of Thieves, The Princess Bride, and First Knight. Suffice to say, it’s an atmospheric place to visit.

So, is Burnham Beeches on your list of beautiful places to visit south England?

3. Castle Combe

Looking for top South England countryside and villages? England has long been known for its myths, its legends, and its fairy tales. Castle Combe is a village in Southern England that has been called one of the prettiest villages that England has to offer.

This civil parish lies within the Cotswolds , and its Area of Natural Beauty in Wiltshire, England. It’s fairly close to the city of London and could be your next day trip destination that takes you out of London’s hustle and bustle for a few hours.

The fantasy vibe of the village is enticing, to say the least.

4. Richmond Park

Where to go South of England? Richmond Park is located just outside of London. It provides a beautiful getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city. The park is owned by The Crown but is open to the public and also operates as a nature reserve. On holidays and warm days, you will find the park filled with families enjoying a day out. You can enjoy the excited energy of the crowds, or if you are looking for a bit of tranquillity, it’s easy to find a quiet spot with all the open space available.

With so many things to do in southern England, Richmond Park is one of our favourite places to visit in the south UK and top woods near London !

There are a few activities that you should tick off the list while in the park. The first is to take afternoon tea at Pembrooke Lodge. Once used by prime ministers to conduct business, it is now a popular wedding venue.

Next up is climbing King Henry’s Mound. To the west, you get panoramic views of Thames Valley. To the east lies the City. With a telescope, you see St Pauls Cathedral through the carefully maintained keyhole in the hedge.

Finally, take the time to enjoy the natural life in the garden. Smell the flowers. Watch the deer. Let the natural beauty refresh you in one of the best parks in London .

Where to find the best UK South Coast attractions? A surfer town in the south of England, Newquay has long stretches of sand and plenty of places to relax. Known for Fistral Beach and the Boardmasters Surfing Championships that are held there, this Cornish town is a great seafront getaway with plenty of water-based activities.

For a wonderful afternoon, visit the Blue Reef Aquarium. This establishment has its own underwater tunnel; a feature that is always a hit with young guests.

6. Seven Sisters

Top South England places to visit? Whether you’re visiting for a weekend, a week or a bit longer, there are many great places to visit in southern England. And Seven Sisters is one of them!

Seven Sisters is the name for a stretch of cliffs that runs from Seaford to Eastbourne. The cliffs as the iconic white chalk cliffs that line the English Channel. There is a footpath that runs between the two towns. It’s about a 20km walk, so make sure you go prepared and with sturdy footwear.

Seven Sisters cliff really is one of the nice places to visit south east England and home to some of the best beaches near me from London !

If you want to see the cliffs but are worried about the walk or the weather, there are other options. There are plenty of bus tours that will take you around the area, giving you the chance to see the cliffs without risking the British weather. Taking a tour will also give you the opportunity to learn more about the fascinating history of the area.

Getting to the Seven Sisters cliffs is relatively easy. There are trains to both Seaford and Eastbourne, as well as bus service. There are also plenty of parking spots along the coast if you have your own car.

Amazing things to do in the South of England? Part of Berkshire, Windsor is a historical town found along the River Thames. Located just west of London, in the southeast of England, Windsor is home to one of the British Royal Family’s residences.

Windsor Castle is certainly a highlight of the town of Windsor , but it is not the only sight worth seeing if one were to visit. However, if the castle is what brings you to southern England, know that you can take a public tour of some of the 11 th century castle.

8. Shere Village

Planning days out South East England? A village so quintessentially English that it charms all of its guests with its traditional features and postcard-like looks. Shere is located in the Surrey Hills, which is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and can be found in Tillingbourne Valley (between Guildford and Dorking).

But it’s more than the beauty of Shere that keeps its villagers happy. There’s a real sense of community that has been around for hundreds of years, which may have started with William Bray, who did so very much for the village, and whose family are still involved today.

Looking for great places to visit in south-east England? Head out to Kent!

Margate is a seaside town about 90 minutes outside of London. It has a place in pop culture for its appearance in ‘Only Fools and Horses’. While it is a relatively small town, there is a surprisingly large number of things to see and do.

There are many great things to do in south east England, and spending a weekend UK getaway in Margate is one of them!

Dreamland is the amusement park in Margate. It is filled with some amazing vintage rides and activities, including, a roller disco. Entry to the park is free, once inside you can pay for unlimited rides, or just pay as you go. As well as the vintage rides there are plenty of great modern thrill rides too.

If you want to get in a little bit of culture on your trip to the seaside, then a visit to the Turner Contemporary should hit the spot. The gallery has rolling shows featuring exciting and creative exhibits.

What trip to the seaside would be complete without a stop at the beach? There are several to choose from. Most tourist head to Margate Sands, but if you want something a little quieter then head for Botany Bay. Don’t forget your bucket and spade because these are some wonderful sandy beaches.

10. St Ives

Top things to do on the South Coast UK? One of Cornwall’s seaside towns , St Ives has been named one of the best family holiday destinations by Coast magazine, as well as being noted as one of Europe’s best beach locations. St Ives is located just north of Penzance and has its own train station conveniently placed near the coastline.

St Ives doesn’t only focus on its seaside links, though. The town is known for its art and museums, with the Tate gallery focusing on British artists above any others.

What to visit South England? Rye is a quaint historic town in East Sussex. Often overlooked by tourists, this town has a lot to offer. There is an abundance of quirky shops and characterful pubs all surrounded by a town with a lot of history. 

Some of the locals call it one of the best places to visit on south coast of England and is hard to disagree with them!

It’s hard to wander far in Rye without running into a historic landmark . There is the Ypres Tower, the monastery, the Land Gate and of course Rye Castle . There is one house in West Street, which you can explore which was home, at one time, to both Henry James and E F Benson.

If you have the chance, it is worth taking a tour of the town. The guides are sure to tell you, very proudly that, at one point, Rye was the smuggling capital of England. This has left its mark on the architecture and character of the town.

Without a doubt, you can call Rye one of the best places to visit near London .

12. Goring on Thames

Things to do in South of England? Goring-on-Thames is a village that is situated on the River Thames in Southern England. It’s approximately 5.5 miles south of Wallingford , and its location makes tourism in the area quite ideal. This is because there are several different villages and small towns along the River Thames, so a day trip to Goring-on-Thames could turn into a tour of the river’s small locales.

Goring , itself, is a lovely civil parish that local residents have agreed is perfect for young families with children.

13. Brighton

Looking for the best places to visit in England? Brighton is one of the prettiest cities in the south of England and it’s visited by many Brits and tourists from around the world.

The city located in the south of England really is famous internationally – you will see many tourists there and if you hear Südengland, Sud de l’Angleterre or Sydengland you know there are many German, French or Danish tourists too.

Brighton is a vibrant, bustling city, just an hour’s train ride outside of London. It’s small enough that it is easy to get around but big enough that you won’t get bored. One of the first things you’ll notice when you arrive is the smell of the sea. Brighton is, after all, a quintessential British seaside town.

Brighton has lots to offer in terms of shops and restaurants. You can’t go wrong with fish ‘n’ chips near the seafront. If you fancy something a little different, then try one of the many vegan and vegetarian restaurants or seek out the zero-waste restaurant.

While you are down at the seafront, don’t forget to visit Brighton Pier Palace, which has plenty of rides and fun for the whole family. The Royal Pavilion is not to be missed, with its mix of Indian and Chinese styling. Then, why not get a taste of the deep at Sea Life Brighton?

Where to find beautiful places South England? One of the many market towns of England, you can find Marlow in the South of England, just a few miles from Cookham. The walk between Marlow and Cookham is 5.5 miles of wonderful scenery, and you can take part in the Cookham River Circular Walk to see more of the River Thames.

There’s also Bisham Woods right by Marlow , which has even more walking trails for visitors to enjoy. Essentially, Marlow is a bit of a walking village which leads to more walking routes. It’s great for spending a week exploring the country!

15. New Forest

Planning a South England trip? From all the places to go in south-east England, the New Forest probably is the most magical one!

The New Forest has long been a holiday destination. It’s around 90 minutes outside of London. The national park is filled with a wide range of natural life. You can fall in love with the peace and quiet of the ancient woods and the lush glades, then take in the majestic and lonely moors and heathlands. Among all these varied landscapes you will find wildlife roaming free. You never know when you might spot ponies, deer or even donkeys roaming the wilds.

There are many things to see and do in the New Forest . There are plenty of walking and cycling routes, with more than you’ll be able to explore in one trip. There are also plenty of attractions as well, such as Peppa Pig World, Paulton’s Park and the National Motor Museum, to name just a few. The New Forest is just waiting for you to explore and find its abundant trove of treasures.

16. Canterbury

Top places in South England to visit? A World Heritage Site that is protected by UNESCO, Canterbury has plenty to offer to historians and lovers of history, alike. There’s Westgate Towers, England’s biggest medieval gateway; Canterbury Cathedral, St Martin’s Church, and St. Augustine’s Abbey, which are all protected locations; and the unique Crooked House of Canterbury.

This list highlights just a few of Canterbury’s amazing attractions, for this South East city of England has plenty more to offer than an introduction can fit to tell you about.

17. Isle of Portland

Stunning places to see South England? One of the many islands around the UK, The Isle of Portland is a small, tied island that is 4 miles long by 1.7 miles wide. You can walk around the whole island in around four hours without any issues, setting your own leisurely pace to take in the views of the area.

Interestingly enough, this little island in the South of England is the core of the World Heritage Jurassic Coast ! It’s certainly a day trip destination, with a beach and road that joins it to the mainland of England. No boat is needed!

18. Isle of Wight

Looking for things to do in south England? As one of the most beautiful places in south England, the Isle of Wight really has to be top on the southern UK list!

It’s really easy to get to the Isle of Wight . You can cross the channel by plane, ferry or even hovercraft, and there are plenty of trains and coaches that will take you to the port. Once on the island, you will be bowled over by just how much there is to do on this picturesque island.

Looking for interesting things to do on the Isle of Wight ? Great news! The island is a great spot for walking and cycling. Its varied landscape will keep you enthralled as you explore. It’s so good that there is an annual walking festival. When you are done walking, there are beaches to explore and great food and drink to enjoy. There is always something going on, on the Isle of Wight.

Would you visit this great European island ?

19. Old Amersham

Best places to visit in South East England? Founded in the beginning of the 13 th century, Old Amersham and, consequently, Amersham are recognised as two of the best places to live in the Chiltern Hills area . You can find “new” Amersham above Old Amersham , with the latter sitting down in the Misbourne Valley.

The town is a market town with a long history. Some of the oldest buildings in the area are around 700 years old and are still standing thanks to the dedication of the town’s inhabitants.

20. Dorset Jurassic Coast

Best south coast holiday destinations? South East England is one of the most visited regions of the United Kingdom – and there is a reason. This southern region is simply stunning!

Dorset is one of the most beautiful counties in England . Located along the southern coast of England it has miles of beaches to explore. If you head a little inland from the coast, you will find acres of unspoilt countryside.

Dorset has a lot to offer any visitors. There are exciting and exhilarating family attractions like Monkey World, Adventure Wonderland, Lemur Landing and many amazing Dorset festivals .

If you are looking for a slower pace, then you could explore the castles and stately homes and gardens that litter the county instead. If you want something a little more mentally engaging, then you can try one of the many museums where you can get your chance to board the Concorde or even see Tutankhamun’s tomb.

One of the best places to visit in South-East England – a must-have on any UK bucket list !

21. Lizard Peninsula

Planning South England vacations? Found in West Cornwall in Southern England, Lizard isn’t an extremely well-known part of the country, but it has several elements that make the area worth visiting.

A peninsula is a section of land that is surrounded by a body of water, with just one connection to the mainland. Lizard Point is protected by the National Trust, and is located near Lizard village (or, “The Lizard”). The peninsula’s name comes from an old Cornish word meaning “fortress”.

22. Exmoor National Park

Need ideas for beautiful places to visit south west England? This is one of the best places to visit on the South coast of England!

Exmoor is 267 square miles of wild countryside. It is located in the south-west of England in the counties of Devon and Somerset. The landscape is varied and interesting as it could be described as being in a semi-natural state. Over the years, human agriculture has had some impact on the landscape but has not taken it over. The result is a unique landscape , unlike anywhere else in the world.

There are plenty of ways to get out and enjoy the beauty of the area. Walking, cycling and horse riding are all great ways to go out and see the wildlife that roams the area. If you are lucky, you might get to see the famous wild Exmoor Ponies or the wild red deer.

23. Bibury village

Top South England things to do? Bibury Village is part of the Cotswolds . At first, it may seem like every other Cotswolds village that exists in the area, but Bibury Village is recognised as the most beautiful of all of these. You may recognise the village from films such as Stardust and Bridget Jones’ Diary.

An interesting fact revolves around the many tourists that the village hosts from Japan. The reason that Japanese guests come to stay in Bibury Village is because Emperor Hirohito once stayed there during his tour of Europe.

24. Dartmoor National Park

Best places on the south coast of England? Dartmoor National Park is found in the heart of Devon . It is filled with rugged woodland and wide-open spaces, deep valley lined with trees and breathtaking granite tors. The landscape is extreme and yet beautiful.

The Dartmoor ponies are an iconic feature of the area. These ponies are semi-wild and roam all across the moor. There is nothing more joyful than watching the ponies playing and frisking across the hills.

Dartmoor is a very welcoming place. There are lots of places to explore with the whole family, including the dogs. In fact, this is one of the most dog-friendly places in Devon .

As well as the wild open spaces which you can enjoy at your own pace, there are plenty of attractions and activities to enjoy.

25. Turville Village

Where to find top South East England attractions? Within Southern England’s own Buckinghamshire , Turville Village sits within Chiltern Hills , just a handful of miles away from High Wycombe.

The most famous part of Turville Village is perhaps the Cobstone Windmill, which was featured in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, and is still a huge source of tourism today. It’s a bit of a steep climb from the church to the windmill, but the views that show Turville Village and the greenery of Chiltern Hills on the horizon are more than worth it.

26. Bristol

Looking for top south England attractions? If south England cities are on your travel bucket list , then Bristol should be there as it’s one of the most popular cities in the southern region of the country.

Bristol is a bustling city that celebrates its historical roots in quirky and unexpected ways. There are not many cities where one of the most popular tours are given from hot air balloons. When your feet are on the ground, you can explore the cobbled streets finding performances around unexpected corners and art everywhere you look.

As a shopping destination, the city has a lot to offer. There are plenty of High Street fashion and big-name stores. But, there is also a healthy mix of unique and boutique stores to pick up some keepsakes as you explore the city.

As you might expect from a multicultural city, there are loads of great places to eat. Whether you are into street food or superstar chefs, you’ll find something to whet your appetite.

So, is Bristol on your list of the best places to visit in south England?

27. Cheddar Gorge

Best things to do in south west England? Hire a car in the UK and hit the road in south England! Thre are many great roads to drive on in southern England. One of our favourite ones is located in Somerset. Although the might suggest it, it is NOT made from cheese 😉

Cheddar Gorge is a stunning natural landmark, located between Bath and Bristol. The gorge and cave complex is filled with prehistory and amazing rock formations. You can easily spend a full day here and not see everything.

There are several show caves to explore. There are audio tours available so that you don’t miss any of the unique features that are hidden away. In one of the caves, there are multimedia displays and presentations that tell the story of early man and the area.

We have to be honest – we LOVE Cheddar Gorge and it really is one of the best places to visit south England! 🙂

There are cliffs to climb and caves to explore, all of which you can do with a guide and proper safety equipment. If you fancy something a little less adrenaline-fueled, then you could visit the museum of prehistory to learn about how early man survived the ravages of the ice age and how it created the landscape you see today.

28. Winchester

Looking for the best Southern England cities to visit? Home to a Cathedral that is famous all over the world, Winchester is situated in the south of England. If you seek medieval history and have a penchant for learning about ancient monarchs, then this is the perfect locale for your next tourism day trip.

Interestingly enough, Winchester was once the capital of England and remained as such for a number of years – until the 11 th century when William the Conqueror arrived.

29. Cornwall

Best places to visit in south west England? Alongside being the region with the warmest average temperature in the country, Cornwall is filled with the most beautiful places to visit in England. Millions of people visiting this souther region can’t be wrong! 🙂

It really is one of the top south England holiday destinations!

Cornwall thrives on its tourist trade. This means that wherever you go you will receive a friendly welcome and you will find things to do. The landscape is beautiful, and there is no lack of beaches. 

Cornwall has a lot of shorelines, so it really is easy to find a great beach. There are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy when you get there, such as surfing, sailing, and paddleboarding. You can also find plenty of family-friendly beaches, where you can set up your towels, and enjoy a day of sunbathing, paddling and exploring the tide pools.

There are plenty of attractions to explore, like animal sanctuaries, tin mines and museums. There is also an abundance of small villages to find and explore all with their own quaint charm.

30. Cotswolds

Looking for places to visit in South England? Why not try the Cotswolds ? This area is one of the top south places to visit!

The Cotswolds refers to an area of around 800 square miles. While each of the Cotswolds villages has its own personality, they are all brought together by their uniting features. You will find honey gold stones and rolling hills in every corner of the Cotswolds. From Castle Combe village to Broadway Tower – there are many great things to see in the Cotswolds !

The villages that dot the Cotswolds all feature the local stone, making them delightful to see, as are the castles, palaces, and country homes that are sprinkled throughout the area. Looking for something special in Southern England? Visit Bourton on the Water Model Village – it’s one of the most popular places to visit!

As well as the bustling market towns and quaint villages, there are nature reserves and arboreta that are known worldwide.

We have been to many of the Cotswolds villages as this region in southern England really a few nice places to visit 😉

31. The Minack Theatre

South England areas worth to visit? Raised above the Atlantic Ocean by one of the many naturally-occurring clifftops, the Minack Theatre is a unique experience that shouldn’t be missed by any individual with a love for architecture.

As an outdoor theatre that echoes the great and ancient stadiums of Rome, there’s something very extraordinary about this South England theatre. The Minack Theatre was originally built by just one woman and was originally the scene of the local village’s production of The Tempest. What became an open-air theatre was once the garden of Rowena Cade’s home.

If you think to visit south England, then Oxford will be very high of your list of places to visit in south England!

Oxford is one of the best cities to visit in England besides London. It is very popular amongst students but also families.

Oxford is a city steeped in history. Most famous for the university, it is also a place filled with fascinating architecture and plenty of photo spots. Culture is definitely waiting for you around every corner. The city is bursting with museums and galleries. Due to its location, Oxford is a great idea for a day trip from London .

There is so much to see and experience in the city that a tour is a great option. There are loads of walking tours to choose from as well as bus tours of the city. This way, you can see and learn everything there is to know and avoid missing the hidden gems of this ancient city.

Once the sun goes down, you will find that as Oxford is a university town, it also has a bustling nightlife. There are plenty of pubs, bars and clubs to visit or even just some fantastic restaurants. You should make sure to indulge in this aspect of the city as well during your visit.

33. Chiltern Hills

Best places to visit in south England? We absolutely love this region in southern England! From visiting stunning towns like Old Amserham or Marlow to spending a day in Wendover Woods – there are some many great places to explore and some of them are the top commuter towns near London !

If you picture the English countryside , you probably think of rolling green hills, dotted with country estates and small villages. What you are probably picturing is the Chilterns . It is an area of outstanding natural beauty. And, in the true British style, you can be safe in the knowledge that as you explore, you are never going to be far from a classic British pub or restaurant.

The Chilterns is a mecca for walkers. There are so many beautiful routes to explore. No matter your walking experience or fitness level, you will find a walk to suit you here. It is such a great place for walking near London that there is a walking festival held here every year.

34. St Michael’s Mount

Best places to visit South Coast England? It takes around 45 minutes to cross the causeway that would take you across the castle route and into the heart of St Michael’s. It’s a wonderful place that doesn’t take up much time for a visit and is definitely worth the trip.

It is, however, usually closed during the winter. So, be sure to check that they’re open before you decide to travel towards St Michael’s. Though, even if the Mount is closed, it’s still wonderfully picturesque!

35. Stonehenge

Top things to do in the south? When creating the list of top places to visit in the south of England, we couldn’t forget about Stonehenge . Could we?! 🙂

Getting to Stonehenge is easy from most major cities in the South of England. This popular destination is accessible by train, bus, car, bike and foot.

While the stone circle is probably one of the most iconic sites in England, it is not all that the site has to offer. After you have marvelled at the feat of engineering that allowed this monument to be created and to survive all this time, you can then marvel at the neolithic houses. These recreations have been built using techniques and materials that would have been used by the people who lived here over 4,500 years ago. 

As well as the stones there is a great visitor centre and museum, a lovely cafe. Oh, and of course the area is just beautiful. Make time in your trip to wander in the countryside. There are several walks that allow you to get a feel for the ancient landscape and natural beauty of the area.

So, is Stonehenge on your list of top places to visit in the south of England?

What attracts visitors to South England?

There are many reasons why visitors are attracted to southern England. Here are some of the top attractions and experiences:

• Historic landmarks: Southern England is home to many iconic landmarks, such as Stonehenge , Windsor Castle , the Tower of London, and the Roman Baths. These sites offer visitors the chance to explore thousands of years of history and culture.
• Picturesque towns and villages: Southern England is known for its charming towns and villages, such as Bath, Oxford, Brighton, and the Cotswolds . These places are characterized by their historic architecture, quaint streets, and picturesque countryside.
• Cultural events: Southern England hosts many cultural events throughout the year, such as the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the Hay Festival of Literature, the Glastonbury Festival, and the Notting Hill Carnival. These events offer visitors the chance to experience music, theater, literature, and art in unique and vibrant settings.
• Natural beauty: Southern England is home to many areas of outstanding natural beauty, such as the Jurassic Coast and the South Downs National Park. These places offer visitors the chance to explore rugged coastlines, rolling hills, and tranquil lakes and rivers.
• Food and drink: Southern England is known for its traditional cuisine, such as fish and chips, cream teas, and afternoon tea. The region also has a thriving food and drink scene, with many Michelin-starred restaurants, gastropubs, and craft breweries.
• Outdoor activities: Southern England offers many opportunities for outdoor activities, such as hiking, cycling, water sports, and golf. Visitors can also explore the region’s many gardens, parks, and nature reserves.

South England FAQ

Kent, Surrey, Sussex, Devon, Cornwall are the most famous areas in southern England.

Most people would say that the south of England is posh but this is mainly due to higher prices and expensive houses.

South of England really has to be visited! Go to Seven Sisters, Cheddar Gorge or New Forest for a great day out!

Holidays in south England really can be amazing. Visit Cornwall, Devon or the Isle of Wight for a great British holiday!

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3 days South England itinerary

Here’s a suggested 3-day itinerary for exploring the southern part of England:

• Start your day in Brighton, a lively seaside town famous for its pebble beach and colorful beach huts. Take a stroll along the pier, explore the quirky shops in the Lanes, and visit the Royal Pavilion.
• In the afternoon, head to the Seven Sisters Cliffs, a stunning stretch of coastline just east of Brighton. Take a walk along the cliff tops for panoramic views of the English Channel.
• Drive to the historic city of Winchester, located in the picturesque county of Hampshire. Visit the magnificent Winchester Cathedral, explore the city’s medieval streets, and learn about King Arthur at the Great Hall.
• In the afternoon, head to the New Forest National Park , where you can see free-roaming ponies and deer, and enjoy a walk or bike ride in the beautiful woodland.
• Start the day in the charming city of Bath, famous for its Georgian architecture and Roman Baths. Visit the Roman Baths Museum, take a walking tour of the city, and enjoy the views from the Royal Crescent.
• In the afternoon, drive to the nearby village of Lacock, a picturesque village that has been used as a filming location for several movies and TV shows, including Harry Potter and Downton Abbey.
• Finally, visit Stonehenge , one of the world’s most famous prehistoric monuments, and marvel at the giant standing stones that have stood on this site for over 4,000 years.

Of course, this is just one possible itinerary, and there are many other wonderful places to explore in southern England, depending on your interests and preferences.

7 day South England itinerary

Here’s a suggested 7-day itinerary for exploring the southern part of England:

• Start your trip in London and spend the day exploring some of the city’s top attractions, such as Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, or the British Museum.
• Take a day trip to the university town of Oxford, known for its stunning architecture, beautiful gardens, and rich history. Visit the famous Oxford colleges, the Bodleian Library, and the Ashmolean Museum.
• Drive to the picturesque town of Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of William Shakespeare. Visit Shakespeare’s birthplace, the Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, and other important landmarks related to the famous playwright.
• Spend the day exploring the beautiful Cotswolds region , known for its rolling hills, charming villages, and quaint tea rooms. Visit some of the picturesque towns and villages, such as Bourton-on-the-Water, Stow-on-the-Wold, or Broadway.
• Head to the historic city of Bath, famous for its Georgian architecture, Roman Baths, and beautiful gardens. Take a walking tour of the city, visit the Royal Crescent, and relax in the Thermae Bath Spa.
• Drive to the stunning Jurassic Coast , a World Heritage Site that stretches along the coast of Dorset and East Devon. Visit places like Durdle Door, Lulworth Cove, and Chesil Beach, and go for a walk along the South West Coast Path.
• Spend the day in the charming seaside town of Brighton, known for its vibrant atmosphere, beautiful pebble beach, and iconic pier. Take a walk along the seafront, explore the quirky shops in the Lanes, and visit the Royal Pavilion.

South England tourist information

Southern England is a popular destination for tourists, offering a wide variety of attractions and experiences. Here’s some general tourist information to help you plan your trip:

• Climate: Southern England has a temperate maritime climate, with mild winters and cool summers. The weather can be changeable, so it’s a good idea to bring layers and a waterproof jacket.
• Transportation: Southern England has a good transportation network, with train and bus services connecting many of the region’s towns and cities. You can also rent a car to explore the area at your own pace.
• Accommodation: Southern England has a wide range of accommodation options, from budget hostels and B&Bs to luxury hotels and holiday cottages. Popular areas to stay include London, Bath, Brighton, and the Cotswolds .
• Attractions: Southern England has many attractions to suit different interests and preferences, including historic landmarks, museums, galleries, gardens, beaches, and outdoor activities. Popular attractions include Stonehenge , the Roman Baths, the Tower of London, Windsor Castle , the Jurassic Coast , and the Eden Project.
• Food and drink: Southern England is known for its traditional cuisine, including fish and chips, afternoon tea, and cream teas. The region also has a thriving food and drink scene, with many Michelin-starred restaurants, gastropubs, and craft breweries.
• Events and festivals: Southern England hosts many events and festivals throughout the year, including the Chelsea Flower Show, the Henley Royal Regatta, the Glastonbury Festival, and the Notting Hill Carnival.

South England history

Southern England has a rich and diverse history, dating back to prehistoric times. Here are some of the key historical periods and events that have shaped the region:

• Prehistory: Southern England is home to many important prehistoric sites, including Stonehenge and Avebury, which were constructed around 5000 years ago.
• Roman period: The Romans occupied southern England from AD 43 to AD 410, leaving behind many important landmarks and buildings, such as the Roman Baths in Bath and the amphitheater in Winchester.
• Anglo-Saxon period: In the 5th and 6th centuries, southern England was inhabited by various Germanic tribes, including the Saxons, Jutes, and Angles. This period saw the emergence of important kingdoms such as Wessex and Kent.
• Norman Conquest: In 1066, William the Conqueror invaded England from Normandy, France, and defeated the Anglo-Saxon king Harold Godwinson. This led to the Norman Conquest of England and the construction of many important landmarks, such as the Tower of London and Windsor Castle .
• Tudor period: In the 16th century, southern England was the center of the Tudor dynasty, which included monarchs such as Henry VIII, Elizabeth I, and Mary I. This period saw the construction of many important buildings, such as Hampton Court Palace and the Mary Rose.
• Industrial Revolution: In the 18th and 19th centuries, southern England played a key role in the Industrial Revolution, with cities such as Bristol, Birmingham, and Manchester becoming centers of manufacturing and trade.

Today, visitors to southern England can explore many landmarks and attractions related to these historical periods, including castles, museums, and ancient ruins, as well as cities and towns with rich architectural and cultural heritage.

South England cities

Some major cities in the south of England include:

• London, the capital city of England and the United Kingdom
• Bristol, a city in the South West known for its maritime history and cultural scene
• Southampton, a port city in Hampshire and home of the Titanic
• Portsmouth, a coastal city in Hampshire known for its naval history and the HMS Victory
• Bournemouth, a coastal town in Dorset known for its beaches and Victorian architecture
• Brighton, a seaside town in East Sussex known for its vibrant arts and culture scene
• Oxford, a university city in Oxfordshire known for its historic and architectural heritage
• Reading, a town in Berkshire known for its links to the technology and business sectors
• Canterbury, a historic city in Kent and home of the Archbishop of Canterbury

These are just a few examples, there are many more cities, towns, and villages in the south of England that are worth visiting.

Family attractions South England

There are many family-friendly attractions in the south of England, here are a few examples:

• Legoland Windsor: A theme park in Windsor, Berkshire, featuring rides, attractions and Lego models.
• Harry Potter Studio Tour: A tour in Leavesden, Hertfordshire, where visitors can see authentic sets, costumes, and props from the Harry Potter films.
• Science Museum: A museum in London, featuring interactive exhibits and hands-on activities for children of all ages.
• Chessington World of Adventures: A theme park and zoo in Chessington, Surrey, featuring rides, animal encounters, and live shows.
• Stonehenge : A prehistoric monument in Wiltshire, that offers a glimpse into the history and mystery of ancient Britain.
• Portsmouth Historic Dockyard: A naval history museum in Portsmouth, Hampshire, featuring the HMS Victory and other historic ships.
• The Eden Project: A botanical garden in Cornwall , featuring indoor rainforests and outdoor gardens, with educational activities for children.
• Longleat: A safari park and stately home in Wiltshire, featuring animal encounters, adventure playgrounds and a maze.
• The Royal Windsor Castle : A royal residence in Windsor, Berkshire, featuring state apartments, exhibitions and guided tours.

Unusual places to visit in South East England

The south of England is home to many unique and interesting places to visit, here are a few examples of unusual places to visit in the South East of England:

• The Secret Nuclear Bunker, Kelvedon Hatch: An underground bunker built during the Cold War that has been converted into a museum.
• The Salisbury Museum, Salisbury: A museum that is home to the world’s oldest human DNA, the oldest human skeleton in Britain and the largest collection of Stonehenge artifacts.
• The Needles, Isle of Wight: A row of three distinctive stacks of chalk that rise out of the sea off the western extremity of the Isle of Wight.
• The Undercliff, Isle of Wight: A unique coastal landscape, formed by landslides, which has created a series of small beaches, coves and cliffs.
• The Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent: A historic spa town that features elegant Georgian architecture, scenic parks and gardens, and several interesting museums.
• The Kent and East Sussex Railway, Kent: A heritage railway that runs through the picturesque countryside of Kent and East Sussex, offering steam train rides and special events.
• The Chatham Historic Dockyard, Kent: A naval history museum that features historic ships, exhibitions, and interactive activities.
• The Portsmouth’s Spinnaker Tower, Portsmouth: A 170-meter-tall tower that offers panoramic views of Portsmouth and the surrounding area.
• The Winchester Cathedral, Winchester: A beautiful cathedral that is one of the largest in Europe and features an impressive medieval architectural design, a beautiful garden and an underground crypt.

Places to visit on the South Coast

The south coast of England is home to many popular tourist destinations, here are a few examples of places to visit:

• The Jurassic Coast : A World Heritage Site that stretches from East Devon to Dorset and features a diverse range of geological formations, including cliffs, bays, and beaches.
• The Isle of Wight: An island located off the south coast of England, known for its picturesque beaches, historic sites, and outdoor activities.
• Brighton: A vibrant seaside town that is known for its lively arts and culture scene, historic pier, and charming architecture.
• Portsmouth: A coastal city that is known for its naval history and attractions such as the Historic Dockyard, home to the HMS Victory and the Mary Rose Museum.
• The New Forest : A picturesque national park that is known for its unspoiled wilderness, wildlife, and quaint villages.
• Bournemouth: A seaside resort town that is known for its long stretches of golden sand, Victorian architecture and a lively nightlife.
• The White Cliffs of Dover: A iconic natural landmark that offers spectacular views of the English Channel and the coast of France.
• Southampton: A major port city that is known for its maritime history and attractions such as the SeaCity Museum and the Mayflower Memorial.
• The South Downs: A beautiful and varied landscape of rolling hills, ancient woodland and picturesque villages.

Most beautiful places in South East England

The south east of England is home to many beautiful places, here are a few examples of some of the most beautiful places in the region:

• Seven Sisters Country Park, East Sussex: A beautiful stretch of coast that features seven white chalk cliffs and a wide range of wildlife.
• The Cotswolds , Gloucestershire: An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty that is known for its picturesque villages, rolling hills, and charming stone cottages.
• The White Cliffs of Dover, Kent: A iconic natural landmark that offers spectacular views of the English Channel and the coast of France.
• The New Forest, Hampshire : A picturesque national park that is known for its unspoiled wilderness, wildlife, and quaint villages.
• The South Downs, Sussex: A beautiful and varied landscape of rolling hills, ancient woodland and picturesque villages.
• The Thames Path, London: A 184-mile-long footpath that follows the River Thames through some of the most beautiful and historic parts of the south east, including Oxford and Windsor .
• The Kent Downs, Kent: An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty that features rolling hills, woodlands and ancient landscapes.
• The Chiltern Hills, Oxfordshire: An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty that is known for its gently rolling hills, beech woods, and picturesque villages.

What famous film was filmed in South England?

Southern England has been the setting for many famous films over the years. Here are a few examples:

• Harry Potter: Several of the Harry Potter films were filmed in Southern England, including Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry (which was filmed at Oxford University), and various other locations such as the Hogwarts Express, Godric’s Hollow and the Ministry of Magic (which were filmed at different locations in London).
• Bridget Jones’s Diary: The iconic British romantic comedy was primarily set in London but also features scenes filmed in the Cotswolds and Berkshire.
• The King’s Speech: This award-winning historical drama was filmed in various locations throughout Southern England, including Ely Cathedral, Greenwich, and Lancaster House in London.
• The Crown: This popular Netflix series, which chronicles the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, was filmed in numerous locations across Southern England, including Winchester Cathedral, Ely Cathedral, and various other locations in London.
• James Bond: Many James Bond films have been set and filmed in Southern England, including iconic locations such as the MI6 building, Buckingham Palace, and Stowe School.

These are just a few examples of the many films that have been set and filmed in Southern England. The region’s historic landmarks, picturesque towns and villages, and stunning natural beauty make it a popular choice for filmmakers.

Things to do in south west England

The south west of England is a popular tourist destination, here are a few examples of things to do in the region:

• Visit the historic city of Bath: Known for its Roman baths, Georgian architecture, and the Royal Crescent.
• Take a hike or bike ride on the South West Coast Path: This 630-mile trail offers some of the most spectacular coastal views in the country.
• Explore the Isles of Scilly: A group of beautiful islands located off the coast of Cornwall , known for its clear waters, white sandy beaches, and unique wildlife.
• Visit the Eden Project: A botanical garden in Cornwall, featuring indoor rainforests and outdoor gardens, with educational activities for children.
• Take a day trip to the historic town of Bristol: Known for its maritime history, the Clifton Suspension Bridge, and the SS Great Britain.
• Explore the Dartmoor National Park: A beautiful and rugged landscape of moors, tors, and ancient settlements in Devon
• Visit the ancient stone circles at Stonehenge : A prehistoric monument in Wiltshire, that offers a glimpse into the history and mystery of ancient Britain.
• Go surfing at Newquay: a seaside town in Cornwall , known for its beautiful beaches and surf spots.
• Take a boat trip to see the seals at the Farne Islands: a group of islands located off the coast of Devon , known for its seal colonies and bird-watching opportunities.

Things to do with kids in south east England

The south east of England is home to many family-friendly activities and attractions, here are a few examples of things to do with kids in the region:

• Visit the Science Museum in London: A museum that features interactive exhibits and hands-on activities for children of all ages.
• Take a trip to Legoland Windsor: A theme park in Windsor, Berkshire, that features rides, attractions, and Lego models.
• Explore the Natural History Museum in London: A museum that features a wide range of exhibits on natural history, including dinosaurs and fossils.
• Visit the Harry Potter Studio Tour in Leavesden, Hertfordshire: A tour where visitors can see authentic sets, costumes, and props from the Harry Potter films.
• Have a day out at Chessington World of Adventures: A theme park and zoo in Chessington, Surrey, that features rides, animal encounters, and live shows.
• Take a trip to the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard: A naval history museum in Portsmouth, Hampshire, that features the HMS Victory and other historic ships.
• Visit the Royal Windsor Castle : A royal residence in Windsor, Berkshire, that features state apartments, exhibitions and guided tours.
• Take a trip to the Sea Life Centre in Brighton: An aquarium that features a wide range of sea creatures, including sharks, rays and turtles.
• Explore the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew, London: A botanic garden that features a wide range of plants and gardens, including the famous Palm House and the Princess of Wales Conservatory.
• Visit the Beale Park, Reading: A wildlife park and garden that has a wide range of animals and a playground area for kids.

Is it worth visiting Southern England?

The South of England has a lot to offer. It is home to some of the prettiest villages in England . You can easily come to the south of the country and spend your whole visit in London. You would have a wonderful time, but you’d be missing out on all the rest that the area has to offer.

Whatever it is that you are looking for in a getaway from vibrant cities to relaxing nature, you can find something wonderful in the South of England.

Love England and the rest of the UK?

Read our other articles related to this stunning country:

Day trips from London

Weekend trips UK

Best Cotswold villages

Bourton on the Water Model Village

Things to do in St. Albans

Places to visit in the Cotswolds

So, there you have it! A taste of what the South of England has to offer, from the exciting buzz of its cities to the serene beauty of its countryside and coastlines. A place where adventure and relaxation meet, offering something for everyone.

Whether you’re planning a day out in the South East, seeking the thrill of the many things to do in South England, or just eager to discover the best places to visit in South England, this region is sure to captivate you.

Explore the charm of the South Coast UK as you hop from one picturesque seaside town to another, and indulge in the plethora of attractions that make this part of the country one of the places to visit in the UK. As you traverse the magnificent South Coast of England, you’ll stumble upon countless South England highlights and, if you’re adventurous enough, uncover some of the most unusual and captivating places.

Embrace the opportunity to encounter the region’s rich history, enjoy its diverse culture, and be mesmerised by some of the most beautiful places in South East England. And remember, there’s always something new and exciting to do, whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned explorer, making southern England a destination that keeps on giving.

So pack your bags, set your GPS, and get ready to discover all the places to visit in the south of England that make this region so uniquely captivating and enjoyable. Happy exploring!

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28 Beautiful Places To Visit In South England

Scott and I are both completely in love with the south of England. We’ve called it home for pretty much our entire lives and we’ve found so many beautiful places to visit in south England to keep us hooked for many more years to come.

So if you’re looking for the best places to go in south England for a day trip, weekend getaway or to add to your longer UK itinerary , then we’ve got you covered with these 27 unmissable places to visit south of the Midlands.

Are you ready for your UK bucket list to get a whole longer? Great, let’s go!

The Most Beautiful Places To Visit In South England

Jurassic coast.

The infamous World Heritage-status Jurassic Coast runs for 96 miles from Exmouth in East Devon and through Dorset before finishing at Studland Bay. 

It’s most famous for its 185 million years worth of geological history and is the perfect place to find fossils and other treasures from the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous periods.

But there are also some stunning places to visit all along the Jurassic Coast where you can find incredible sea views, wildflower meadows, pristine beaches and more!

Here are our favourite places to visit along the Jurassic Coast that we recommend you add to your South England bucket list straightaway!

Thanks to authors like Jane Austen and Beatrix Potter, Lyme Regis is one of the Jurassic Coast’s most famous towns.

And as it’s a popular Victorian seaside town, it has also got lots of pretty areas to admire. 

From seeing pretty little boats moored in the harbour and wandering around pretty parks to finding old Victorian lamp posts and mooching inside bustling boutiques, you’ll never run out of things to do and see in Lyme Regis.

READ MORE: 12 BEAUTIFUL & HISTORIC LITERARY PLACES TO VISIT IN ENGLAND

Salcombe Hill

Salcombe Hill is along the coastal walk that you can follow from Sidmouth in East Devon and it’s so pretty!

Not only can you gaze at stunning ocean views but you’ll also see these same views framed by the rust-coloured Triassic cliffs that Sidmouth is known for.

Plus in the summer months, you can also find a beautiful wildflower meadow up here too!

Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door

Another of the Jurassic Coast’s most famous spots, Lulworth Cove is home to a pretty little bay, sandy beaches and fantastic sea views.

Durdle Door is also just over a mile away from Lulworth Cove and many visitors follow the coastal walks between the two.

Swanage is home to sandy beaches, charming tea shops, quaint houses – and perhaps its most famous landmark of all – Corfe Castle.

Most visitors just come to see Corfe Castle but you could easily spend a full weekend exploring all the pretty little nooks and crannies of this charming seaside town.

Bonus: Burrow Farm Gardens

While you’re in the Jurassic Coast area, be sure to stop off at Burrow Farm Gardens , which is roughly 20 minutes north east of Lyme Regis.

It’s nicknamed East Devon’s Secret Garden and is home to 13 acres worth of stunning gardens complete with ponds, gorgeous viewpoints – and perhaps our most favourite feature of all – a Secret Garden gate.

It’s also dog friendly – such a great bonus!

Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, the ancient Roman city of Bath is as beautiful as it is historic. 

From the incredible architecture of Bath Abbey and the Baths that helped to put this city on the map to the pretty botanical gardens and charming Regency houses you’ve seen slapped all over period dramas on the TV, there’s so much to love about this city.

You could easily spend a full weekend exploring Bath but you can still see so much even if you’ve got just one day to spare .

READ MORE: HOW TO SPEND THE PERFECT ONE DAY IN BATH

Bonus: Bowood House & Gardens

It’s not every day that you visit somewhere that truly takes your breath away and has you wishing to come back again before you’ve even left.

For us this autumn , that place was Bowood House and Gardens in Wiltshire (roughly an hour’s drive from Bath).

We discovered this place by chance while researching Poldark filming locations and we knew we just had to visit.

Not only is there a stunning Georgian property to see here, but the grounds are nothing short of magical. You’ll find grottoes, temples, a waterfall and even an arboretum (or pinetum) here.

You may even be lucky enough – like we were! – to see hundreds of geese basking in the sunshine and even glimpse some deer through the trees. Incredible!

Oxford is a truly iconic English city and is full of beautiful architecture you can’t help but stare at!

Some of the city’s highlights include the Radcliffe Camera, Oxford Castle and the Bridge of Sighs. 

But while you’re here, you should also make it your mission to enjoy afternoon tea in one of the city’s many charming tea shops.

You can also follow a path along the canal, which finishes near Port Meadow – a large open green space full of wildflowers during the spring and summer months.

Bonus: Blenheim Palace

If you’re visiting Oxford, then you should also try to get tickets for Blenheim Palace , which is roughly 20 minutes north of the city.

Although the palace and grounds are magnificent on any given day, this palace is truly INCREDIBLE to visit at Christmastime .

Each year, the palace puts on the most incredible sound and light shows throughout its gardens and the palace truly comes alive with spectacular themed decorations.

Last year, Alice in Wonderland took over the castle but other years have included Cinderella and other popular fairy tales.

Tickets don’t come cheap – but it’s seriously worth it!

READ MORE: CHRISTMAS AT BLENHEIM PALACE REVIEW & TIPS FOR FIRST TIME VISITORS

Having lived in Bristol for close to a decade now, we might be a little biased to include it on this list of beautiful places to visit in south England.

But there are definitely so many things that make this city such a charming place to go!

From historic buildings in the old part of the city and magnificent ships moored in the harbour to various spectacular city viewpoints and even Banksy murals dotted throughout the city, there are so many reasons why you should visit Bristol .

Once again, you could easily spend a full weekend here, but if you’ve only got one day, then here’s how to make the most of it .

READ MORE: EPIC ONE DAY IN BRISTOL ITINERARY 

Exmoor National Park

Exmoor National Park in Devon is one of our favourite places to go in south England as there’s so much to do out in nature here.

If we could name drop just a couple of unmissable places to visit in Exmoor, they would be Heddon Valley (for the views, coastal walks and secluded cove) and Watersmeet (for the riverside strolls, woodland walks and foxglove fields).

Dartmoor National Park

Also in Devon, Dartmoor National Park is another beautiful place to explore.

Once again, you can’t really go wrong wherever you go.

But some of our favourite places in Dartmoor are Lydford Gorge (for the 100 foot high waterfall, riverside strolls and interesting legends), Hay Tor (for stunning views and rocks shaped like a giant’s foot) and Becky Falls (for yet more waterfalls and an ancient woodland).

We couldn’t possibly write about the most beautiful places to visit in south England without mentioning the country’s capital city could we?

There is a lot of beauty to find in London – especially if you know where to go.

While all the usual tourist sights are incredible to see firsthand, you should also make it your mission to see the various parks and green spaces throughout the city including Holland Park, Hyde Park, Kew Gardens and WWT London Wetland Centre.

The mews are also well worth finding, which are little cobblestoned streets free from cars and home to incredible wisteria-strewn houses.

Not to mention there are also lots of pretty little boutiques to discover in boroughs like Mayfair, Chelsea, Notting Hill, Covent Garden and Kensington.

READ MORE: 10 BEAUTIFUL LONDON MEWS – THE PRETTIEST STREETS IN LONDON

If you think historic cities are beautiful then you’ll LOVE Salisbury!

It’s home to 700 year old pubs, Tudor houses, a magnificent cathedral and even an original Magna Carta you can see up close.

How incredible is that? You can easily see the highlights of Salisbury in just one day – and you’ll love every minute!

READ MORE: ONE DAY IN SALISBURY – 15 BEST THINGS TO DO

Bonus: Stonehenge

While you’re in this area, you should also take a day trip from Salisbury to Stonehenge , which is easily one of the UK’s most iconic sights and is just 10 miles north of the city.

Bonus: Highclere Castle

Also, if you’re a fan of Downton Abbey then you’ll also love a trip out to Highclere Castle , which is less than an hour away from Salisbury.

It was the principal filming location for Downton Abbey and is even home to an Egyptian exhibit in the basement. 

Well worth visiting if you can get tickets – but you will need to plan months ahead.

READ MORE: VISITING DOWNTON ABBEY IN REAL LIFE – WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

The south of England is home to so many towns and cities that are well known for their Regency buildings and Georgian architecture. 

But Cheltenham is the most complete Regency town in the whole of the UK!

If you love houses and buildings akin to what you’d read about in a Jane Austen novel or see in a period drama, then you’ll love Cheltenham as you’ll find streets full of these houses everywhere you look.

READ MORE: 7 TOTALLY FUN THINGS TO DO IN CHELTENHAM

Bonus: Puzzlewood

While you’re in this area, you might also want to think about a day trip to Puzzlewood, which is roughly an hour south west of Cheltenham.

It’s an incredible wood to wander around and was also used prominently in Star Wars and other hit TV shows and movies!

READ MORE: SECRETS OF ENGLAND – PUZZLEWOOD STAR WARS FILMING LOCATION

We know. We know. Cornwall is an entire county in south west England, so what’s it doing among all these cities and towns?

Simply put, you just can’t go wrong wherever you end up in Cornwall. 

In our opinion, it’s one of the best places to visit in south west England and is usually the first place we recommend to anyone who wants to see the country outside of London.

And to be fair, there are so many beautiful places to visit in Cornwall that we thought it could do with its very own blog post .

For now, here’s what we recommend you start with…

Known as King Arthur’s birthplace, Tintagel is home to an ancient castle and a charming little village in north Cornwall. 

Plus the sea views from the top of the cliffs near the castle are incredible to see first hand!

READ MORE: TINTAGEL – THE MOST BEAUTIFUL VILLAGE IN NORTH CORNWALL

Porthcurno is home to a pristine sandy beach overlooking a calm bay. But it also has another incredible and very beautiful feature!

It’s home to the Minack Theatre, which is an open air theatre carved into the side of the cliffs and overlooking the sea. 

Coming here makes for a truly magical evening but you will need to book months ahead!

St Ives along the north coast is one of Cornwall’s most popular seaside towns – and it’s easy to see why!

It’s home to several clean sandy beaches, amazing coastal walks, calm bays and lots of charming seaside boutiques to have a mooch about in.

You should definitely make it your mission to spend a full weekend in St Ives – if not longer!

READ MORE: WHERE TO STAY IN CORNWALL – BEST TOWNS, HOTELS + B&BS

Lost Gardens of Heligan

The Lost Gardens of Heligan near Mevagissey is such a pretty place to wander around, but it also has a really interesting history.

The gardens date back to 1766 but they became neglected and completely overgrown during WWI. 

It wasn’t until 1990 when the gardens were discovered again, renovated and later opened to the public.

And thank god they were too!

Eden Project

The Eden Project near St Austell is another charming place to discover in Cornwall with its dome-shaped biomes home to tropical rainforests and thousands upon thousands of different plants, flowers and foliage.

READ MORE: THE BEST OF CORNWALL 3 DAY ITINERARY

The Cotswolds

The Cotswolds stretch for a whopping 800 square miles – and there are so many beautiful towns and villages worth exploring here.

This is where you come in England to see quintessential chocolate box villages complete with thatched roofs, honey-coloured houses and colourful bunting in the spring and summer months.

Just like Cornwall, the Cotswolds deserves its very own blog post, which we’ve already written for you – check it out here !

READ MORE: THE PRETTIEST TOWNS & VILLAGES IN THE COTSWOLDS

Brownsea Island

Found just across the bay from Poole in Dorset, Brownsea Island is well worth making the trip.

The views across the bay are incredible and you’d be forgiven for thinking you’ve been whisked away abroad somewhere. 

Not to mention you might spot some pheasants, peacocks and red squirrels, which all roam free around the island.

Exeter doesn’t usually make it onto lists of the most beautiful places to visit in south England, but we think that’s a total shame. 

Full of Tudor buildings and timber-framed houses, the city is so historic and is full of interesting stories and legends like ‘The House That Moved’.

Plus Exeter Quay is also a charming place for a wander where you’ll be met with views across the river and charming tea rooms, antique shops and other artisan boutiques!

You should definitely spend at least a day exploring Exeter. But if you can also stay overnight, then we’d definitely recommend it!

Ilfracombe in north Devon is another one to add to your list!

It’s home to incredible coastal walks, which overlook both the ocean and bustling harbour, as well as seaside boutiques, quaint tea shops and even a towering 66 foot tall statue made by Damien Hirst.

Bonus: Beautiful National Trust Places Worth Visiting

Although we’ve included 27 different places on this list, we’d be kidding if we told you we were finished. 

But at the risk of this blog post becoming mammoth sized like our UK bucket list did, we will stop there for now.

If you do want to find lots more beautiful places to visit in south England, then you should check out our post all about National Trust places in the UK .

There are lots more beautiful places included in that list that we’ll think you’ll love. Enjoy!

READ MORE: 33 OF THE BEST NATIONAL TRUST PLACES IN THE UK

We hope this blog post serves as some fantastic inspiration for beautiful places to visit in south England! 

Which places have caught your eye? And can you think of anywhere we’ve missed out? Let us know in the comments section below…

Did you like this? Pin this list of beautiful places to visit in south England now, visit them later!

Justine Jenkins

Justine is one half of the married couple behind the Wanderers of the World travel blog. She lives in Bristol, UK and has travelled extensively within Europe and beyond since 2013. After her trips, she shares detailed travel itineraries, helpful travel guides and inspiring blog posts about the places she's been to. When she's not travelling overseas, you'll find her joining her husband, Scott on various day trips, weekend getaways and walks within the UK, which she also writes about on Wanderers of the World. Aside from travelling and writing, she also loves reading, crafting and learning about nature.

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17 comments

You are right, I can see why you love this area. It is absolutely so picturesque and have long been on my travel list. There are too many to choose a favourite, but puzzlewood looks like such a gem with those trees! I have longed to do a tour of all the wonderful locations I have read about in Jane Austen’s books and this seems like you are a great resource.

A Jane Austen tour of England would be AH-MAZ-ING! This blog post here might help you out with that 😉

Or this one … I’m a big Austen fan myself 😉

So many beautiful places. I grew up in the UK and family holidays were always to Devon and Cornwall so I’ve been to many of those places on this list. However, still a few I need to try and a lot of places I’d never heard of. I think I need to visit some of those places around the Jurassic coast soon or they might revoke my citizenship for not having seen some of the best of my own country. It looks gorgeous!

We’ve spent a lot of time in Devon and Cornwall too; easily two of the best counties in England (at least in our opinion!) 😉

What an awesome list! Sadly, I’ve only been to London but there is so much more in South England to discover. Oxford, Bath and the Cotswolds have been on my list for a while but places like Salcombe Hill are new to me and look so beautiful. Love the coast!

You’ll just have to come back… you’ve got the perfect excuse now 😉

What a great list with some really awesome destinations! This whole situation has made me even more determined to explore more of the UK instead of always jetting off somewhere more exotic.

Bath is top of my travel wishlist at the moment, I can’t believe that despite living in London for 15 years I haven’t visited yet! Lyme Regis looks like totally my kind of place too, it’s so pretty and I love the idea of checking out little boutiques, cafes, etc. I’ll be adding it to my never-ending list too!

Definitely! Us too! Although we’ve seen so many beautiful places down south, our mission is to head north more. Although given we live in Bristol, it’s a little harder for us without spending the night. York is so high up our bucket list though 😀 I hope you’ll get to see Lyme Regis; it is so pretty – especially in the summer 🙂

I know shockingly little about the south of England and this is definitely making me want to visit! Puzzlewood looks incredible and so does Heligan.

Will definitely need to go visit there once things ease up!

Puzzlewood and the Lost Gardens of Heligan are definitely incredible! I hope you might be able to visit one day 🙂

Honestly had no idea how much you could do in southern England! Have been planning a trip there eventually but besides London and a few sights outside of the city I had no idea what to do. Great recommendations and excited to have a base to plan my trip futher!

Excellent! London is incredible (of course!) but there’s definitely so much more to see besides the capital. I hope you’ve got plenty of ideas from this blog post for your visit 😀

I am in love with England. My husband and I visited for the first time in October. We only stayed for 3 and a half days though. We stayed in London and spent a day in Stonehenge and Bath. I LOVED Bath. I love England so much that I contemplate us moving there.

Hannah | http://hannahonhorizon.com

Bath is one of our favourites too! I hope you’ll be able to come visit again soon but you’ll definitely have to make your trip longer next time 😉 So many incredible places to discover!

England looks like such a beautiful country, and I had no idea how insanely pretty the south is! I’ve always wanted to go to the Jurassic coast (and England in general) but now I’m lusting after those cute burrows! Gorgeous photos

Thanks Brooklyn! I’m glad this post has given you all sorts of travel inspo for England 😉 I hope you get to see the Jurassic Coast soon xoxo

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30 Best Places to Visit in South England

Deciding on the best places to visit in Southern England is no easy task! First of all, what exactly is “Southern England”?

For simplicity, we decided to count everything south of the Midlands, besides the East of England. We already covered the best places to visit across England here , so this time we just wanted to focus on one area.

We asked our fellow travel bloggers to help us out with their favourite South England spots, and as a result, we have the 30 amazing places to add to your South England bucket list.

No list of places to visit in South England would be complete without including the vibrant city of London. Need we say any more?

Full of iconic sites like Big Ben, Tower Bridge, Trafalgar Square, and the British Museum, just to name a few, you won’t run short of things to do in London .

We recommend jumping on a ferry to Greenwich to see as much as possible from the Thames and make sure you visit at least one of London’s many markets, like Greenwich Market, Old Spitalfields, Covent Garden, Portobello, Camden, and Brick Lane.

Check out our four-day itinerary for first-timers here .

Bath is a paradise for those that love Jane Austen, but it’s also a wonderful place for anyone to visit really! It’s a city rich with history, including the iconic Roman-built baths, the beautiful Pulteney Bridge, and the iconic Royal Terrace with its crescent of terrace houses.

We loved having brunch in the Pump Room next to the baths, visiting the Jane Austen Centre, and enjoying a famous Sally Lunn Bun from Bath’s oldest house, built around 1483.

Check out top things to do in Bath here (especially if you like Jane Austen!).

Bristol stands on either side of the Avon River and is known for its maritime history, and as the home of graffiti artist Banksy.

You can take street art tours, explore the older part of the city, visit Clifton Suspension Bridge, and learn more about the city’s past at M-Shed, the Bristol Museum.

Check out our Bristol weekend itinerary here .

The Cotswolds covers a huge area of 800 square miles, and has been declared an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

Most people who visit the Cotswolds want to take in the charming villages with historic architecture made from the honey-coloured Cotswold stone.

Some of our favourites include Bourton-on-the-Water, Chipping Campden, Castle Combe, Stow-on-the-Wold, and the twin villages of Upper and Lower Slaughter. Other things to do in the Cotswolds include visiting Warwick Castle and Blenheim Palace or walk the Cotswold Way.

Lizard Peninsula

The Lizard peninsula in Cornwall is one of the most stunning landscapes in all of England.

Colourful fishing ports are scattered around, and the smell of delicious and fresh fish and chips, scones and Cornish pasties will make your tummy rumble!

The plants and flowers here are some of the most unique, and you will even find rock formations that you may rarely see elsewhere.

Some of the top places you should visit here are Kynance Cove, Kennack sands, Coverach beach, Poldhu cove beach and the village of Cadgwith.

Mullion Cove is where you’ll find thick harbour walls surrounded by black volcanic rock. Roskilly’s farm is where you can see and enjoy fresh ice cream being made.

You can learn more about the maritime history at Lizard lighthouse and enjoy spectacular views too.

Anne’s pasties are the most famous here and the shop is located at England’s southernmost mainland point!

You can also go diving and kayaking in this Area of Outstanding Beauty (AONB).

Rye & Camber Sands

By Bridget at The Flashpacker

For two idyllic destinations in southern England for the price of one, visit Rye & Camber Sands in East Sussex.

The medieval town of Rye is laced with cobblestoned streets, flanked by Georgian townhouses and wonky timber-framed Tudor houses, and is home to a 12th-century church and a castle. Reputedly, there’s even a haunted inn.

As a source of inspiration for artists, Rye has a fine selection of galleries as well as a number of small independent shops. And if you’re in the mood for coffee and cake, you’ll be well served by Rye’s excellent cafes.

Camber Sands, an easy three-mile walk from Rye and home to one of the longest dune systems on the South Coast, has a beach to rival many of those in more exotic corners of the world.

Collect seashells and paddle in the rock pools along its seven miles of golden sand, or embrace your inner child by building sandcastles.

If you are feeling more adventurous, why not try your hand at kitesurfing?

Although an overnight stay is recommended, thanks to good train links, Rye and Camber Sands is an easy day trip from London, just one hour from London St Pancras International with a change of train at Ashford International.

The Jurassic Coast

By Theo from Waffles and Lamingtons

From dramatic cliff lines that look more like the Mediterranean to eye-catching country towns, the Jurassic Coast has so much beauty and history to offer and you will absolutely fall in love.

There is so much to see along the Jurassic Coast that you need a few trips to really see it all. To focus on a few of the highlights and must-sees, then you can’t miss Durdle Door & Lulworth Cove — two gems for the price of one location.

The iconic arched rock is likely what has drawn you to this part of the country, and you won’t be disappointed.

Now that you have had a bit of beach time, it’s time to find the cute towns, and Corfe Castle certainly does the trick. If the fascinating ancient town isn’t enough for you, then then the 12th-century castle that sits in the backdrop over the town should be.

An insider’s tip to truly wrap up the perfect trip to the Jurassic Coast is to visit Chapmans Pool. At low tide, you can rummage the cliffside and find real fossils! It’s also worth staying for sunset as it truly is an amazing place for it.

By Joanna from The World in My Pocket

Whitstable is one of the most beautiful seaside towns easily accessible from London, by both self-driving and public transport. The town is a very popular place for day-trippers but also for people who want to spend a longer time at the seaside.

The beach in Whitstable is covered with pebbles and divided by groynes, which make it less windy when sunbathing.

Whitstable has one of the loveliest harbours in England. It is colourful and vibrant, with both a local market and plenty of restaurants selling oysters and fresh fish. Keep in mind that most of the cafes in the harbour close in the afternoon.

If you want to taste the famous Whitstable native oysters, make sure you are picking a sustainable restaurant such as Wheeler’s Oyster Bar, The Crab and Winkle or The Forge.

The town is famous for its oysters, which are in season from autumn until spring. Centuries ago, the town’s bay was filled with yawls harvesting oysters. The last remaining yawl in Whitstable is displayed as a museum piece, just off the promenade.

Being a popular summer destination, make sure to visit Whitstable responsibly .

White Cliffs of Dover

By Anuradha from Country Hopping Couple

The White Cliffs of Dover are naturally formed high chalk cliffs located near the town Dover, in the southeast of England. The cliffs are 8 miles long and stretch along the Kent coast offering lovely views of the English Channel.

They’re part of Kent Downs, which is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the cliffs are managed by National Trust in England.

The White Cliffs of Dover is an amazing outdoor attraction with endless walking opportunities that suits all fitness levels. It is also said that on a clear day, you can see the views of the French coastline.

The cliffs white colour comes from the sediments of calcium carbonate and they were formed millions of years ago. The cliffs have held significant history since then.

They have acted as a natural defence for the country for centuries since Roman times, and a labyrinth of tunnels were built beneath the cliffs during the second world war, but they were abandoned after the war. Today, the tunnels are accessible to visitors.

The White Cliffs and grasslands are also rich in their flora and fauna and attract many butterflies and birds. You also can’t miss the Exmoor ponies grazing!

The English Riveria

By Steph & Lewis from Book It Let’s Go!

The English Riviera is an area on the south coast of Devon which includes the seaside resorts of Torquay, Brixham, Paignton and the smaller village of Babbacombe.

The whole area has a continental feel about it with pristine golden sandy beaches, beautiful clear water and even palm tree-lined streets. Sometimes referred to as the Torbay area, The English Riviera holds UNESCO Global Geopark status, one of only 7 in the UK and 140 in the world.

Accommodation options are vast ranging from budget camping in the Devonshire countryside to Luxury boutique hotels along the seafront. The English Riviera offers plenty of things to do from exploring the historic Jurassic coastline to visiting the many quaint museums.

Must-see attractions include Britain’s largest model village in Babbacombe and the prehistoric caves at Kent’s Cavern.

Whilst in Devon you must try the amazing award-winning local seafood platters, and no trip to the seaside would be complete without some famous British fish and chips which can be found at the locally owned Rockfish restaurants.

Also, don’t forget to indulge in a Devonshire cream tea, this delicious afternoon treat can be found all across Devon.

Bournemouth

By Izzy from The Gap Decaders

Arguably the most popular seaside destination in England, Bournemouth is a fabulous place to stop on a UK south coast road trip .

With its own warm microclimate and over seven miles of beautiful sandy beaches, nine of them with Blue Flags, this is an ideal place to come for a spot of summer sun and fun!

Lively Bournemouth has something for everyone – if you’re visiting with family, the beaches are safe, there are amusements, fun-fairs, aquariums and so many other attractions both in and close to the town to keep people of all ages entertained!

If you’re coming as a couple, then the nightlife is legendary! There are also several really good restaurants, a couple of fantastic galleries and a pedestrianised shopping street to keep you busy.

Everyone will love Bournemouth’s famous Victorian pier, with its zip line, rock climbing wall and lots of places to stop for the obligatory ice cream. If the weather isn’t kind, the indoor activity centre on the pier is also a great place for entertaining little ones!

If you’re planning to stay in Bournemouth for more than a few days, you should also explore the nearby towns of Poole and Swanage, head into the peaceful New Forest or visit the incredible Jurassic coast, all within easy driving of Bournemouth.

By Helen from Helen in Wonderlust

On the North Devon coast lies the small village of Croyde, overlooking beautiful Croyde Bay.

Croyde is a mecca for British holidaymakers and surfers alike, who flock here every year to lie on the beach, catch the waves and experience the laid-back vibe of the area.

Whilst it’s a small place, there are plenty of great things to do in Croyde , such as a hike to Baggy Point, a National Trust landmark, which is part of the South West Coast Path. And you must visit Croyde’s most famous pub, The Thatch for a pint of cider.

From Croyde, you can take the Four Beaches Walk which takes you over to Saunton Sands and offers you one of the best views of the area. Or if you’re feeling less energetic you can take a walk down to the village to get ice cream, a pasty or to browse the shops.

If you want to venture further afield, Croyde is excellently positioned between all North Devon’s major towns, villages, and attractions including Woolacombe, Appledore, Ilfracombe, Bideford, and Westward Ho!

By Victoria from Guide Your Travel

Brighton is the perfect little beach town for a weekend away. This is a popular little town especially for day trips from London.

Brighton is known for its little cafes and shops that attract thousands of visitors every year.

Definitely spend an afternoon by the pier which has a lot of fun activities such as a decently sized amusement park and of course some of the best ocean views around. Have lunch at the Palm Court Restaurant which sits directly on the pier.

Brighton is also perfect for a long walk on the beach especially in the late afternoons when the weather is nice.

Afterwards, head to the Lanes which is Brighton’s Art neighbourhood. Come here for unique shops and little galleries and of course fantastic restaurants and cafes. You’ll find all the best shopping opportunities here.

Then there is the Royal Pavilion which sits in the heart of town. This impressive palace is the perfect photo spot and a beautiful architectural masterpiece.

Isles of Scilly

By Annabel from Smudged Postcard

The Isles of Scilly are a real hidden gem in southern England. Located some 28 miles off the coast of Cornwall, the Scilly Isles are perfect for anyone looking to get away from the hustle of modern life and experience a holiday of yesteryear.

There are five inhabited isles to choose from depending on how remote you’d like to feel. St Mary’s is the main island with a great range of beaches, restaurants and places to stay.

If you’re after luxury, Tresco is the island to head for while St Martin’s offers some of the best beaches in Europe – ones you’re likely to have all to yourself.

The other two islands – Bryher and St Agnes – offer a peaceful retreat, there’s only a handful of places to stay at on each isle.

Visitors cannot bring cars to the Scilly Isles – most people get around on foot, by bike or by boat. There are plenty of water sports on offer from stand up paddleboarding to snorkelling with seals.

There’s also lots of history to explore on the islands with old castles, ancient settlements and tales of shipwrecks in the lovely local museum.

Hastings Old Town

From Suzanne at Sussex Bloggers

If you love quirky, seaside towns then you’ll want to pay a visit to Hastings Old Town. The old fishing town nestles between two steep cliffs overlooking the sea and it’s perfect for a weekend break.

There are loads of cool things to do in Hastings Old Town and the seafront is where it’s all at. Head to the Stade where you’ll notice the towering black net huts. Nearby you’ll find the Fishermen’s Museum, Sea Life Centre and lots of seafood stalls selling prawns, cockles, whelks and the day’s catch.

There’re a host of fish and chip shops, Webbe’s Rock-a-Nore fish restaurant and some good pubs nearby. Hastings Contemporary, a modern gallery, also sits on the Stade and it’s worth paying a visit to Café Boatyard. There’s crazy golf, a pier, and amusement arcades too.

Take the funicular up to the East Hill and visit Hastings Castle for views over the town and out to sea. For kids, the spooky Smuggler’s Caves will give an insight into the history of smuggling in the town.

Explore the Twittens. These little lanes are full of crooked, half-timbered cottages and medieval buildings. George Street and the High Street are lined with cafes, coffee shops and restaurants.

There’s a raft of cool home stores, crafts, antiques and vintage shops too.

The best thing about Hasting Old Town is the vibe but you’ll have to visit to find out about that.

By Suzanne Jones from The Travelbunny

Eastbourne, just along the coast from Brighton, is a fabulous beach town on England’s south coast. Unlike its coastal neighbour, Eastbourne has a relaxed vibe and chilled atmosphere.

There are loads of things to do in Eastbourne . First head to the promenade and pay a visit to the pier for fish and chips and the Art Deco bandstand nearby. If you’re lucky there’ll be a tribute band playing.

If you’re looking for a beach then Eastbourne has four gorgeous miles of it with a stretch of sand at the Holywell end. There are also beach huts, cafes and Italian Gardens along the promenade.

For art lovers, the Towner Art Gallery with its brightly painted exterior usually has a free exhibition. History lovers will get excited about Redoubt Fort, a perfectly preserved Napoleonic Fort and hikers will love that the rolling hills of the South Downs and the Seven Sisters cliffs are right on the doorstep.

Eastbourne hosts some top events including the Eastbourne International Tennis Tournament, and Airbourne, the International Air Show so time your visit right and you can enjoy these top events too.

By Rich from RJ on Tour

The town of St Ives is towards the Western End of Cornwall and is absolutely stunning. St Ives is a seaside town that has become a haven for all things art, and a great destination for foodies.

There are many nice places to dine out, including the oldest pub in town, The Sloop Inn. The Sloop serves fresh local seafood daily from their specials-board.

The town has options for beaches, all of which are sandy and well maintained, they also all have fantastic views across the bay. There are many art galleries in the town including the Tate St Ives, smaller independent galleries and also many artists painting throughout the town.

The whole sea wall is a great place for views, as is the coastal path towards St Ives Head. St Ives harbour has a resident seal, which is great for nature lovers. Visitors can also go on a boat trip to seal island to see a seal colony and enjoy the local coastline.

To summarise there are lots of things to see and do in St Ives , the town is rather beautiful, hence the reason it attracts so many artists.

South Downs National Park

By Claire from Stoked to Travel

The beautiful South Downs National Park stretches across the whole of the south of England from Winchester in the West, to Eastbourne in the East.

The entire South Downs National Park has plenty to offer, including dozens of beautiful walking routes, ranging from easy to strenuous. You can even walk (or cycle) the entire length of the national park, along the 100-mile long South Downs Way National Trail, or just opt to do a section of the route.

Make sure to look out for some rare species too, including the Adonis blue butterfly, and all 12 of the amphibian and reptile species native to the UK.

The section from Lewes to Alfriston is particularly lovely, and this market town and quaint village are without doubt two of the best places to visit in Sussex .

You could enjoy a relaxing breakfast and a slow explore of Lewes, before heading into the stunning British countryside to wander the South Downs Way towards Alfriston. Here you can enjoy a delicious afternoon tea at one of the charming local tea houses.

From Alfriston, you can walk a few more miles to Cuckmere Haven to enjoy its coastal scenery.

The South Downs National Park is also just one of 16 ‘International Dark Sky Reserves’, meaning it’s one of the best places in the world to take in the night sky on a clear evening.

By Suzanne from Meandering Wild

Wells is located in the heart of Somerset and is the smallest city in England. Despite its small size, it has more than enough to explore. The size makes it perfect for exploring on foot and while there is lots to see and do it is not an overwhelming choice.

At the top of the busy high street is the cathedral with its ornate ceiling and medieval clock. Tucked around the back of the cathedral is Vicar’s close one of the longest inhabited streets in Europe.

As if this isn’t enough through a large gated arch in the Market Place is the Bishop’s Palace. This has been home to the Bishop of Bath and Wells through the centuries and today is partially ruined. It is fortified with thick walls and a large moat that is home to resident swans. These swans had learnt to ring a bell when they wanted feeding although the current generation are less willing to participate.

Wells sits on the edge of the Mendip Hills which are home to Cheddar Gorge and the extensive limestone caves which run under the hills. This is a great escape from the city if needed.

Isle of Wight

By Nichola from Globalmouse Travels

The Isle of Wight is one of those often overlooked destinations that is perfect for a getaway in southern England. It feels a little like going back in time, but in a good way.

There’s a calmness here, a friendliness, a warmth that holidays of the past convey. Don’t be fooled into thinking there isn’t anything to do here though, it may have a slightly slower pace but it’s still packed full of great activities and days out.

There’s history in the bucket load from the historic Carisbrook Castle which is wonderful to wind your way through, to Queen Victoria’s seaside retreat at Osborne House.

The beaches of the Isle of Wight are legendary too, Ventnor with its ice cream coloured beach huts is adorable and Sandown Beach is great for coming to do a bit of fossil hunting.

If you’re planning a family holiday to the Isle of Wight then kids (and adults!) of all ages will love Blackgang Chine, the fun theme park on the island. Come here for as long as you can as there’s plenty to do whatever you’re looking to get out of a holiday in the south.

New Forest National Park

By Mal from Raw Mal Roams

Situated mainly in Hampshire, the New Forest National Park is often an overlooked holiday destination, yet an excellent place to spend a weekend in Southern England. Whether you’re into hiking, cycling or fine dining, the new Forest has something for everyone.

The New Forest is also one of the most favourite things to do near Southampton .

The park boasts rich wildlife with fluffy donkeys and wild bores roaming freely. But the main attraction and often the reason people visit the place is the New Forest ponies living within the park.

Lyndhurst is the unofficial capital of the park and an excellent place to base yourself to explore the surrounding areas.

Have a cream tea in one of the towns traditional tea rooms or head to La Pergola for quality Italian dining al fresco. If you prefer to be closer to nature, stay in one of the New Forest’s campsites, such as Ashurst Campsite and spend the night under the stars.

If you’re an adventurer, try New Forest Water Park, where the whole family can spend a great time doing various water activities such as Kayaking, SUPing, wakeboarding and conquering an obstacle course.

And for a more sophisticated getaway, book yourself into a hotel stay with a spa and fine dining such as Careys Manor in Brockenhurst.

By Mark from Wyld Family Travel

Canterbury is located near the southeast coastline of England. Canterbury is a popular stopping point for those on their way to crossing the English Channel to France by ferry.

Canterbury’s most popular attraction is the historic Canterbury Cathedral first built in the 5th century when Christianity made its way to the English shores.

The surrounding old town area is filled with medieval buildings and cobblestone streets. You can explore the ruins of Canterbury Castle, or learn the history of the town on one of many local tours.

For Sports lovers the Kent cricket club play their matches out of Canterbury. The club has produced many international players for England.

A short drive from Canterbury will find you standing on the White Cliffs of Dover or you could go and have a sandwich in the town of Sandwich.

By Jumana from Planet Hopper Girl

Penzance is a popular market town of Cornwall, which is historically known for being the last stop for the railway to Cornwall. Accessibility from the rest of England via railway makes it a very popular vacation destination, amongst those who seek to enjoy the Cornish coast.

Penzance is a great spot to book accommodation for your Cornwall Road Trip , as well as it is almost equal distance from most of the popular landmarks to see in Cornwall.

Penzance harbour is charming with some nice eateries and hotels around. Chapel street here is worth a stroll to experience the old town here which carries eighteenth-century charm with hotels, pubs and shops and a chapel of course.

The Penlee House Gallery and museum is a Victorian house turned into a gallery where you can see art exhibitions.

Penzance is also home to the Morrab Gardens where you can see diverse plants that are even tropical like the palm trees and banana plants for that ultimate holiday vibe.

The quaint town of Mousehole is closer to Penzance for a visit from here, which is very popular among tourists as well as locals.

Apart from the top attractions in Penzance, do enjoy a Cornish cream tea and coastal walk here when you visit Cornwall.

Leeds Castle

By Jacs from Flashpacking Family

Leeds Castle is situated in Leeds in the southeast of England and is easy to reach by car or by train from London.

This stunning moated castle is one of the most impressive castles in Kent and is nicknamed the loveliest castle in the world.

It dates back to 1119, however, there is not much left of the original castle. The main structure that you see today is thanks to significant modifications made by owners such as King Henry VIII who lived here with his first wife, Catherine of Aragon and more recently by Sir Richard Smythe.

Being one of the most popular tourist attractions in the country, there is lots to see and do at Leeds Castle, particularly during the school holidays when they run special events.

Start by taking a guided or a self-guided tour of the castle to learn more about its history and its famous inhabitants.

After a castle tour, head outside to explore the extensive and magnificent gardens where you will find an intricate maze, falconry displays and archery lessons.

If you are visiting Leeds Castle with kids, there are also two fabulous playgrounds which are both themed around the castle.

If you have ever wanted to stay in a castle, they offer B&B accommodation in the castle as well as cottages in the grounds and in the summer months there are knight’s glamping tents.

Charlestown

By Heather from Conversant Traveller

The small port village of Charlestown is a true hidden gem tucked away on the southern coast near St Austell. Visiting this historic sea-faring settlement is one of the most unique things to do in Cornwall , because it’s here that you’ll find pirate ships!

The harbour is home to the Shipwreck Centre, which includes a museum full of artefacts and legendary tales of adventures on the high seas. There are usually a couple of tall ships docked here too, which are sometimes open to visitors if you fancy walking around on deck like the pirates of old.

Charlestown has been used as a filming location for several movies and TV series, most notably for Poldark, so you may recognise the harbour from the screen.

Charlestown is famed for its fresh seafood, and there are plenty of pubs and restaurants where you can try local Cornish delicacies, straight from the sea.

There are superb coastal walks along the cliffs too, leading to secluded beaches with crystal-clear water that’s great for swimming and snorkelling on warm days.

By Jackie from Jou Jou Travels

Winchester is part of Hampshire county and is located an hour and a half away from London by train.

People love Winchester for its history, village-like feel but still in close proximity to London, culture, and highly rated schools. In fact, it was named the best and happiest place to live in the UK.

It is famous for its medieval church, the Winchester Cathedral. This church is one of the largest cathedrals in Europe and it’s stunning inside.

The Great Hall is another noteworthy spot – it’s the last surviving part of Winchester Cathedral. A great and calm place to relax is directly in front of the cathedral, where there is a large park.

Also, stop by Winchester College, a prestigious college located just behind Winchester Cathedral.

A trip to Winchester wouldn’t be complete without visiting the Wolvesey Castle, a ruined bishop’s palace. It’s a very unique place and the walk up to it is very nice with lots of scenic landscapes on the way.

By Unman from Brown Boy Travels

Salisbury is a quintessentially English city that offers a lot to see and do in such a small time. It has sites like Salisbury Cathedral, the Magna Carta, Stonehenge and Langdon castle and tons of beautiful Tudor houses and ghost stories.

Getting to Salisbury takes just a 2-hour train ride from London Waterloo or Clapham Junction stations (South Western Railways) and is very easy.

Salisbury is fairly small and it is quite easy to explore it on foot. In fact, that’s the best way to enjoy the facades of so many Tudor houses and building in the city centre.

Taking a free walking tour will also get you some interesting stories about haunted houses and buildings. Some of these are as mundane as libraries or departmental stores.

Visiting the Salisbury cathedral is another must-do. Not only because it is grand but it hosts the only document of the Magna Carta in the world.

Perhaps the most important reason to visit Salisbury is to visit the world-famous Stonehenge, it is quite easy to get there through shuttles that run from the city throughout the day.

Last but not the least, if you get time do visit the beautiful Langdon castle and its estate. It is open only 28 days a year which you can check on their website but the castle and its grounds are Spector summer picnic.

Salisbury makes a great place to see in Southern England whether you love ghost stories or a nice English pub in the evening, this is a city that won’t let you get bored.

By Paul from Anywhere We Roam

Built on history and bursting with tradition, Oxford is one of the top places to see in Southern England. Inside the grandeur of golden-hued architecture, English tradition is found in imposing gothic chapels, exquisitely decorated libraries and most importantly, atmospheric pubs.

Many of the colleges are open to the public and visiting them is one of the unmissable things to do in Oxford . Christ Church College is the wealthiest and most impressive to see with the dining room used as inspiration for the Harry Potter movies.

Exeter College is much less grand but free to enter and it offers the best views over the Radcliff Camera – the dome-shaped building in the centre of town.

Oxford also has world-class museums. The Ashmolean has paintings by Rubens and Picasso, while the Pitt River’s Museum is a quirky collection of strange treasures from all over the world.

A visit to Oxford is not complete without a pint in a local pub. One of the best is the Turf Tavern which dates back to the 14th century. The warren of rooms and hidden nooks is the ideal place to fit in with the locals and enjoy a classic English tradition.

By Lavinia from Continent Hop

The Lizard peninsula in Cornwall is one of the most stunning landscapes in all of England. Colourful fishing ports are scattered around, and the smell of delicious and fresh fish and chips, scones and Cornish pasties will make your tummy rumble!

Mullion Cove is where you’ll find thick harbour walls surrounded by black volcanic rock. Roskilly’s farm is where you can see and enjoy fresh ice cream being made. You can learn more about the maritime history at Lizard lighthouse and enjoy spectacular views too.

You can also go diving and kayaking in this Area of Outstanding Beauty (AONB)

By Angela from Exploring Dorset

Poole is a beautiful coastal town in Dorset dating back to the Iron Age. Home to Poole Harbour, the largest natural harbour in Europe.

A popular attraction in Poole is Brownsea Island. Accessible by ferry and managed by the National Trust, the island attracts thousands of visitors every year. It’s a great place to spot the near-extinct red squirrel.

Ferries to the island run from Poole Quay, which is almost a day out in itself. With a huge variety of pubs, restaurants and shops to discover. You can also take a boat trip around the harbour and see the sights of the Jurassic Coast.

If beaches are a priority for you, you won’t be disappointed with the award-winning sandy beaches such as Sandbanks. Home to the rich and famous, the beach is a great family attraction all year round.

More inland, the town has lots of green space to explore with water sports and a large shopping complex in the heart of the town. You won’t be short of things to do in Poole if you decide to visit.

And that’s our top places to visit in South England! How many have you been to?

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Sonja - Migrating Miss

Sonja is from New Zealand but now lives in Scotland with her husband and two little boys, after having lived in 5 other countries along the way including the USA, Australia, Canada, and Spain. Travelling has always been her passion and she has now made it her full-time job and worked in the industry for the last 8 years. She shares her living abroad experiences and best tips to make your travel experiences the best they can be!

2 thoughts on “ 30 Best Places to Visit in South England ”

This is a a great list I am planning my trip to England and you gave me some great ideas to put on my itinerary.

I loved reading your blog, it is so well written, would love to see more like this in future as well.

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The 10 Best Places to Visit In Southern England

Are you venturing to Southern England? Beyond London, there are many great things to see and do in the South of England. Here is our guide to help you plan your stay and make the most of your adventure!

The Best of Southern England: London

No visit to England would be complete without first starting your journey in the capital city. London consistently ranks as one of the most visited cities in the world. This is largely due to a worldwide obsession with English royalty and royal culture, an endless list of attractions to visit and endless entertainment. For your first visit to London be sure not to miss out on a chance to see world-class theatre on West End, as well as these top London attractions listed below.

Buckingham Palace

As the formal residence of the monarch, Buckingham Palace is a must visit for any first time visitor to London. Royal fans will be delighted to learn that you can book a tour and visit some of the state rooms during the summer months. Be sure to take a walk along the mall to see the palace from afar and then continue your journey toward the river thames.

Tower Bridge

The tower bridge is an icon of London and located next to the tower of London. Because the bridge is a little out of the way from other attractions in Mayfair and Westminster, a great way to visit is by joining a hop-on-hop-off tour.

One of the more modern additions to the city skyline, the London Eye is still one of the most popular ways to see the city from above. This is easily one of the most popular attractions in London. While it will offer you great views over the city, it is also one of the great London bucket list items. Be sure not to miss it!

With the unrivalled best view over the city, The Shard is your perfect opportunity to see the city from above. Visit at sunrise or sunset to see a soft glow rise above the skyline.

Big Ben & Houses of Parliament

As one of the most iconic symbols of London, Big Ben rising above the Houses of Parliament is a great photo opportunity at sunset. In fact, there is much to see here in Westminster. Start with Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. Be sure to also drop by Westminster Abbey, where Prince William and Kate famously married. Nearby you will also find Downing Street and not too far away, Buckingham Palace.

The Best of Southern England: Bath

Reached in just 90-minutes by train from London, Bath has long been of historical culture importance to the British people. So much so that in 1987 Bath was dubbed a World Heritage site and to this day feels as if you are stepping back in time. Bath was founded by the Romans as a thermal health spa and to this day you can still visit the site. It was in the 18th century under George III that Bath developed into the elegant town it is today with neoclassical Palladian that made Bath one of the most desirable cities to live. Don’t miss these attractions:

The Roman baths

Once the site of public bathing, the Roman baths are still a highly visited attraction to this day. Although you cannot swim in the Roman baths nowadays, there are many public bathhouses nearby.

Undergoing many restorations over the years, Bath Abbey is one of the most beautifully upheld churches in all of England.

Pulteney Bridge

Crossing the River Avon is the extremely photogenic Pulteney Bridge which was completed by 1774 in Palladian style.

The Best of Southern England: Oxford

If you’re a history buff or perhaps a fan of the popular Harry Potter series then a visit to Oxford should certainly be on your itinerary. The university was established in the 12th century and is home to a number of beautiful colleges, many of which are open to the public.

Radcliffe Camera

Perhaps the most photogenic landmark in the city of Oxford, the Radcliffe Camera was designed by James Gibbs in neo-classical style and built in the mid 18th century.

Bodleian Library

As one of the oldest libraries in all of Europe, the Bodleian Library is one of the most fascinating buildings in Oxford. There are more than 12 million times in the book making this the second largest library in Britain after the British Library.

Oxford University Museum of Natural History

The Oxford Natural History Museum is full of fascinating objects and a great choice if you are travelling with kids or looking for something a little more engaging to pass the afternoon. The building itself is quite a the attraction in itself, displaying Gothic Revival architecture at its finest.

Brighton’s Palace Pier has become one of the most iconic photographs of England. Although the country is not known for its beaches, this unique pebble beach has really built a name for itself. The carnival rides and games at the end of the pier are a lovely way to spend a late afternoon but beware of the strong winds! As far as the best of southern England goes, you don’t get much better than Brighton and you certainly don’t go any further South!

Quintessentially British, the Cotswolds are the perfect summer escape from London. Although you can visit the Cotswolds in a short day trip from London the best way to see this area is by staying a few days. There are a handful of beautiful holiday homes in the Cotswolds to make for the perfect romantic getaway.

Windsor Castle

Windsor Castle is a popular day trip for travellers with a long layover at Heathrow Airport. The castle is a royal residence to this day and occupied by the British royal family. Originally the castle was built in the 11th century after the Norman invasion. It has since undergone a lot of work to maintain its distinct architecture, which attracts visitors from all over the world.

Another university town not to be missed is Cambridge, a short fifty-minute train journey from London. Because there are fewer hotels and tours on offer in Cambridge it is easy to visit in a day. The train journey is under an hour, making this a quick escape.

Isle of Wight

Located off the South coast of England is the glorious Isle of Wight. Known for its beaches and seafront promenades, the vintage looking beach huts that line the way have become iconic for the Isle of Wight.

Jurassic Coast

Perhaps the most underrated geographical area of England is the Jurassic Coast in the south of the country on the English Channel. In 2001 the 96-mile stretch of coast was given World Heritage status by UNESCO. The epic scenery and ruggedness of the coastline makes this one of the most unmissable locations in England.

If big cities interest you there is plenty to see and do in Bristol. This is a city in the southwest that has a strong maritime history. With approximately half a million people living in Bristol, it is a vibrant and charismatic city. Many of those are university students, making this a youthful stopover city with a lot of charm.

Getting there & Planning your Stay

Visiting the South of England is easy for travellers visiting from abroad. London will be your first port of call. From there, London serves as an international hub with connections to everywhere in the world.

The best way to explore the South of England is by renting a car. This gives you the freedom to see the countryside at leisure without restricting yourself to trains and buses. Although the public transport system is great if you would prefer not to drive!

Holiday homes are a great way to experience the English countryside in an authentic way and feel like a local. The Big Domain has a great selection of homes throughout the United Kingdom. Some of our favourite cottages can be found in the Cotswolds (seriously post-card worthy!)

Brooke Saward founded World of Wanderlust as a place to share inspiration from her travels and to inspire others to see our world. She now divides her time between adventures abroad and adventures in the kitchen, with a particular weakness for French pastries.

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10 Incredible Things to do in Southern England

Southern England is filled with incredible historical sites as well as gorgeous natural landscapes. From quaint villages and bustling university towns to natural parks, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to places to visit.

The great thing about this region is that you can also see most of the top attractions on epic weekend trips from London , as most of them are within a 2-3 hour drive from the capital. 

Here are 10 unmissable things to do in Southern England, from the must-see bucket list sights to the lesser-known hidden gems of the area. 

This is a guest post by Jiayi Wang of The Diary of a Nomad.

Table of Contents

10 Things To Do in Southern England

1. hop around the picturesque villages of the cotswolds .

The Cotswolds is home to some truly stunning countryside landscapes as well as countless quintessential English villages. It’s worth spending at least a weekend, if not a whole week, there exploring this marvelous region. 

One of the best Cotswolds villages to see is Bourton-on-the-Water. This picturesque village offers tons of fun and quirky attractions, such as a miniature model village that’ll make you feel like a giant, and the Birdland Park & Gardens, where you can spot flamingos, parrots, penguins, and 500+ other kinds of birds! 

Of course, no trip to the Cotswolds would be complete without a visit to the famous Water Lane in Castle Combe. This row of stone cottages is truly postcard-worthy. Be sure to get there early to avoid the crowds!

2. Take Some Relaxing Walks in the Malvern Hills 

The Malvern Hills is an amazing hidden gem that most tourists don’t venture to. For this reason, it’s truly a great place to escape the crowds of the city and go for a quiet retreat in nature.

In fact, there are tons of stunning walks in the Malvern Hills that’ll keep you busy for at least a day or two. Be sure to walk up to and around Worcestershire Beacon, the highest point of all the hills. This walk is very easy and suitable for walkers of all experience levels.

Not far from there is Great Malvern, a quiet spa town with a lovely park and cathedral worthy of seeing as well. It’s a wonderful place to grab a pint after a long day of walking.

Don’t leave the Malvern Hills without walking up Herefordshire Beacon, which offers the best views of the whole region. While many parts of the walking trails are pretty secluded, you can also find a few cafes scattered around the woods for those necessary breaks.

3. Take in the History, Food, and Art in London

London is the beating heart of England, and it goes without saying that there are endless things to do there, whether you’re into history, culture, nature, or food. If you enjoy photography, you’re also in luck because there are plenty of famous Instagram places in London to explore as well.

One of the most photogenic spots in town is the iconic Tower Bridge, which stands proudly over the Thames River. Take a stroll on the bridge before exploring the Tower of London, which is home to the royal Crown Jewels. Not far from there is Millennium Bridge, which offers stunning views of St. Paul’s Cathedral.

Don’t leave London without exploring Westminster Abbey or the famous Buckingham Palace, where the UK’s monarchs reside. For a unique experience, head over to Sky Garden, a rooftop terrace that offers an incredible view of the whole city. Get there in time for sunset for an extra magical panorama!

4. Treat Yourself to a Relaxing Spa at Bath

Bath is hands down one of the most historical cities in England, and it’s definitely worth spending at least a day here learning about Britain’s Roman past. That’s right, the main attraction in town is the Roman Baths, which will basically make you feel as though you’re in Italy. 

At the Roman Baths, you can learn a lot about the way Bath’s locals used to live during the Ancient Roman Empire. Afterwards, you can take a dip in Thermae Bath Spa, which is fed by the same natural spring waters that supplied the Roman Baths back in the day!

There are tons of pools and spa rooms in Thermae Bath Spa, so it’s worth spending at least two hours relaxing there. The highlight of this place is the heated rooftop pool, which offers stunning views of the city. 

5. Go on a Self-Guided Harry Potter Tour in Oxford

Oxford is a world-famous university town with absolutely stunning architecture and buzzing nightlife too. If you’re a Harry Potter fan, you’ll enjoy walking around the university campus even more — there are several Harry Potter filming locations there, including the Christ Church College, New College, and Bodleian Library.

Another unmissable thing to do in Oxford is to go punting, which has been an Oxford tradition for centuries now. You find several tour companies to go with, or, if you have a friend at the university, you can go with them for free.

Oxford is also home to tons of cool museums, such as the Ashmolean Museum and the Museum of Natural History, where you can learn about everything from sharks to minerals!

6. Take in the Magnificent Landscapes of the Jurassic Coast

The Jurassic Coast is hands down one of the most breathtaking places in all of England. The perfect way to see it is to do a road trip and explore the whole coast at a leisurely pace. You can easily spend 3 whole days there in order to cover all the best sights.

The highlight of the Jurassic Coast is without a doubt Durdle Door, a unique rock formation lying in the water, in front of a picturesque beach. During sunset, the scenery there is especially gorgeous, so be sure to have your camera handy!

Next to Durdle Door are the stunning cliffs of Lulworth Cove, which offers even more incredible vistas. During your time there, be sure to go for a swim in Mupe Bay and also see the historic Lulworth Castle, which used to be a hunting lodge in the 17th century.

For an unforgettable experience, head over to Cranbourne Chase AONB, one of the best places to go stargazing in Southern England. There’s very little light pollution there, so be sure to bring a blanket and a late-night picnic.

7. Admire the Cliffside Views of Dover

One of the most unique places in Southern England is Dover, a historical seaside town that played a big role during WWII. One of the main sights to see here is Dover Castle and its Secret Wartime Tunnels. In medieval times, British soldiers used to hide there as they protected the region from German invaders.

After getting a bit of a history lesson, be sure to take a walk at the White Cliffs of Dover, which are absolutely breathtaking. You can spend most of the day strolling along the cliffs and enjoying the seaside landscapes.

During your walk, don’t miss the pretty South Foreland Lighthouse, which used to guide sailors through the Strait of Dover in the 1800s!

8. Enjoy a Relaxing Getaway at Canterbury

Canterbury is a vibrant UNESCO city with cute cobblestone streets and a gorgeous countryside vibe. It’s totally worth spending a day relaxing in this town and exploring some of its historical monuments. 

Take a stroll at the Westgate Gardens, which offers stunning views of River Stour. You can even relax with a picnic there! The town itself also offers beautiful vistas of the river, and the sight of the townhouses next to the water is especially picturesque.

Not to be missed is the Canterbury Cathedral, one of the oldest Christian institutions in the UK. The architecture there is quite spectacular, and the cathedral has over 1,000 years of history worth learning about.

9. Experience the Punting Tradition in Cambridge

Cambridge has something for everyone, whether you’re a history buff, an outdoor enthusiast, or a culture lover. This university town straddles the River Cam, which means punting is a very popular and a must-do activity during your time there. You can even book a guided punting tour to get to know the local culture more!

Cambridge University itself is very much worth exploring too, especially its majestic King’s College Chapel, which stands right in front of River Cam. There’s also a lush Botanic Gardens in town, which contains over 40 acres of beautiful woodland.

Be sure to stop by The Eagle for a pint. This is one of the oldest pubs in Cambridge, and interestingly, it’s also where Watson and Crick first publicly announced that they’d discovered DNA!

10. Get Lost in the Arcades of Brighton Beach

No trip to Southern England would be complete without a stop in Brighton, one of the most vibrant cities in the UK. Home to the biggest Pride Festival in England every August, this town is complete with a beach and has a very lively atmosphere — perfect for a family trip, a fun friends trip, or a romantic getaway!

Head over to Brighton Pier for lots of fun arcade games. Next to it lies the pebbly Brighton Beach, where you can sit down for a picnic or go for a swim if the weather isn’t too cold. There are also lots of seafood restaurants by the beach, such as Riddle And Finns.

Don’t leave Brighton without visiting the historic Brighton Lanes, which is filled with boutique shops and cute cafes, or climbing up the British Airways i360 Viewing Tower for a panoramic view of the whole town.

Author Bio : Jiayi Wang is the writer and photographer behind The Diary of a Nomad, a travel and photography blog with a special love for less-visited destinations. While she was raised in Rome, she has been living in London for over 5 years now.

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The Perfect 10 days in Southern England Itinerary As Per a Local

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Considering a trip to Southern England? Be sure to check out our detailed 10 days in Southern England Itinerary. This is a guide to Southern England written by a local, including the best things to do.

Spending 10 days in Southern England is definitely an amazing way to get to know the UK . This area of the country is filled with breathtaking nature and fascinating history, and there are plenty of fun activities to keep you busy.

Many of the following destinations also make great weekend trips from London , which is a wonderful city to base yourself in Southern England. However, if you’d prefer to do a little road trip around the area, then the following semi-circular route will allow you to discover some of the most stunning gems of the region.

The Best of Southern England: A Comprehensive 10 Day Southern England Itinerary

Southern england itinerary day 1: the malvern hills aonb.

Start your journey in Southern England in the Malvern Hills, which has been recognized as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). The Malvern Hills are a series of hills in the countryside that not many tourists know about. However, this area is incredibly stunning and definitely deserves more attention.

There are numerous amazing Malvern Hills walks that you can take, starting with a circular walk around Worcestershire Beacon, the highest summit among the hills. You can also combine this walk with a tour of Great Malvern, a picturesque spa town located right at the foot of the hills. 

Another great walk to do in the Malvern Hills is the Herefordshire Beacon route, which offers truly marvelous views of the surrounding countryside. The best part about these walks is that for many sections, you’ll barely see any other people around, making it a spectacular peaceful getaway.

Travel Tip: The Malvern is an amazing spa hotel located in Great Malvern, and it’s a perfect luxury stay to treat yourself to. What better way to end a day of walking than by unwinding in a jacuzzi?  

Southern England Itinerary Day 2: The Cotswolds — Bourton-on-the-Water & Bibury

After a day in pure nature, it’s time to head into a bit of civilization — with the smooth transition of quiet village life. The Cotswolds is a stunning area filled with picturesque villages and rolling green hills. It’s the perfect place to experience the quiet English countryside life. From the Malvern Hills, you can drive to the Cotswolds in under an hour.

Check out this detailed 2 days in Cotswolds itinerary !

There are plenty of amazing Cotswolds villages to explore. Bourton-on-the-Water is without a doubt one of the most interesting ones and an amazing introduction into the area. This picturesque village straddles River Windrush and offers plenty of fun and usual activities. 

Start your tour of the village at the Model Village, where you can see tons of cute miniature houses and feel like a giant as you stroll past them. Be sure to also take a riverside stroll and enjoy a drink or meal by one of the many restaurants and cafes along the banks. Not to be missed is the Birdland Park & Gardens, which is home to over 500 species of birds as well as penguins and flamingos!

After Bourton-on-the-Water, make your way to Bibury, one of the most picturesque villages in the Cotswolds. The main attraction there is the gorgeous Arlington Row, one of the most photographed streets in England.

After taking a stroll there, be sure to stop by the Bibury Trout Farm to see (or feed) trout and to enjoy some delicious cake at the cafe. You can spend the night at The Swan Hotel in the heart of Bibury.

Other Suggested places to stay in the Cotswolds

Barnsley House , Cirencester – If you’re looking to escape into the rolling landscape but keep close to town, the gorgeous Barnsley House tucked within Cirencester is a great compromise. Even better, it has its own set of formal gardens for romantic strolls. It’s an utter dream!

Oak House No. 1 , Tetbury – I haven’t personally stayed in this private house, but it’s an opulent treat for those willing to splash out. Bold décor and modern art are the tip of the iceberg; expect chaise lounges, four-poster beds and even a personal library in the Cavalier Suite. 

The Lamb Inn , Burford – For homey comforts, turn to the Lamb Inn. Poised at the edge of charming Burford, you can experience the quiet life in a historical village. The layout is charmingly random too, since later additions have created rambling passageways. You’ll fall in love with the stone fireplaces and garden out back; I know I did.

Southern England Itinerary Day 3: The Cotswolds — Cirencester & Castle Combe

Start your third day by driving from Bibury to Cirencester (which will take merely 5 minutes). Cirencester is considered the capital of the Cotswolds and has tons of activities to offer for all kinds of travellers.

History buffs will love the Cirencester Amphitheatre, which is a marvelous remnant of the Ancient Roman Empire. You can also learn a lot about the history of this town at the Corinium Museum. To experience town life, head over to Park Street and Castle Street, where you can browse the many shops and cafes. 

Travel Tip: Be sure to not miss the Cirencester Open Air Swimming Pool, especially if you’re traveling with kids! This outdoor pool has natural spring water and is the perfect place to spend a fun day in the sun! There’s also a children’s paddling pool in the complex.

After Cirencester, it’s time to make your way to one of the most famous places in the Cotswolds: Castle Combe. Nicknamed “the prettiest village in England”, Castle Combe is home to a row of incredibly picturesque stone cottages, which you can find on Water Lane. Snapping a photo there, as touristy as it seems, is a must. 

From Castle Combe, drive 30 mins to Bath, where you can stay the night. 

Southern England Itinerary Day 4: Bath

Day four is all about exploring the historical city of Bath and the many interesting activities and attractions it has to offer. Bath is a great place to learn about Roman Britain. In fact, the ancient Roman Baths in town attract tons of tourists every day and are a great place to understand how the locals used to live back in the days.

After touring the Roman architecture there, stop by Thermae Bath Spa, which offers a beautiful rooftop pool with a view. These warm pools are fed by natural spring waters. Spend a few hours enjoying the many different pools in Thermae Bath Spa, and don’t forget to check out their sauna and ice rooms as well. 

Another amazing activity to do in Bath is to take a boat cruise and see the most spectacular places in town right from River Avon. Be sure to stop by Sally Lunn’s for some delicious buns, and stay the night at the Royal Hotel , which is right in the heart of the city centre.

SUGGESTED READING: Best Days Out in Cornwall, South West England

Southern England Itinerary Day 5: Dorset 

Start day five by driving from Bath to Durdle Door, one of the most beautiful places in Dorset, an area that straddles the stunning Jurassic Coast. The drive from Bath will take around 1 hour and 45 minutes.

As soon as you reach Durdle Door, you’ll want to take your camera out. The scenery is simply mesmerizing. You’ll see a beach and a rock formation standing in the water. The landscape is super picturesque, and it’s a great idea to come back for sunset as well, as it only gets more magical then. 

Next to Durdle Door, you’ll find the beautiful layered cliffs of Lulworth Cove. Once you get there, head over to Mupe Bay, where you can get stunning vistas and enjoy a nice swim in the water. If you’re into history, you can also visit the beautiful Lulworth Castle, which also has lots of tea rooms and a children’s playground inside its complex.

Finally, head over to the dramatic ruins of Corfe Castle, which has 1,000+ years of history. This castle is located in Swanage, which is home to lots of cute shops and a fun Model Village. You can spend the night in Purbeck House Hotel & Louisa Lodge there, which is just a 5-min walk to the beach! 

Southern England Itinerary Day 6: Brighton

Start your day by driving from Swanage to Brighton, which will take roughly 2.5 hours. Brighton is a gorgeous seaside town that’s very walkable and has an uplifting atmosphere. In fact, every August, it houses the biggest Pride Festival in England.

Start your day in Brighton with a walk down Brighton Lanes, the historic neighbourhood of the city. There, you’ll not only find tons of shops and cafes, but also lots of delicious seafood restaurants. Be sure to stop by Riddle And Finns for some of the freshest seafood in town!

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE THIS: The Best Things to do in Brighton, UK

The main attraction of Brighton is Brighton Beach. While the sand there is pretty pebbly, it’s a great place to sit down and relax or go for a swim. Next to the beach, you’ll find the atmospheric Brighton Pier, which is home to a very fun arcade with lots of games — the perfect place for families or even couples.

You can easily spend a whole day in Brighton relaxing by the water, playing games at the arcade, and enjoying some delicious seafood. You can stay right by the beach at The Grand Brighton , which offers dreamy rooms with ocean views.

Southern England Itinerary Day 7: Dover

A 2-hour drive from Brighton will get you to Dover, another gorgeous seaside town with stunning landscapes and rich with history. The star attractions of this town are the White Cliffs of Dover, where you can easily spend most of the day.

Take a seaside stroll along the cliffs and enjoy the panoramic views. This place is also quite romantic and despite its popularity, you can still find sections of the walk with very few people around. During your walk, be sure to stop by South Foreland Lighthouse, which was built back in the 1840s to guide sailors through the Strait of Dover.

If you have extra time, don’t miss Dover Castle and its medieval Secret Wartime Tunnels. This is where British soldiers were based during WWII as they looked out for German invaders, and you can get great insight into the history of Dover by exploring the complex.

You can stay the night in Hubert House , which offers cozy rooms in the centre of town at very reasonable prices.

Southern England Itinerary Day 8: Canterbury

From Dover, make your way to Canterbury, which is only 30-mins by car. This vibrant city is a part of the UNESCO World Heritage and definitely has its own unique charm. Wandering around, you’ll find cobbled streets lined with shops and medieval houses as well as countryside landscapes.

One of the top things to do in Canterbury is to take a stroll in the Westgate Gardens. From there, you can get a beautiful view of River Stour, which cuts across town. This park is also a great place to sit down and enjoy a picnic!

Be sure to also stop by the stunning Canterbury Cathedral, a remnant of Medieval England. This is actually one of the oldest Christian monuments in the UK, and the interior design is simply beautiful. 

End your day in Canterbury by snapping a photo of the peculiar St John Boys House and going inside to browse the many books they sell. You can spend the night in The Corner House Canterbury right at the heart of town.

Southern England Itinerary Day 9 & 10: London

End your trip to Southern England with a bang by spending your last two days in London, the beating heart of Britain. There are plenty of fun things to do in London to fill two whole days of your itinerary. From Canterbury, you can reach London by car in just 1.5 hours.

Check out our 3 days in London itinerary to pick and choose your activities.

While you can explore on foot for most of the places in this itinerary, London is a much bigger city where you’ll need to rely on public transport — buses and the underground tube — to get around. 

Insider Tip: Do not attempt to get around London by car. Congestion is super high in the city so you’ll likely be stuck in traffic if you do. Also, you will need to pay a £15 congestion charge if you want to drive in the city centre!

Start your visit to London at Tower Bridge, one of the most iconic sights in the UK. Built in the 1880s, this suspension bridge crosses the River Thames, you can get some really cool photos while taking a stroll there.

Afterwards, spend a few hours touring the Tower of London, the official palace of the Queen. You can also see the unique collection of Crown Jewels inside the palace. 

Be sure to not miss the scenic Millennium Bridge. After taking a walk there, stop by Shakespeare’s Globe, a playhouse for which Shakespeare used to write his plays. Today, you can catch many awesome plays there too!

End your first day in London with a visit to Sky Garden, an indoor rooftop terrace where you can get a magnificent view of the whole city. There are restaurants there as well as a bar that serves drinks well into the night, and the atmosphere is absolutely amazing.

ANOTHER FAVORITE READ: The best 10 Photo Spots in London

Spend your second day in London admiring the Westminster Abbey and the Big Ben before catching a ride on the London Eye. Afterwards, explore the famous Buckingham Palace, the official London residence of the UK’s monarchs. This palace is located in the stunning St. James’s Park, which is a great spot to enjoy a picnic.

Afterwards, head over to the South Kensington neighbourhood, where there are tons of restaurants awaiting you, as well as the Natural History Museum, should you fancy some lessons in history, science, and everything in between.

Stay in the Covent Garden or Soho neighbourhoods to ensure you’re close to most of the attractions in town — these are two very safe, central, and convenient areas, especially for first-timers.

Must-reads:

• The Best Neighborhoods in London
• The Best Shopping in London
• London Off The Beaten Path Attractions
• What to do in London during the Winter season

This is a guest post by Guest Contributor: Jiayi Wang

Author’s Bio: Jiayi Wang is the writer and photographer behind The Diary of a Nomad, a travel and photography blog with a special love for less-visited destinations. While she was raised in Rome, she has been living in London for over 5 years now. You can follow her journey on Instagram and Pinterest .

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The South Coast is officially the sunniest place in the UK, welcoming over 1900 hours of sunshine a year, and with over 400 miles of coastline to discover it makes for a perfect staycation destination. Stretching from chalky white cliffs, sandy beaches, shingle bays of the Kent coastline, through to the sweeping sandy bays, sheltered beaches and natural spits of Bouremouth, Christchurch and Poole in Dorset, the South Coast has something for everyone.

Home to the iconic white cliffs of Dover, the beautiful Seven Sisters  and Beachy Head near Eastbourne, the famous Needles on the Isle of Wight, the chalk stalks of Botany Bay , Thanet and renowned Old Harry's Rocks in Dorset , the South Coast also offers an array of natural beauty spots to enjoy.  

Delve into the South Coast's rich history and heritage with a visit to one of the many castles and forts littered along its coastline.  These once defended the shores from invading forces and include the famous Dover Castle with its underground tunnels and hidden rooms, Pevensey Castle where William the Conqueror first arrived into England in 1066, and Southsea Castle , Portsmouth where Henry VIII is said to watch the Mary Rose sink into The Solent.

The South Coast is also home to many man made iconic locations too, like Spinnaker Tower , Portsmouth offering stunning views over the city and the Isle of Wight, the  R oyal Pavilion , Brighton, with its unique architechture and elobrate internal decoration and the Brighton i360 , Brighton, with its sleek and morden design.  Don't forget to visit one of the many piers that litter our coastline from the pleasure pier in Worthing which opened in 1862 or Hastings Pier which beat five other buildings to the Royal Institute of British Architects Stirling Prize.

The South Coast also plays host to some of the UK’s most legendary music and arts festivals and has a rich maritime heritage unrivalled anywhere in the world. The rolling countryside and magnificent coastline offers great opportunities for walking and cycling enthusiasts. 

• Best places to visit on the Kent and Sussex Coast
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Maps of places to visit in South Coast counties and their towns and villages can be found on our dedicated map pages for Dorset ,  Hampshire , Sussex and Kent  or take a look at our touring map highlighting many of the tourism hotspots. 

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England’s South Coast is the perfect choice for a relaxing short break or a longer touring holiday, not to mention a large choice of blue flag beaches , rewarded for their cleanliness. With an array of accommodation options to suit all budgets you’ll be sure to find a hotel , B&B , self-catering apartment or camping/touring park to suit your needs.

You will be sure to create memories that last a life-time during a holiday on England’s South Coast.

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The 20 coolest, prettiest and quirkiest seaside towns in the UK

After a good dose of sun, sand and sea air? Here’s our pick of the best seaside towns in the UK right now

The UK really does boast quite a lot of coastline – we’re an island, after all – and seeing every little lighthouse, cliff collection, sweeping bay and dramatic headland would be no walk on the beach . That’s not even all our coasts have to offer. 

Our shores are decorated with a vast number of marvellous coastal settlements, from the characterful fishing villages of Wales  and the upmarket enclaves of Cornwall to the pulsing party towns of the Sussex coast. Leave those clichés of soggy chips, rainy weather and nasty seagulls at home – our handpicked roundup of the country’s coolest and prettiest seaside towns includes knock-out restaurants and cutting-edge museums, as well as plenty of sandy walks for the sunniest days of the year. Without further ado, here are the UK’s very best seaside towns.

RECOMMENDED: 🌊The best  outdoor swimmming pools in the UK 🏖️The most  amazing hidden beaches in the UK 🐟The best  fish and chips shops in the UK 🌤️The best   places to visit in the UK

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Best seaside towns in the UK

1.  Brighton, East Sussex

What’s the vibe?  It’s does camp, it does quaint, it does everything in between

Why go?   Brighton’s rep as a bit of a party down is by no means unfounded. The city is a pulsing magnet for hen and stag weekends, students and old hippy rockers thanks to its packed roster of parties throughout this summer months, and its  pubs  are packed all year round, too. However, nightlife is far from the only thing this place has to offer. Yes, the beach is pebbly, and while that might be off-putting for the dainty-footed among us, I  promise  it grows on you – you can go for a dip and then move on with your day, no endless sand removal needed.

Don’t miss   the North Laine . Brighton’s artsiest patch comprises a smattering of coffee shops, pubs, actually good vintage shopping and locally-owned boutiques, enough to keep you occupied all afternoon.

2.  North Berwick

What’s the vibe?  Windswept indie shops and an up-and-coming arts scene

Why go?  A swift 30 minutes train journey from Edinburgh city centre, it's easy to see why North Berwick was recently crowned one of the best places to live in the country by the Sunday Times. But it's not too shabby a place to visit, either – as a day trip from the Scottish capital or for a longer, slower break. Not only are the beaches bliss – vast stretches of sand are dotted with glistening rock pools and happy dogs let off the lead – the high street boasts a number of charming cafés, gift shops, art galleries and eateries.  Don't miss Orange Moon , a record store in the upstairs of Steampunk Coffee , and the Scottish Seabird Centre, where you can hop on a tour to Bass Rock to visit a thriving gannet colony.

Don’t miss   The Fringe by the Sea – a selection of top-class theatre, music and comedy shows in the first week of August as part of the annual Edinburgh festival.

3.  Deal, Kent

What’s the vibe? Proper seaside town with a creative community and really great food. 

Why go? It’s smaller and less well known than its ever-popular Kentish neighbours Margate and Whitstable , but overlooking little Deal would be a mistake. Stretching along the seafront and an enormous pebble beach, Deal is a gem. It’s dotted with delicious places to eat, buzzy places to drink and gorgeous places to look at or buy beautiful things. Try 81 Beach Street , wine bar Le Pinardier and Smugglers Records for starters. 

Don’t miss A slap-up Sunday lunch in The Rose ’s seriously stylish dining room. 

4.  Hunstanton, Norfolk

What’s the vibe? Striped cliffs and stonking sunsets.  

Why go? With the unusual stripy cliffs behind and The Wash in front, visitors to Hunstanton are in the unique position of being in the only spot in east England from where you can see the sun both rise and set. While away the hours in between by admiring Hunstanton’s Heritage Gardens – in the summer months you can follow a self-guided Horticultural Trail, look out for markets and events on the green, pick up a souvenir from Britain’s largest joke shop, explore Old Hunstanton’s stone cottages and refuel at The Neptune , a brilliant local pub.

Don’t miss Follow the Norfolk Coast Path, a trail from Hunstanton to Sea Palling that hugs the shoreline, to take in the dramatic beauty of the Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

5.  St Ives, Cornwall

What's the vibe? A fishing town with serious artistic clout.

Why go? Three reasons: seafood, art and surfing. St Ives was and is a working fishing village, and even though most of its whitewashed cottages are now holiday rentals, the seafood here is still the good stuff – especially when served about as close to the sea as you can get while staying dry, at the swish cafés on Porthminster and Porthmeor beaches. In the ’20s and ’30s, the fishermen were joined by artists and potters like Barbara Hepworth, Bernard Leach and even colourful-squares guy Piet Mondrian. There are still plenty of artists here, and loads of places to chin-stroke, including Tate St Ives , Hepworth’s house and sculpture garden and tucked-away gallery-shop St Ives Ceramics . And more recently, St Ives has become a surf town, with rad dudes of all genders getting salty all year round in its many piratical-looking coves.

Don't miss The atmospheric fishermen’s graveyard on Barnoon Hill, including the tomb of salty sea dog and self-taught artist Alfred Wallis.

6.  Nefyn, Gwynedd

What’s the vibe?  Extreme isolation. Surprisingly blue waters.

Why go?   The Llŷn Peninsula is where you go in Wales if you really want to get away from it all. But if you don’t want to do away with human company altogether, we’d suggest staying in Nefyn: a small town and community that stretches out to nearby Edern and Morfa Nefyn. The main draw here is the Morfa beach – a sandy stretch complete with pretty pub and whitewashed cottages. The town itself is a brilliant base for hikers with their sights set on nearby Snowdonia.

Don’t miss   A trek up to the Tre’r Ceiri hillfort, which looms 450 metres above sea level on the Yr Eifl hills. It’s one of the best-preserved Iron Age settlements in the UK.

7.  Dartmouth, Devon

What’s the vibe?  Exquisite seafood and excellent walking opps.

Why go?   Okay, so it’s technically not actually a seaside town – rather a town on the banks of the River Dart, a couple of miles from the sea. But Dartmouth comes with everything you could want in a trip to the coast. There are historic pubs, and there are walking trails straight out to the sea. There are boat trips galore, and there are crabbers crabbing away in the harbour daily. In Mitch Tonks, the town also has a veritable super-chef whose restaurants here serve some of the country’s finest seafood. It’s a taste of the Med, in a thoroughly British setting.   Don’t miss The Seahorse , Tonks’s snazziest restaurant, right on the waterfront. One day you might get cuttlefish risotto, another fritto misto with aioli. It’s all ridiculously delicious.

8.  Whitby, Yorkshire

What’s the vibe? A trad Yorkshire fishing town that exudes more gothic splendour than David Bowie in The Hunger .

Why go? Whitby  is not your average seaside spot. While it has a dramatic coastline, soft stretches of caramel sand, top-notch fish and chips and a quaint harbour, it’s all overlooked by a cliff-top graveyard and Whitby Abbey , a 1,360-year-old ruin that inspired Bram Stoker’s vampire-filled novel ‘ Dracula’ . It has even more goth credentials as the site of the bi-annual Whitby Goth Weekend festival , when the place is descended on by black-clad music fans, and as the home of Whitby Jet: a gemstone made from fossilised wood known for the intensity of its blackness. If you’re after an eccentric day out, there’s plenty to sink your teeth into here. Don’t miss Ask any local where you’ll find the best fish and chips and they’ll say Magpie Café : queues snake down the pavement.

9.  Lymington, Hampshire

What’s the vibe? A Georgian sailing town with proper salty pubs.

Why go? Lymington’s a refined seaside town with postcard-perfect high streets – but the boat-filled harbour is the main attraction. Get out on the water with one of the town’s sailing experiences, join a chartered fishing excursion or just watch the world go by with a pint from one of the wonky-fronted old pubs. 

Don’t miss The annual Lymington Seafood Festival in August, when jazz and blues meet fresh seafood cooked up by top chefs.

10.  Dungeness, Kent

What’s the vibe? Shingle strolls, bird-watching and otherworldly desert surroundings.

Why go? There’s a vague apocalyptic feel about Dungeness, a little fishing town at the southernmost point of Kent . Its wild landscape of stark, shingle desert headland is overlooked by the imposing Dungeness Nuclear Power Station. But, thanks to this, there is something uniquely beautiful about the place, with its lighthouses, abandoned fishing boats, wooden cabins and thriving wildlife. Follow the two-mile trail around RSPB Dungeness to spot rare seabirds. Refuel at the famous Snack Shack : they’ll serve you their catch of the day in a warm bun. 

Don’t miss Get a look at the iconic coal-black Prospect Cottage , former home to film director Derek Jarman, and its magical shingle garden.

11.  Lyme Regis, Dorset

What’s the vibe?  Old stuff and  really  old stuff.

Why go?  Lyme has all the cute fisherman’s cottages, sandy beaches, antiques emporiums and pasty shops that you could want in a West Country seaside escape. But it’s also got something a little more unusual: gajillions of years’ worth of fossil history. If you’ve seen the movie Ammonite , you’ll know that this was once the hunting ground of teenage Regency fossil-finder extraordinaire, Mary Anning. Accordingly, there’s not just history but  pre history on display around town, extending from the abundant fossil shops to the nifty ammonite-shaped street lamps along the seafront. Fossils still turn up here on the beaches every day, and although you probably won’t find a whole ichthyosaur skeleton while out for a paddle, there’s no harm in trying.

Don’t miss  A stroll along The Cobb, Lyme’s historic harbour wall – it had a starring role in novels by Jane Austen and John Fowles, and there’s even a little aquarium at the end. 

12.  Tobermory, Isle of Mull

What’s the vibe? A Hebridean fishing village in Farrow & Ball colours.

Why go? Anyone who happened to watch a lot of British kids’ TV in the early noughties will recognise Tobermory’s harbourfront as the setting of CBeebies hit ‘Balamory’. Aside from its pre-school legacy, this tiny town has huge charm, a local puffin population and a rich history of producing magical malt whiskies. Once you’ve got an eyeful of the famous rainbow cottages by the harbour, stroll out to the pretty lighthouse at Rubha nan Gall, the megalithic Standing Stones at Baliscate or head out on a boat trip from the harbour to spot minke whales and basking sharks. When it comes to trad Scottish music, Tobar – Mull’s art centre – puts on good knees-up. Be sure to pick up a fish supper beforehand from the famous van on the pier.

Don’t miss A chance to sip the proper stuff on a tour of the Tobermory Distillery .

13.  Tynemouth, Tyne & Wear

What’s the vibe? Britain’s coolest seaside town? Could be.

Why go? Eight miles outside of Newcastle , Tynemouth manages to perfectly merge artisan city cool and wholesome coastal pursuits into the perfect salty, seaside package. Its three white sandy beaches are overlooked by a ruined priory and castle; a working lighthouse stands at the tip of its craggy headland; and it has a period high street crammed with traditional pubs and fish and chip shops. Alongside all this, however, you’ll find tooth-achingly cool small-batch artisan roasteries like Tynemouth Coffee Company , forward-thinking restaurants, quirky bars and craft beer spots, a thriving surfing community and designer-maker emporiums.  

Don’t miss Riley’s Fish Shack : a shipping container restaurant that cooks up Michelin star-worthy seafood right next to the beach.

14.  Crosby, Merseyside

What’s the vibe? Vast sands and sculptural surprises. 

Why go? Near   Liverpool in the suburbs of Merseyside, Crosby might look like just another English market town – apart from the fact it’s bordered by rolling sand dunes and fast-changing tides that draw out to reveal a boundless stretch of sandy beach. Carry on up the coast to find Hightown and its prehistoric submerged forest, and Formby National Trust coastal reserve , home to red squirrels and preserved neolithic footprints. 

Don’t miss The main draw here is ‘Another Place’:  artist Antony Gormley’s ambitious sculpture project of 100 lifesize cast-iron figures dotted over a two-mile stretch of the beach. Grab a sandwich and watch the figures as they’re revealed and submerged by the tides.

15.  Falmouth, Cornwall

What’s the vibe? A cosmopolitan university town with Blue Flag beaches and plenty of Cornish charm.

Why go? While Cornish seaside towns usually tend towards old-fashioned bucket-and-spade charm or cutesy  chic, Falmouth has a more youthful, cosmopolitan air, partly thanks to University College Falmouth, which specialises in arts, design and media. The hip bars and cafés, independent shops along the charismatic old high street, charming restaurants and award-winning Falmouth Art Gallery are dotted around the picture-postcard harbour beside ancient castles and sandy beaches. 

Don’t miss Get out on the water and take the ferry from Falmouth to Truro. The journey takes in all the best bits of the Fal River, including waterside villages like Malpas and the Tudor castles of Pendennis and St Mawes.

16.  Aberaeron, Ceredigion

What’s the vibe?   Foodie central, with a weird thing for honey.

Why go?   Three reasons: the buildings, the ice cream and the dolphins. Roughly halfway between Aberystwyth and Cardigan, on Wales’s west coast, Aberaeron’s harbourside is ringed with beautiful Georgian houses – like especially radiant gems on a fairly everyday necklace. The town is perhaps best known for its honey ice cream, the most delicious of which you’ll find at restaurant The Hive , but it’s also a prime spot for seafood and afternoon tea and cake – making it the ideal pitstop on your way up the Wales Coast Path.

Don’t miss   Cardigan Bay is one of the best places in Europe to spot dolphins. Head out on a boat trip from nearby New Quay and look out for the bottlenose pods that like to linger off the coast.

17.  Cromarty, Highlands

What’s the vibe? A Highland f ishing village with a fairytale feel. 

Why go? Sticking out like a witch’s hat into Cromarty Firth, this tiny, old-time fishing town is straight out of a fairy tale. Perched on the tip of the Black Isle – a sea-scuffed Highland peninsula – it’s surrounded by pink-tinged beaches, waterfalls with names like Fairy Glen and mysterious Clootie Wells, where people hang up rags as part of an ancient Celtic tradition. Cromarty’s section of the bay is lined with eighteenth-century fisherman’s cottages and clusters of historic buildings in the traditional Highland vernacular, all  whitewashed walls and black window frames. Look out for East Church, with its elegant clear-glazed windows, and Hugh Miller’s Cottage , a quaint thatched museum dedicated to a local geologist. Then head to Burnside Place ’s converted eighteenth-century brewery, where the Cromarty Brewing Company serves up suds and Cromarty Arts Trust holds spoken-word nights.

Don’t miss Hop on a boat tour from the harbour to see if you can spot the world’s most northerly pod of bottlenose dolphins. 

18.  Bardsea, Cumbria

What’s the vibe? Quiet, moody and utterly atmospheric.

Why go? While hordes of holidaymakers descend on the nearby  Lake District , Bardsea village and its vast expanse of marshy sand remains totally serene. This is retreat country: marshy grasses lead out into Morecambe Bay, which is overlooked by  Conishead Priory, a former abbey that’s now a Buddhist Centre with eye-popping Tibetan  architecture. The centre couldn’t have found a more beautiful location: this is the perfect spot for doing a bit of soul-searching.

Don’t miss Venture out to Chapel Island, a small outcrop off the coast, which was once the site of an ancient chapel built by the monks of Conishead. You can only visit when the tide is out and you’ll need to go with an experienced guide who’ll help you avoid the quicksand.

19.  Saltburn-by-the-Sea, Yorkshire

What’s the vibe? A Victorian seaside town that remains charmingly untouched. 

Why go? The North Yorkshire coast has its fair share of picturesque seaside towns, but Saltburn-by-the-Sea really is a looker. It’s all thanks to Henry Pease, a Victorian industrialist who created Saltburn in 1858 after having a celestial vision of a pleasure grounds on a cliff edge. It still has its original funicular, the Saltburn Cliff Lift, which takes visitors down to a huge sandy beach, and its original Victorian pier, which (unlike neighbouring Scarborough) has avoided the usual gaudy amusements. Despite the antiquated surroundings, there’s an arty, contemporary undercurrent running through the place. Look out for its vibrant independent businesses, burgeoning surfing scene, crafty farmer markets, and jazz nights.

Don’t miss A pint in the Ship Inn , a legit sixteenth-century smugglers’ tavern.

20.  Salcombe, Devon

What’s the vibe? Secluded Devon splendour meets extreme toffness.

Why go? It’s legit beautiful, surrounded by majestic hills and quiet tidal beaches. It might be on the glitzier, pricer side – come summer it caters to the upmarket tourism market with its clusters of posh boutiques and chic restaurants – but, you’ll also find plenty of natural splendour here too. East Portlemouth Beach’s secluded sandy coves are perfect wild-swimming spots and coastal trail the South West Coast Path takes you past hidden beaches, rugged pinnacles and undulating sea views. 

Don’t miss The stunning National Trust garden (and view) at Overbeck House , followed by a seafood platter at beach-side restaurant The Winking Prawn . 

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Go South West England

30+ Awesome Places to Visit in South West England

If you’re looking for places to visit in South West England, here are over 30 suggestions!

This day trips in South West England guide will show you some of the best days out in the region.

Mainly focusing on Bristol, Somerset, Devon and Cornwall, there should be a range of places that are accessible from wherever you are based.

Whether you’re looking for cheap day trips, things to do with the family or days out in the South West for couples, we hope you’ll find some inspiration in this blog post!

Table of Contents

Cheap days out in South West England

You don’t have to spend much money to enjoy cheap days out in South West England!

Here are some of the best places to visit in this area of the country, many of them are free!

To the beach!

Going to the beach is one of the best South West England day trip ideas.

What’s more, it’s usually free!

South West England has some of the best beaches in the country.

From the dramatic cliffs of the Jurassic Coast, ending in Exmouth , to the crashing waves of North Devon and Cornwall, to idyllic beaches in South Cornwall, to the family-orientated beaches of Somerset – there’s an expanse of sand for everyone in the West Country .

These beaches do get busy in the summer – especially during school holidays – so try to start your beach day early if you are in peak season. My favourite beaches are Widemouth Bay near Bude in North Cornwall, Woolacombe in North Devon, Lulworth Cove in Dorset and Exmouth in South Devon.

If you’re living in Bristol , you could visit Portishead or Weston-Super-Mare , which are a short drive away. And there are hundreds more!

If you’re into hiking, why not try tackling some – or all – of the South West Coast path?

This is a 630 mile journey travelling from Minehead in Somerset, around Cornwall’s peninsula, to Poole in Dorset.

Trails leave every beach along the way, and you’ll get some epic views even with just a day hike.

Bristol’s free museums

Bristol has a variety of fun and educational free museums, so if you’re visiting the city in the rain and are looking for cheap things to do, here are some ideas!

The M Shed is a museum focusing on Bristol’s distinct culture, its many neighbourhoods, and interesting characters who have made the city what it is.

Arnolfini is an art gallery focusing on contemporary art.

Then you’ve got the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery , and the Georgian House Museum , which is a depiction of a typical Bristol house in the Georgian period, as well as the awful involvement that Bristol had in the slave trade (difficult to learn about, but important to be aware of).

John Wesley’s Chapel is the oldest Methodist building in the world, and the Clifton Suspension Bridge has a small museum detailing the history of the bridge.

The Palestinian Museum and Cultural Centre seeks to educate visitors about Palestinian history and the deep issues that the country still faces today.

Let’s not forget Bristol’s outdoor art gallery too – you can do a self-guided Banksy tour to explore his artwork, or simply walk around Stokes Croft or Southville and enjoy the street art!

The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bath

Just down the road from Bristol is the famous city of Bath.

There are plenty of things to do in Bath , a lot of them expensive – but you can see a lot of the city for free as well.

Explore Bath by merely walking around and gazing at the buildings .

Check out the Circus , a perfect circle of houses, and the Crescent – these were designed by the same person and are very symbolic of Bath.

You should also check out Pulteney Bridge and Bath Weir .

Bath Abbey was the site of coronation for the first King of all of England, Edgar , and has some interesting historical features going back to its construction in 1499.

On a clear day, walk up to the Bath Skyline and enjoy a beautiful view of Bath’s many iconic crescents and historic houses below.

Also, enjoy the many parks, like Sydney Gardens and the Royal Victoria Park .

Most museums in Bath are quite expensive, but the Victoria Art Gallery is free to peruse.

Hike on Exmoor, Bodmin, or Dartmoor

South West England has some of the best moorlands in the country.

Exmoor is a coastal national park with some epic cliff views, including the famous Valley of Rocks .

You can also enjoy picturesque villages in the national park, like Porlock and Lynton and Lynmouth .

Dartmoor is close to Plymouth and is one of the most spectacular national parks in the UK.

Look out for Dartmoor ponies, do many of the epic hikes, and visit the charming villages of the area.

If you’re looking for things to do in Cornwall , check out Bodmin Moor .

This wild moor has been the subject of mystical stories for centuries, and now offers a range of waterfalls, expansive moorland and the two highest peaks in Cornwall.

Bodmin town has some interesting attractions as well.

Explore the Mendip or Quantock Hills

As well as moors, the South West has hills! The Mendip Hills are one of the easiest day trips from Bristol , sitting at just 7 miles from the southern edge of the city.

You can do a range of hikes in the Mendips, including a hike to Blackdown (the highest spot in the area) and the charming Three Priddy Droves walk.

The Quantock Hills are located in Somerset, next to Exmoor National Park .

There is a range of short and long walks that you can do in the Quantocks, as well as enjoy this portion of Somerset’s own Jurassic Coast.

Check out my video of the Quantocks below!

Road Tripping Cornwall

If you have your own vehicle, taking a road trip in Cornwall is one of the best cheap days out in South West England.

There are different spots to visit all over Cornwall, so where you drive to will depend on where you are based!

If you’re driving from South Devon, check out Fowey , Looe , and St Austell . From North Devon, you could visit Bude , Boscastle , Tintagel and Port Isaac .

If you’re already in Cornwall, you could visit some of the destinations in the far west of the county.

Try Newquay , St Ives , Penzance , Lands End , Falmouth , and Truro .

Free Attractions in Exeter

If you’re looking for more urban places to visit in South West England, Exeter is a great spot.

It has plenty of free and cheap attractions, so it’s perfect for budget travellers!

Things to do in Exeter include the free Red Coat walking tours which explore different aspects of Exeter’s history, the Royal Albert Memorial Museum and Art Gallery (also free!), hanging out at the Quayside .

You can also look out for little quirky attractions, including Parliament Street (the narrowest street in Europe) and the House that Moved – a Tudor building that literally moved on train tracks.

Explore Wells and Glastonbury

Wells and Glastonbury are easy to reach from Bristol, Bath, and destinations in Devon and Dorset.

Glastonbury has the famous Glastonbury Tor and the ruins of Glastonbury Abbey , and the quirky shops of Glastonbury High Street .

Wells is the smallest city in the country, and has a majestic Abbey , Vicars Close which is the oldest residential street in the country, as well as local farmer’s markets .

Birdwatching at the Exe Estuary

If you’re living in West Dorset or East Devon, or anywhere on the M5, it’s relatively easy to reach the Exe Estuary .

This part of the river traverses down from Exeter to Exmouth on one side and Dawlish Warren on the other side.

It’s an easy walk along the estuary – it has a great boardwalk as well as lovely beach views.

There are ample birdwatching opportunities , as well as the option to visit Powderham Castle and the Exminster Marshes .

Castles (with English heritage membership)

If you have an English Heritage membership, the castles are some of the best places to go in the Southwest.

Pendennis Castle is near Falmouth in Cornwall and was constructed by Henry VIII. Tintagel Castle , also in Cornwall, has Arthurian legend links.

Totnes Castle is the ruins of a historic motte and bailey fortress, and Dartmouth Castle sits in beautiful settings.

Closer to Bristol is Nunney Castle which dates back from 1370 and St Briavels Castle was built by Edward I and is located in Gloucestershire.

In Dorset, enjoy Portland Castle which was also built by Henry VIII.

Days out in South West for couples

If you’re looking for places to visit in South West England with your other half, you’ll love these romantic days out in Somerset, Devon, Dorset and Cornwall.

Hiking Cheddar Gorge

If you’re a couple who love the outdoors, try visiting Cheddar .

There are loads of activities in Cheddar .

As well as enjoying the charming town and sampling local Cheddar cheese, you can climb up to the top of the gorge on one of the ladders and hike the paths around the gorge.

It’s an easy day out from Bath or Bristol.

Exploring Cotswold villages

There’s nowhere quite as romantic as the Cotswolds. If you’re looking for date ideas near Bristol , take a drive around the charming villages, stopping off at any that take your fancy.

Bourton on the Water is possibly the most popular, with the River Windrush running through. It’s known as the ‘Venice of the Cotswolds’ due to its picturesque location.

Stow on the Wold is a small but beautiful market town with historic buildings and dotted with antique shops. It’s largely thought of as one of the most beautiful villages in the Cotswolds.

Bibury is a must-visit; with weaver’s cottages lining the streets and the River Coln meandering through, it’s a photographer’s dream.

Castle Combe is also relatively easy to reach on a day trip from Bristol, especially if you have a car (it’s close to the M4, but feels world’s away!). This storybook village will blow you away.

I also love the tiny but stunning Upper Slaughter and nearby Lower Slaughter .

Bradford on Avon , close to Bath, also deserves a special mention.

This village is in Wiltshire, close to the Somerset border – so it’s one of the best places to go in South West England if you’re coming from further west.

Bradford on Avon has the Bridge Tea Rooms, located in a ‘building that looks like it’s falling down’ (the words of the owner, not mine!) serving up very traditional tea and cake.

The River Avon also runs through, and there are various historical points of interest around the town, which you can learn about more in the Bradford on Avon Museum.

Bath thermae spa and pump house afternoon tea

We’ve covered some free things to do in Bath above, but if you’re looking for Bath date ideas, there’s nothing quite like the wonderful Bath thermae spa.

This spa is the only natural thermal spa in the country, it uses the same hot springs that the Romans discovered.

As well as two pools, there are a range of different steam rooms, and the option for many treatments (some which you can have as a couple).

The rooftop heated pool is probably the best part of the Bath thermae spa – it is kept at a warm temperature throughout the year, meaning that although it is outdoors, it is perfectly comfortable during winter.

After enjoying Bath Spa, you could venture to the nearby Pump House, where you can see the old Roman pump for the baths, try some spring water, and enjoy a traditional afternoon tea (vegetarian and gluten-free options available).

If you’re putting together a Bath itinerary , or just fancy a day out for a spa experience, visiting the Bath Thermae Spa is a must!

Plymouth Gin Tour and Tamar Cruise

Are you a couple who like a drink?

Plymouth Gin is one of the most interesting gin brands in the country, and you can learn all about it at the gin distillery!

A tour includes the history of Plymouth Gin – it is the oldest continuously running gin brand in the country – an explanation of the distilling process, samples of different gins and a complimentary drink in their gin bar.

You could also opt for a special gin experience, which includes making gin yourself!

Exploring the Tamar is another one of the best things to do in Plymouth .

This river separates Cornwall and Devon and has been historically significant throughout the centuries.

You can take a Tamar cruise to see the sites of the river and learn about its history.

Stand Up Paddleboarding date in Bristol, Plymouth, Exmouth – and lots of other places!

There are plenty of places where you can go stand up paddleboarding in South West England – and you don’t even need to be close to the sea!

If you’re putting together a Bristol itinerary for a day, you could take a lesson paddleboarding on the River Avon.

There are also stand up paddleboarding opportunities at the end of the River Exe in Exmouth, various places in Plymouth, and some of the calmer waters in North Devon and on the Jurassic Coast.

Paddleboarding is a really fun activity that you can do as a couple, especially if you’re adventurous types!

Lundy Island

Lundy Island is a rugged island off the shore of North Devon.

It is one of the most unique day trips in South West England; you can do a boat day trip to Lundy Island from Ilfracombe or Bideford.

There’s a range of unique wildlife on Lundy Island. You can go snorkelling with seals, spot puffins and other birdlife, and take a look for wild ponies while you’re hiking!

It’s also got a distinct history and a rather tumultuous past. You can take a ranger tour to learn about this.

Foraging Tour

Are you an outdoorsy couple? Why not learn how to forage? Foreadventure does various foraging tours in Dorset.

You can choose a variety of other activities too, including kayaking, bushcraft, and snorkelling.

Foraging includes hiking along the coast and learning about edible seaweeds and other sea products, as well as exploring the forest and learning about edible leaves and fungi.

Hike or Cycle from Bath to Bristol or Bradford on Avon

If you live near Bath, Bristol, or Bradford on Avon, you can explore the cycle path between them.

This stretch is 26 miles (13 miles between Bristol and Bath, and 13 miles between Bath and Bradford on Avon), and as you hike or cycle along, you’ll enjoy the jolly canal boats, pubs dotting the trail, and beautiful flora and fauna.

It’s one of the cheapest days out in South West for couples, and is a wonderful way to spend a spring or summer’s day!

Lands End Attractions

One of the best places to visit in South West England is without a doubt west Cornwall.

You’ll only be able to enjoy this as a day trip if you’re already in Cornwall (Lands End is still around 2 hours drive from Plymouth), but it’s an epic spot.

Lands End is the southernmost point of the UK, and nearby you can enjoy the coastal Minack Theatre , the epic island St Micheal’s Mount , Geevor Tin Mine , the picturesque visit of Mousehole and the popular tourist town of St Ives .

If you have a car, you can travel to all of these destinations in a day and enjoy one of the most unique parts of the country.

Hot Air Balloon Ride in Bristol

Riding in a hot air balloon is one of the most unique things to do in Bristol .

The Bristol balloon fiesta occurs in August each year when the sky is dotted with various hot air balloons.

You can also take to the skies in them yourself, and this is one of the most romantic things to do in the South West.

Bristol Balloons have several group flights a week from Ashton Court, with shared balloons costing £135 and exclusive baskets costing from £325.

It’s obviously not cheap, but it’s definitely one of the best things to do in South West England!

Family days out in South West England

If you’re visiting with little ones, there are plenty of options for family days out in South West England.

From theme parks to sports to educational museums, there are lots of activities that families will enjoy in this part of the country.

Here are some of the best places to visit in South West England with kids!

Fossil Hunting on the Jurassic Coast

As the name suggests, the Jurassic Coast dates back from the Jurassic era, due to the ancient rocks that have been found along the coast.

However, there are also fossils from. the Triassic and Cretaceous periods.

Fossil hunting along this coastline is a wonderful family-friendly activity.

Charmouth and Lyme Regis are some of the easiest places to go fossil hunting in Dorset.

However, if you don’t know what you’re doing, it’s best to go with a guide first.

Visit the Lyme Regis Museum or the Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre, which offer regular guided walks along the coast.

Wookey Hole

The Wookey Hole Show Caves are one of the best days out in South West England for families.

With one ticket, you can explore the caves and 20 other attractions, including the Dinosaur Valley, Pirates of the River Axe and the Wizard’s Play Castle.

There is something at Wookey Hole for all ages, but it is particularly suitable for younger children.

Weston Super Mare Attractions

Weston Super Mare reigns supreme when it comes to family-friendly activities.

Its famous pier has everything from fairground rides to candyfloss stalls, all with the backdrop of the Somerset coastline.

There’s often live music from local and nationally famous musicians too.

Weston Super Mare is one of the longest naturally occurring beaches in the UK, so there’s plenty of sand for other beachy activities!

We the curious and SS Great Britain in Bristol

Bristol has some excellent museums that are great for people of all ages, including kids.

We The Curious is Bristol’s science museum, with some fantastic interactive exhibits.

The SS Great Britain is great for older kids – as well as a museum about the boat itself and its engineer Brunel, the ship has been renovated to replicate it as a migrant clipper.

It’s one of the best things to do in Bristol in winter too!

If you’re looking for more family-orientated museums, Bath is just a 13-minute train ride from Bristol (see my post on how to get to Bath for more information!) and has the world-class Roman Baths , which is one of the best ways to learn about Roman history in the country.

Surfing on the northern coast of Devon or Cornwall

There are plenty of beautiful places to visit in North Devon and Cornwall, including dozens of striking beaches.

The waters on these beaches are excellent for surfing – which is one of the best things to do in South West England if you have older, sporty kids!

From Woolacombe in North Devon to Newquay in Cornwall, there are plenty of surf schools with lesson suitable for children and adults.

Visit the English Riviera and its range of attractions

The English Riviera, which is also called Torbay and consists of the towns of Torquay, Paignton, Babbacombe and Brixham, has some of the best family attractions in the South West.

If your kids are adventurous, they might want to try some of the rides on the historic Paignton Pier .

There’s also Kents Cavern, which is a network of Prehistoric caves.

In Babbacombe, there is the Babbacombe Cliff Railway and Babbacombe Model Village .

In Torquay, there are some beautiful gardens, and of course, there are plenty of beaches throughout the whole area, with lots of watersports opportunities. Check out all of the best things to do in Torquay here.

The Eden Project

The Eden Project is one of the best day trips South West England has to offer.

It consists of two large biomes, one which replicates a tropical rainforest inside and one which replicates a Mediterranean climate.

At the Eden Project, you’ll be able to walk through the jungle, enjoy Mediterranean flora and explore a Cornish garden.

There’s lots of information about all of the climates at the Eden Project, so it’s great for walking around slowly to absorb all of the information.

If you’re looking for places to visit in South West England with kids (although it’s great for adults too!), it’s a great option that is day trip-able from Cornwall destinations, Plymouth, and Exeter.

Cornish Seal Sanctuary

In the small village of Gweek is the Cornish Seal Sanctuary .

Gweek is quite far west in Cornwall, but if you are on a holiday in Cornwall it is an excellent option.

The seal sanctuary rescues injured seals and nurses them back to health, before releasing them into the wild.

Occasionally, the seals are too sick or injured to be released, but they are offered a permanent home at the sanctuary.

Sometimes, you can see rescued seals at the hospital and you can also go to the pools to see the seals who live there.

There are also penguins and sea lions, who have been offered a home here after being injured elsewhere.

It’s one of the best day trips in South West England if you have kids, but it’s great for adults too!

Devon and Cornwall Adventure Parks

Because Devon and Cornwall are popular with tourists, there are a variety of small theme parks in the counties.

The Milky Way Adventure Park is the largest theme park in North Devon, located near Clovelly, all with a galactic theme. On the Cosmic Typhoon Rollercoaster, there are spectacular views of both Exmoor and Dartmoor.

In South Devon, there’s Crealy . This theme park has the most rides in Devon, and it’s especially good for younger children.

Helston in Cornwall has Flambards Adventure Park , which has plenty of rides and rollercoasters suitable for all ages! There are plenty of other Helston attractions too.

Visiting Stonehenge is a unique experience in the UK for both children and adults.

Close to Bath and Bristol, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a great place to learn about Britain’s ancient history.

There’s a small exhibition close to the stone circle, which is great to help children get an education in the topic.

During school holidays, they have special activities and events for children.

Best things to do in South West England

Whether you’re looking for cheap places to visit in South West England, attractions with kids, or things to do in South West England as a couple, this comprehensive list should have given you some inspiration!

I have plenty of posts about all of these places on the blog, so do stay and browse for more information, and feel free to follow my Facebook page for daily South West England travel updates!

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12 Best Places In Southern England To Visit

England is an incredibly beautiful country filled with so many places to see. Although we’ve got some pretty incredible cities like London, Bath, and Norwich , there are many more amazing and best places in southern England to visit that aren’t just focused on city life.

From the little hamlets in the Cotswolds to the stunning Cornish coastline , I’m sure there is a little slice of England that’ll please everyone.

This is why I wanted to show you some of the best places in Southern England that aren’t just cities. Think old English charm, crooked rooftops, creeping vines and chunky cottage doors.

There is a whole array of stunning little nooks and hidden treasures within the southern English countryside.

Look below at some of the best places in Southern England to visit. Oh, and as with all our posts, message us if you need other tips.

Okay, so first up is the quaint little village of Lacock , which is tiny! Perched in the English county of Wiltshire , it’s one of the best places in Southern England to visit if you want to experience some of that olde England lifestyle.

To be honest, Lacock is the kind of place that you visit and feels like you’ve stepped back centuries in time. Imagine lots of crooked houses, historic cottages and a gorgeous abbey.

Plus, the whole village is protected and owned by the National Trust, which means that it will be well looked after for generations to come.

Top tip: Make sure to pick up some local preserves (jams, marmalade, eggs) from the villages ‘honesty boxes, which sit on people’s doorsteps. It is an experience.

See more on Lacock in our post

Nestled within the Cotswolds, Bibury is a little town that every visitor to the Cotswolds should visit. It’s easily up there as one of the best places in Southern England to visit, especially for its most famous street, Arlington Row .

It’s arguably one of England’s prettiest little streets and a destination in its own right.

Top tip: To avoid the crowds at Arlington Row, visit early in the morning or a little later in the evening.

Read More: Visiting Arlington Row

3.) Cambridge

As one of England’s smallest and most picturesque cities, Cambridge is one of the best places in Southern England to visit.

Only 45 minutes by train from the centre of London, it’s the perfect place to unwind, see King’s College and try your hand at punting upon the city’s waterways. It’s so much fun.

Top tip: Remember to grab a bite to eat at the Cambridge Chop House. Just make sure to work up an appetite before going.

Read more: The best things to do in Cambridge

4.) Castlecombe

So, Castle Combe is a tiny little town in the country of Wiltshire and a place that you should consider when looking for the best places in Southern England to visit.

Stroll through the main street and discover the town’s charming houses that seem to be from a postcard. They’re so stunning.

Remember to visit Castle Combe Market, which happens occasionally in the town hall. Think local crafts, beautiful antiques, and local produce.

Top tip: Grab a bite to eat at the local pub, a great place to try some typical English grub

Read More: What’s it like to visit Castle Combe

5.) Broadway

Broadway is one of the larger villages in the Cotswolds and one of the best places in Southern England to visit on your trip around the Cotswolds.

Take the day to explore the many independent shops and antiques that Broadway has become known for.

Top Tip: Don’t forget to take a short ramble up Broadway Hill, the highest point in the Cotswolds .

Read more: how to visit Broadway

6.) Warwick

Now, Warwick is a relatively small city between London and Birmingham and one of the best places in Southern England to visit if you want to explore a little history.

Easily reached by train while in the UK, it’s the perfect place to visit some of the region’s beautiful history, including the medieval Lord Leicester Hospital and Warwick Castle, which is arguably one of the best castles in England.

Top Tip: Remember to visit Charlecote Park. It’s the perfect place to spend a lazy afternoon.

7.) Salisbury

Visit mid-morning and discover the beautiful streets, the 14th-century town clock that takes pride of place, and the iconic Salisbury Cathedral.

Top tip: Don’t forget to partner your trip to Salisbury with a trip to the beautiful Stonehenge .

It’s only 9 miles from the city and a perfect place to see a piece of prehistoric England. It is one of the best places in Southern England to visit.

Read more: Our road trip from Salisbury to Stonehenge

8.) Banbury

Banbury is one of Oxfordshire’s best little market towns, where you can discover some of England’s quaintest little streets.

The whole area around the town is filled with beautiful sights, including Broughton Castle and Upton House, that you definitely shouldn’t miss. It’s really one of the best places in Southern England to visit, especially if you’re on a trip between London and the Cotswolds.

Top tip: If you’ve got time, make sure to visit the lovely Sulgrave Manor, which is nearby.

9.) Watergate Bay

For me, Watergate Bay is one of the nicest and most relaxing beach holidays in the UK , especially if you want to just chill out.

So, Watergate Bay is nestled on the Cornish coastline a few hours west of Bristol and is a perfect spot to start your Cornish adventure.

Easily reached by train from major cities like London, Watergate Bay is a beautiful little place only a few miles from Newquay, the UK’s surf capital.

Top tip: Stop by Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen restaurant overlooking the beautiful coastline.

Read more: What to do at Watergate Bay

10.) Wood Norton

One of the best ways to experience the charm of the Cotswolds is to stay within the area of outstanding natural beauty itself.

The Wood Norton Hotel is located near the town of Evesham and is a grade II listed building whose total elegance has to be seen to be believed. It’s the perfect place to relax in the grand surroundings and enjoy a slice of old England.

Read More: Planning a trip to the Wood Norton

11.) Isles of Scilly 

These almost tropical islands are one of England’s best-kept secrets (especially for people visiting the UK for the first time).

Only 30 miles from the Cornish coast, the Silly Isles is one of England’s most lush landscapes and easily a contender as one of the best places in Southern England to visit.

Due to its location, it benefits from the hot currents of the Gulf Stream, which keep the waters warmer and the air a little hotter. This all means that many tropical plants can grow on these lush islands.

Take a boat from Cornwall or a flight from Exeter or New Quay to discover these stunning islands.

Top tip: Visit in the summer months and bask in the clear waters and sandy beaches; they’re incredible.

Read more: 1-week Scilly Isles itinerary

The beautiful city of Bath is easily one of England’s best-preserved Roman cities.  

The Roman Baths, situated right in the heart of the city, still stand and can be visited to see what the city was like almost 2,000 years ago.  

Whilst in Bath , don’t forget to check out Bath Abbey and the gorgeous Royal Crescent. It is one of the best places in Southern England to visit.

Top tip: Stop at Sally Lunn to sample one of their delicious buns!

Read more: Best places across the UK to visit

13 Best Places To Visit In South-East England

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12 Places to Visit in South England

You may have read some of my other posts recently ‘ 24 Places to visit in the UK ‘ but I’ve been doing even more staycation research and decided to pull together another blog post focused around the best places to visit in South England, as well as another on the best places to visit in North England too. 

One of my favourite things to do is to go for a staycation, as there are so many beautiful places to visit in the UK and I am always adding new destinations to my bucket list.

From charming cottages to lake-side cabins, and from exciting city breaks to hiking in the mountains, there’s an abundance of places to visit in Southern England. A week in Britain offers travellers some of the best scenery, from the far-flung reaches of Scotland to the coast of England and the cliffs of Wales. But this blog post on the best places to visit in South England focuses solely on the southern part of the country. 

The south of the UK is home to ancient towns, historic cities, beautiful beaches and stunning woodlands, and whether you are exploring London, Bournemouth , Bristol, Cornwall or The Cotswolds , there is something for everyone. There are so many things to do in south England…

To help you plan your UK adventure, I have pulled together this list of the best places to visit in South England.

In hope that this post inspires some of you to travel closer to home over the coming months, instead of flying elsewhere. Keep reading for the best places to visit on south coast of England.

Here are the places you MUST add to your trip around in South England..

Of course, you can’t visit the UK, without heading to England’s capital city London. Top of my list of places to visit in South England is London, one of the most prestigious cities in the world and it certainly has a lot to offer tourists, but what about those of us who live close by, and want to explore without the crowds and chaos? The best time of year to visit London is anytime!

I grew up about an hour outside of London, so it’s been a city which I would easily access and I would regularly come into the city for work, socialising or relaxation. But last year I got to the point where it got boring, so I started exploring lesser-known destination in London, including Hackney, St Katharine’s & Wapping, Hoxton, Shoreditch and Soho. This blog post of the places to visit in south England will help you plan your trip. 

Check out my blog post to spending a fun-filled 2 days in London .

Bournemouth

One of my favourite things to do as a kid was to go on a Bournemouth holiday. And now we’ve got our own family, I wanted to take her to see what all the fuss was about.

Bournemouth is located on Britain’s South Coast and offers visitors long sandy beaches, adorable beach huts, the Pier, art exhibitions, dramatic seascapes, tropical gardens, nightlife and traditional fish & chips. It’s easily one of the best places to visit in south England.

It’s the perfect place for a weekend break away with your partner, family or girlfriends. Whether you visit in the summer season or the Christmas period, things to do in south England, especially in Bournemouth which has so much to do, all year round.

With staycations becoming more popular in recent years and a stay on the coast, one of the UK’s favourite types of holidays, Bournemouth is setting the standard for that great British weekend away.

Check out my blog post on spending a weekend in Bournemouth .

Are you looking for a weekend staycation in the UK? Use this Cornwall itinerary! And make a weekend break in Cornwall top of your list. There are so many places to visit in Cornwall, so this guide will help you decide where to go in Cornwall, where to stay in Cornwall, where to eat in Cornwall and much more. Use this guide as a Cornwall itinerary for your weekend in Cornwall. 

Another one of the best places to visit in south England is Cornwall is the ultimate UK summer staycation with its mild climate, breathtaking scenery and long stretches of sandy beaches. Located on the southwestern tip of the United Kingdom, it offers tourists moorlands, beaches, cliff faces, great cuisine and much more.

The county of Cornwall culminates at the promontory Land’s End, with views out to the Atlantic Ocean. The south coast is often dubbed the Cornish Riviera, due to it’s temperate weather, longer summers and picturesque harbour villages. 

Check out my blog post on spending five days in Cornwall .

The Cotswolds

When looking for south-west England destinations, you’ve got to stop at the beautifully rural Cotswolds, with rolling hills, stone villages, winter walks and a beer by the roaring fire in a local pub, but with easy accessibility from London.

It is also becoming a foodie capital of the country with amazing pubs, restaurants and cafes popping up all over the region. Whether you fancy a good walk, pub lunch, or a pamper at a spa, there is no better place than The Cotswolds. It’s top of my list of things to do in south England.

The Cotswolds straddles five counties, and although the vast proportion of it is within Oxfordshire and Gloucestershire, it even goes as far north as south Warwickshire and touches the edges of Worcestershire and Wiltshire too. 

I have visited The Cotswolds so many times over the years and I always fall further in love with this beautiful region in the UK. Whether you fancy a good walk, pub lunch, or a pamper at a spa, there is no better place than The Cotswolds.

Check out my guide to spending the weekend in The Cotswolds .

Bristol 

Some towns in Britain have always been seen as a hipster or ‘up and coming’ in recent years, but Bristol really is a cool city, with a very interesting and exciting future ahead of it. 

Bristol is a city straddling the River Avon in the southwest of England with a prosperous maritime history. Its former city-centre port is now a cultural hub, the Harbourside, where the M Shed museum explores local social and industrial heritage. The harbour’s 19th-century warehouses now contain restaurants, shops and cultural institutions such as the contemporary art gallery The Arnolfini.

There is so much to see including, Bristol Zoo Gardens, Clifton Suspension Bridge, Brunel’s SS Great Britain, Bristol Museum & Art Gallery, Floating Harbour, Cabot Tower and Bristol Cathedral. Add Bristol to your list of the best places to visit in south England.

Another south-west England destination, is Oxford, a city of many attractions, and it’s near impossible to see all of this wonderful city in 48 hours, however, I am going to give it a go within this guide.

During the time I spent in Oxford, I did a walking tour of Oxford’s most famous tourist spots including the Thames, we visited the oldest pub in Oxford, Turf Tavern, we dined at The Handle Bar and explored The Covered Market.

I’ve actually only been to Oxford a handful of times before, despite it only being 45 minutes away from Milton Keynes, and my last trip to Oxford really reminded me why I need to spend more time here.

There is so much to do and see here, making it one of the best places to visit in south England – from the university to the river, and from all the amazing top-notch restaurants to the blinding nightlife. Another one of the best places to visit on South coast of England.

Check out my guide to 48 Hours in Oxford .

Photo by Laurentiu Robu from Pexels

Only a short train ride away from London, another amazing place to visit in south England, is Cambridge seems to be the city that has it all. The shops, the cafes, the architecture, the history, the museums and the river.

Cambridge is a city on the River Cam in eastern England, home to the prestigious University of Cambridge, dating to 1209. University colleges include King’s, famed for its choir and towering Gothic chapel, as well as Trinity, founded by Henry VIII, and St John’s, with its 16th-century Great Gate.

University museums have exhibits on archaeology and anthropology, polar exploration, the history of science and zoology.

There are lots of exciting things to do in Cambridge, UK, but what are the top 7 fun things to do in Cambridge? Read my blog post for the best places to visit on South coast of England.

Check out my guide to spending a weekend in Cambridge .

Last year I took a trip to Bath for my birthday and even though it was July it was pretty downcast. 

Did you know that Bath is the only place in the UK where you can bathe in warm, mineral-rich thermal waters, which come directly from the natural hot springs? Because of the cities Roman history, it has become a big tourist spot for millions across the world. The entire city is a World Heritage Site!

Behind the stoned buildings of Georgian Bath is a city that has plenty to see and do; a host of great eateries to visit and a vast array of accommodation to suit all budgets. Check out my favourite five fun things to do in Bath, to make sure that you make the most of your visit to this gem of a city that boasts a history sweeping back to the Roman times.

The springs are situated deep beneath the city and there is archaeological evidence that there were people hanging about the hot springs at least 8,000 years BC! 

Check out my blog post on 12 things to do in Bath .

Photo by Dominika Roseclay from Pexels

Last summer we drove down to Brighton for the weekend, and my we picked a corker of a weekend to visit. The sun was out, it was around 26 degrees and we even managed a quick dip in the sea! We arrived on Saturday, and after checking into our room at Ibis Brighton, we headed on down to the seafront, where we grabbed an ice cream, and a beer on the beach.

We started out to the sea, wondering why we don’t live anywhere near to the sea back at home, in awe of its beauty and calming atmosphere. And if you need ideas of things to do during a trip to Brighton I love this list of quirky things to do in Brighton.

Then we headed on down the beach, taking a stroll down the Brighton Pier. Arabella was in awe of all the slot machines, and we had a go on some of the slots before Theo attempted to win a minion toy on the pickup machines, like in Toy Story.

Brighton Pier is amazing, with lots of do, places to eat and such a wonderful British tradition. There were lots of tourists but you’ve got to expect that in mid-summer on a scorcher of a day. Add this place to your bucket list of places to visit in south England.

Check out my blog post on spending 48 Hours in Brighton .

I headed down to the coast for a weekend by the sea and a well-needed catch-up. For our holidays in Dorset, we stayed just outside the beautiful town of Bridport, in an adorable cottage on a working dairy farm. 

We spent the weekend driving around Dorset, up and down the coastal roads, spending the morning at Durdle Door, the afternoon at Lulworth Cove, and then sunbathing in the sunshine in the morning at Hive Beach Cafe just down the road. 

The cottage was perfect for our adventure in Dorset and provided us with a great base to explore both Dorset and beyond. For our weekend by the sea, we decided to take a relaxed approach to explore, heading out to the eastern tip of the county on Saturday.

And then heading back west, through Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove, and then on Sunday we explored the villages around Bridport, before heading on to the west coast, and exploring the towns around Axminster. 

Dorset is a county with a long history and provides visitors with the best of both, the countryside and the ocean. You can venture to inland Dorset, with its hamlets of thatched cottages, wooden-beamed pubs and watermills and then within minutes, you can be looking out to sea, with the pebbled beaches and ice cream huts dotted along the beaches. Have you been to this iconic places to visit in south England?

Check out my blog post guide to a weekend in Dorset .

ISLE OF WIGHT

I visited the Isle of Wight last summer for the first time but within hours I had fallen in love with its relaxed atmosphere, the smell of sea air, and stunning views from every corner of the island.

We stayed at Darwin Escapes’ Woodside Bay Lodge Retreat, which was the perfect base for our long weekend away. Unlike the old-style holiday parks, Darwin Escapes offers 5* luxury cabins with incredible views, and cabins with everything you could need for a weekend retreat.

The cabin we had had two bedrooms, sleeping 4 people, an open plan kitchen lounge area, plus a decking area out the front for dining on those warm summer evenings.

We then spent four days exploring the island, from kayaking at Freshwater Bay with Adventure Activities and dining at The Cow Co, to zip-lining at Tapnell Farm and dressing up at cowboys at Blackgang Chine. We had so much fun over the weekend and I really fell in love with this wonderful little island. A dreamy south-west England destination!

Check out my guide to visiting the Isle of Wight .

Last year I flew to spend a weekend in Jersey! I spent 48 hours exploring this wonderful island, including three days and two nights. Jersey is the largest of the Channel Islands, between England and France and even though it is a self-governing dependency, it still sits within the United Kingdom. It may not be on the island of the UK, but it is one of the best places to visit in south England.

The island is a real mix of British and French cultures, with streets signs in French and English, many towns named after French phrases and lots of French-inspired cuisines. The island is known for its beaches, cliffside walking trails and historic castles and there’s just so much to do on this tiny yet wonderful island.

The island is possibly most famous for the Jersey War Tunnels complex, in a former hospital excavated by slave labour, which documents the island’s 5-year German occupation during WWII. So what are you waiting for? There are so many things to do in south England, including in Jersey.

Check out my blog post on things to do in Jersey

OTHER BLOG POSTS

17 Destinations You Won’t Believe are in England

The best beaches in the UK

21 Unique Stays on Airbnb

15 of the Best Hikes in the UK

12 Weekend Breaks for a Staycation in the UK

My Travel Tips and Recommendations

To book flights, I always use flight search engine, Skyscanner, I regularly use the Everywhere tool to find the cheapest places to travel. It’s how I get to travel so much all around the world. I find it the easiest way to compare flight prices across airlines and get the best deals. 

Accommodation

For accommodation, I usually book most of my hotels or hostels through  Booking.com.  I love using this platform as it provides me with some amazing deals for accommodation all around the world. Or if you prefer, I also recommend using Airbnb. If you haven’t signed up with Airbnb already, you can use  this link  to get £25 off your first visit!

Photography and Technology

Here is a list of the technology I always travel with:

• Canon G7X Mark II
• Canon EOS M50 and lens
• GoPro Hero Black 7
• DJI Mavic Pro
• RØDE VideoMic GO On Microphone

Travel Insurance

Picking travel insurance that covers you in all eventualities is an essential part of planning a trip for every single person. If you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel. You never know what’s around the corner.  World Nomads  is an affordable option that I personally recommend.  BOOK HERE

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Thank you for reading and as always happy adventuring! If you have any questions about the destination please leave these in the comments below.

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The 20 Best Places To Visit On The South Coast

I moved down to Brighton back in 2007 when I joined Brighton University and fell in love with the South Coast.

The people are incredibly friendly, the area is much safer than where I grew up in London and there is a relaxed way of life that I love.

But Brighton is just one of the amazing places you can visit on the South Coast of England, therefore I wanted to compile a list of places to go for your next holiday.

1) Seven Sisters

The Seven Sisters white cliffs are one of the most picturesque scenes in Brighton, while they also make for a great country walk.

Part of the South Downs, from Brighton you can catch a train to either Seaford or Eastbourne and then take the bus to the Seven Sisters Country Park, before walking alongside the Cuckmere River.

The Cuckmere Inn also offers some great views if you want to stop for a pint or some lunch.

2) Brighton

OK, I can’t live here for 14 years and not write about Brighton! Nicknamed ‘London by the sea’ with seemingly half of London visiting every weekend, some of the main attractions include the Pier, the Pavilion gardens and, of course, the beach.

The Lanes are famous for having very stylish shops, while further up nearer the station you have the North Laine, which has a number of unique stores, selling everything from chillies to fancy dress.

If you do plan on visiting, I’d recommend having a read of my article on the best things to do in Brighton .

3) Isles of Scilly

Whenever you see pictures of the Isles of Scilly, you always presume they’re taken somewhere a lot more exotic than the UK

The isles have some stunning natural beauty to take in, while there are a combination or inhabited and uninhabited islands to explore.

St Mary’s is the biggest, therefore is the most commonly visited, however the archipelago offers a lot of different experiences depending on what you’re looking for. You can also expect pretty damn good weather compared to the rest of the UK.

4) Whitstable

Just like Brighton, Whitstable is a popular attraction for people from big cities looking to have a quick day trip.

The harbour is a popular visiting spot, while you can watch the boats go in and out while enjoying an ice cream or some fish and chips.

Another famous scene is the colourful huts along the Tankerton Slopes. If you’d prefer to explore town a little, then you can head up to Whitstable castle and the surrounding gardens.

The Crab and Winkle Way also offers a great walking or cycling route if you fancy burning some calories and embracing nature.

5) Penzance

I remember visiting Penzance when I was younger, staying in a coastal hotel overlooking the beach and eating honeycomb ice cream with clotted cream on top…Damn it was good!

Cornwall has so many highlights, I could fill up an entire article on the area, but I wanted to really highlight Penzance.

You can take a stroll along Chapel street and check out the shops and the architecture, or have a picnic in the Morrab Gardens. The Jubilee pool is a great option if the sun is out and there isn’t too much of a breeze.

Another beautiful spot in Cornwall, I really hate that this beautiful area is so far away, but a train for me would take the same time as heading up to Scotland!

St Ives has built up a huge reputation as a surfing spot thanks to the large waves which aren’t so common in other areas of the UK. In fact, everyone I know who surfs heads here on a regular basis.

Another famous scene around St Ives is Seal Island, named for obvious reasons, a huge colony of seals live here, something I’m not used to spotting and would love to see more often in their natural habitat.

The iconic train route going from St Erth to St Ives through the countryside is also worth checking out.

7) Hastings

Hastings might be famous for the Battle of Hastings, something we’re all taught at primary school, however I fell in love with this town after attending the Hastings Pirate Day.

Celebrated in July each year, everyone in the entire town dresses up as a pirate, with activities and events during the day for kids and then plenty of drinking for adults into the evening.

The Hastings Cliff Railway allows you to travel up and get some great views, providing you don’t have a distinctly bad fear of heights.

You should also check out Hastings castle while you’re here, the ruins overlooking the town, before heading down to Pelham beach.

8) Lyme Regis

Located between Weymouth and Exeter, Lyme Regis is one of the best spots if you’re visiting Dorset.

The Tunnel Tree Tops is a great high rope adrenaline pumping activity, but I think I’ll keep my feet firmly on the ground!

The beaches are beautiful, while you can also find a number of fossils as you walk along, another memory from childhood.

If you don’t manage to spot any fossils, then you can head into the Lyme Regis museum to take a look at some of the most spectacular findings they’ve unearthed.

Margate might not have the liveliness, the atmosphere or the vibrance of Brighton, but damn, they have sandy beaches, something we look jealously over at.

There is even a retro theme park called Dreamland which is certainly worth checking out while you’re over there.

The Shell Grotto is the most popular attraction in Margate, covering 2,000 square foot, however I’d avoid the overpriced gift shop at the end.

10) Torquay

It’s easy to talk about the beaches when talking about the best places to visit on the South Coast of England, but Torquay has a slightly different selling point in the Model Village.

The biggest tourist attraction in the town, Babbacombe Model Village is so incredibly cool, opened 58 years ago and holding 426 miniature buildings, this will certainly make for a great day trip.

The Kents Cavern is also an amazing sight to take in, as you admire the underground natural beauty, which should take up half a day.

If you’re on a family holiday then you might also want to take a trip to Torquay’s Dinosaur World.

11) Lizard Peninsula

This is the most Southerly point of the British mainland, while there are plenty of beautiful cottages that can be booked out, overlooking some quite breath-taking views.

The Kynance Cove looks like a picture from Portugal rather than the UK, while it offers a nice mix of beach relaxation and some great walks along the coastline.

You might also want to try some ice cream and stroke some animals at the Roskilly farm, great for a family day out.

12) Bognor Regis

Bognor Regis doesn’t have such a strong reputation as some others on this list, partly as the beach isn’t as stunning as some of these, but the South Downs National Park certainly is a sight to see!

The rolling downs make for a great country walk, while you can still enjoy some fish and chips on Felpham beach.

13) Arundel

Ok, I’m slightly cheating here, as Arundel is just above the coastline, but I had to include it as it’s one of my favourite day trips from Brighton.

You can visit the castle, albeit last time I went you had to book in advance. Alternatively, you can go for a country stroll and then try a pedalo on Swanbourne Lake, followed by some ice cream.

This is easily one of the most picturesque towns in the UK, from Arundel Cathedral to the Wetlands.

14) Rottingdean

You can get to Rottingdean by bus from the Brighton seafront, or you can use one of the rental bikes and get there on the seafront walkway area, which offers some beautiful views, as you head through the Marina and along the coast.

The tiny little houses in Rottingdean are really cute, while Kipling Gardens is also certainly worth checking out if you do visit.

Beacon Hill used to be a childhood memory of playing golf (or at least trying to), but apparently the golf course no longer remains here, with horses roaming last time I visited.

You can also head down to the small Rottingdean beach, there aren’t a huge amount of facilities, but it’s much more quiet than some of the big cities.

15) Eastbourne

If this is your first time visiting Eastbourne then you can try one of the open top buses to explore the town, providing it’s not raining that day.

Beachy Head is a great coastal walk that will get your heart beating a little faster as you climb the chalk cliff, being the highest in the country.

The Bandstand in the centre often has something going on, so if you look it up in advance, you might catch a great live performance.

Just like Brighton, Eastbourne has a famous Pier which is a top tourist attraction, while it also has a nightclub for late night party goers.

Poole is found just along the coast from Bournemouth, with the Poole Quay a popular spot for ferries to stop off along their route across the Mediterranean from the UK.

As with many on this list, enjoying some fish and chips on the beach is always a must. For something a little more unique, you can see Adventure Wonderland for some theme park rides. I’d also recommend heading over to Brownsea Island for a day trip if you’re staying in Poole.

Hove is often seen as combined with a trip to Brighton, yet most people don’t actually head over to Hove, which I feel is absolutely criminal.

You can relax on Hove Lawns, or head down to the seafront and enjoy a pint near Rockwater. You can eat some incredibly great food at the Salt Rooms or head up for some Thai at the Wick Inn, or some Persian food at Shandiz.

You can even have a go at Wakeboarding at the Lagoon Watersports near the Western Lawns.

If you’re coming from Brighton, you can either jump on the train to Hove train station and walk down to the seafront, or many of the buses will take you from Brighton to Hove.

18) Worthing

Worthing has a slightly unfair reputation, largely because this used to be a place where people went to retire, but it has been attracting a much younger audience as first time buyers move here due to the much cheaper prices compared to Brighton.

For the wine drinkers, a trip to the Highdown Vineyard could be worth a trip, while it also makes for a great wedding venue.

The Highdown Gardens are a little hidden gem, not so hidden anymore, offering a great place to relax, play games, have a coffee in the tea rooms and waste the day away joyfully.

19) Portsmouth

This port city is found between Southampton and Bognor Regis, just a short trip from Isle of Wight.

Being a city with the port taking the centre stage, it should be unsurprising that most of the tourist attractions are boat-based, including the Mary Rose, HMS Victory, HMS Warrior 1860 and the historic dockyard tours.

The Spinnaker tower is incredibly unique looking, something you’d expect to find in Singapore rather than Portsmouth.

The Gunwharf Quays also has plenty to do, including bowling, restaurants, bars, plus rides and random live performances.

20) Jurassic Coast

The formal name might be the Dorset and East Devon Coast, however this World Heritage site is known more commonly as the Jurassic coast due to the rocks being from this geological period, making this a geology teachers dream holiday location.

Being on the beaches here is like living in a scene from a postcard, with 185 million years of history right in front of your eyes.

Considering the Jurassic coast stretches an astonishing 95 miles, you might struggle to see it all in one trip, unless you plan on taking a drive along the seafront.

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• Places to Visit

South West England

South West England is a beautiful coastal region that has some unique attractions, stunning places to visit and family days out. Immerse yourself in the mystery of Stonehenge, explore two National Parks and have a culinary experience with exceptional seafood, cream teas and ciders. The attraction of South West England for many is the beaches of Cornwall, Dorset and Devon. VisitEngland have collected some of the best experiences in South West England below. With so many events happening all year round, suitable for everyone in the family, the South West has more to offer than just coastline.

In this section

Explore South West England

The South West is one of the most popular holiday destinations in England for visitors from the UK and abroad. Follow the links below to get more information on different counties and be inspired by what you can discover in the South West.

There's plenty bubbling below the surface of this elegant Somerset city, and not just the ancient thermal springs, with Victorian parks to roam and medieval abbeys to scale.

Visit Bristol, Banksy’s town and experience a wide range of attractions for all the family. From stunning bridges to modern museums, this South West city has something for everyone.

Cornwall is one of the primary reasons couples and families visit South West England. Beautiful coastlines and stunning food make a trip to Cornwall a brilliant choice.

Bournemouth

Bournemouth is home to all things nautical, a seven-mile swathe of Blue Flag beaches dotted with quintessentially English beach huts, a traditional pier and plenty of ice-cream kiosks.

Museums that transport you back to the Domesday Book, yellow-stone Cotswold hamlets straight from a chocolate box and manors perched on rolling, emerald hills.

Explore the county of Devon, with a moorland National Park, experiences for everyone in the family, miles of coastline and the attraction of a Devonshire tea!

Best things to do in Bath

Explore famous museums and unwind in the fanciest of spas in this UNESCO World Heritage city.

Visit Dorset to see natural attractions carved by Mother Nature herself. Have a day out with the family walking from Dorset’s famous ridgeways to a local farmers market.

9 unmissable experiences in Exmoor

Plan your perfect autumn break in his hidden pocket of the south west.

24 hours in St Ives

Travel to this sun-kissed Cornish town, in the far South West, for chilled-out beach cafes, sweet surf spots and a thriving art scene.

Whilst it is an active city, Exeter is the perfect place to relax and get away from it all. Indulge yourself by relaxing in one of Exeter's many decadent spas or sit back and enjoy a scrumptious cream tea.

Somerset has so many attractions. Experience an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on foot, by bike or by car. Family fun can be had at a number of charming Victorian seaside towns.

There are some fantastic places to explore with your family in Wiltshire. Perhaps the most snapped attraction is the druid ring of standing stones at Stonehenge.

Gloucestershire

Visit Gloucestershire to explore the Cotswolds, hire bikes for a family day trip, experience sporting heritage and visit a wide range of local attractions.

10 places to visit in Dorset

Take a Dorset adventure this summer for top-notch seafood, squirrel spotting, cool hotels and Instagrammable villages.

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SOUTH UK HOLIDAYS: Top 5 Must-See Places + Best Hotels in Southern England!

In BLOG , ENGLAND , EUROPE , UK , USEFUL GUIDES by Clelia Mattana 12 July, 2022 52 Comments

Contents - Open To Read

Last Update: July 2022

I still remember the day; it was late September 2007. I had just moved to the UK for my new crazy adventure as an Au Pair (at age 30!); as you can see, it’s never too late to start over again !

I was hosted by a lovely Lady in a beautiful house surrounded by nature in the countryside, located just  between London and Brighton . In my first week, my host mom took me on a road trip to show me the beauty of the UK South Coast , and since then, I’ve been blown away by its wild beauty!

My absolute favorite was our visit to Eastbourne to admire the famous White Cliffs . I hadn’t seen anything like that before in my life. Breath-taking!But the South of England has plenty of other places to discover, and in this guide, I want to show you my Top 5 favorites, with all the information you need to plan your holiday, including what to do and where to stay !

Ready to pack? Read on!

DO YOU LOVE ROAD TRIPS? WHAT ABOUT ITALY?

After reading this one, check out my article on the best   ITALY ROAD TRIP : a marvelous itinerary starting in Rome and ending in the stunning Lake Como! 

Spend your Holidays in the South UK Coastal Area!

-Nature, fun, interesting sites, and breath-taking Landscapes. Discover all this and more by reading my Top spots on the Uk South Coast for your Holidays! You won’t be disappointed!-

INDEX: Click on the links to skip to the relevant area!

BRIGHTON AREA

EASTBOURNE AREA

POOLE BOURNEMOUTH DORSET AREA

PLYMOUTH AREA

PORTSMOUTH AREA

SOUTH ENGLAND VIDEO

1 | BRIGHTON AREA

Brighton is a vibrant lively city, with the relaxing charm of the sea. Being popular amongst tourists, Brighton and its surroundings have many interesting and fun things to offer (I still remember tasting my first fish and chips ever, admiring the sunset on the pier!)

THINGS TO DO IN BRIGHTON

Brighton Pier

One of the main attractions in Brighton, this pier offers an amazing walk with numerous food stalls and little vendors along the way. It also has a Palace of Fun arcade , where you can enjoy some rides with your kids, or even if you just want to feel like a kid again.You can also watch the beautiful sunset from the pier while having a bite to eat or a classy glass of wine.

Chocolate Ecstasy Tours

I mean, who doesn’t like some chocolate now and then? It is as amazing as it sounds. Meeting at a specific location, the tour starts by visiting special and innovative chocolate boutiques . All create their unique luxurious flavors, and you can taste them all. A sweet tour indeed!

The Open Market

After a massive redevelopment in 2014, this market now hosts the 50 top creators and producers in Brighton. You can get anything from nutritious foods and products to some locally designed fashion, crafts, jewelry, and furniture . So if you are just looking to browse through some creative goods or feeling like a healthy meal , this market is definitely for you.

Yellowave Beach Sports Venue

Still somewhat of a local’s secret, this sports area is located on Brighton beachfront . You can hire a court to play some beach volleyball, football or rugby. If you are not really into the sports scene, you can relax on the sun deck of the infamous Barefoot Café and grab a cold drink or a bite to eat.

WHERE TO STAY IN BRIGHTON

A ROOM WITH A VIEW

Situated in Kemp Town, on Brighton’s seafront . It offers free Wi-Fi and parking. The city center is just a 12-minute walk from the property. One of the most booked hotels in Town!

Price p/p:  From 65 £ 

DRAKES HOTEL

Drakes is a luxury boutique hotel on Brighton’s seafront , overlooking Palace Pier. It offers unique 4-star accommodation, and has a fine-dining restaurant and vibrant cocktail bar .

Price p/p:  From 60 £ 

MERCURY BRIGHTON HOTEL

This elegant hotel overlooks the beach   and promenade and has a brasserie restaurant for guests to enjoy. It’s half a mile from Churchill Square shopping center, with free Wi-Fi.

Price p/p:  From 32 £ 

HOW TO GET TO BRIGHTON FROM LONDON

 london-brighton by train:.

By train, it takes less than an hour to get to Brighton from London . The fastest way to get there is from London Victoria or London Bridge Station. A train can also be caught from London St Pancras, which will take about 1 hour 16minutes.

Click here to get the Timetable : Fares from 8£.

 London-Brighton by Bus:

Another option would be to take the bus. The bus takes longer than the train but is clean and comfortable with onboard toilets. The fastest trip would be to catch the bus from London Victoria Coach Station. It will take about 2 hours and 15 minutes.

Click here for the National Express service Info :   Fares from 8£.

2 |EASTBOURNE AREA

Eastbourne is a large town and seaside resort on the south coast of England. It lies about 17 miles (27 km) east of Brighton. Being a seaside resort, it has many sights and tourist attractions.

THINGS TO DO IN EASTBOURNE

East Sussex Falconry

This is one of the best ways to experience these magnificent birds of prey. The setting is stunning as you watch the falcons soar through the sky. The owner and falconer is very passionate, and he has spent his life dedicated to the birds. A great day to discover all about these raptors!

Birling Gap

A coastal hamlet is situated on the Seven Sisters . Amazing view and quite an adventure . Climb down to the enclosed pebble beach via the large metal steps. There are some shops, cafes and a visitor centre. During the winter, the waves will be crashing against the cliffs, but as summer comes along, the sea quiets down, and you can move on down to the beach. Very picturesque landscape. For more info, click here !

Beachy Head

This is the number one thing to see when visiting Eastbourne . Beachy Head is the highest chalk cliff in Britain , an astonishing 531 feet. Being so high, it offers stunning views of the southeast coast. Looking west, you can see Selsey Bill and Dungeness in the east. One of my best memories of England so far. I couldn’t believe what my eyes had witnessed! Not a surprise it’s the N.1 Attraction by Tripadvisor !

Eastbourne Bandstand

One of the coolest bandstands in the UK . It was built in 1935 and still hosts up to 150 shows annually. It has a unique circular design with a blue domed roof. The arena can seat around 1600 people, with the main area, upper area, balconies, and seats. Worth a visit when around Eastbourne.

WHERE TO STAY IN EASTBOURNE

 LANDSDOWNE HOTEL

Less than 200 meters from Eastbourne beach, the Lansdowne Hotel has sea-facing lounges with original Victorian features and free Wi-Fi. Beachy Head’s chalk cliffs are just 2 miles from the hotel.

Price p/p:   From 47 £

QUEENS HOTEL

Queens Hotel is located on Eastbourne’s seafront and looks onto the pier. This Victorian seaside hotel features two restaurants, a sun lounge, and a bar offering evening entertainment.

Price p/p:  From 36 £ 

THE VIEW HOTEL

On the coast at Eastbourne, the View Hotel offers modern en suite rooms, most of which have balconies. Situated on the main promenade , the beach is just a few minutes’ walk.

Price p/p:  From 140 £ 

HOW TO GET TO EASTBOURNE FROM LONDON

 london-eastbourne by train:.

You can take a direct train from London Victoria Station to Eastbourne. The journey will take you approximately 1 hour and 26 minutes. Besides that, you can first take a train to Brighton, and from there easily catch a train to Eastbourne. For more info on how to get there, check here !

Check out the Southern Trains site for more info : Fares from 31,30£

 London-Eastbourne by Bus:

To take the bus to Eastbourne, you must go to London Victoria Coach Station and get a direct National Express coach , departing at 7 pm, to Eastbourne. The journey takes about 2 hours 45 minutes. It’s less expensive compared to the southern Train.

Check here for more info on the National Express site : Fares from 13.50 £

3 |POOLE BOURNEMOUTH DORSET

Poole is known as the “coast with the most”, and certainly live up to its name. A coast covered with things to see and do. Visit some beautiful beaches or hop on an island close by.

Less than an hour away from Southampton with the South West train And very well connected to some other amazing areas nearby. Just 1 hour by train and 25 min by car to Dorset and 10 min by train and 20 by car to Bournemouth.

THINGS TO DO IN POOLE, BOURNEMOUTH, AND DORSET

Farmer Palmer’s Farm Park

Looking for something to do with your toddlers? With super friendly staff always willing to help, your children can take ponies for a walk, ride mini tractors, feed the goats or just take a walk in the woodlands to stretch your legs and enjoy nature. Your kids will leave this place exhausted from all the fun and entertainment . On rainy days, there is an indoor play area with picnic tables and lots to keep the kids busy.

Visit Durdle Door Beach

Located in Dorset, Durdle Door and its famous arch and beach are one of the most popular spots on the South England Coast ! Loved by photographers, the arch at the end of the beach, eroded by time and natural elements, is simply magnificent. Enjoy your day at the beach and visit the nearby Lulworth Castle Wareham (15 min by car).  Great to visit in high and in low season!

Sandbanks Beach

Rated in the Top 10 Beaches in the UK by TripAdvisor users (check out my article listing the other 9!), this beach is truly stunning. Looking around, it is not surprising that it is some of the most expensive real estate on this planet. With amazing views and facilities, this beach has been dubbed “Britain’s Palm Beach” by national media. Definitely worth the visit when you are in the area.

Brownsea Island

Formerly a private island, Brownsea Island has its castle built by Henry George VIII . It is now a wildlife sanctuary and inhabited by one of Britain’s last red squirrel colonies. Great for a family day out, or even if you just want to relax and enjoy nature . There are cottages on the island if you would like to spend a few nights and an amazing café to grab something to eat. To get to the island, take the ferry from Poole . Check here for more info : Fares from 10£.

WHERE TO STAY IN POOLE AND BOURNEMOUTH

DOLPHINS HOTEL

Dolphins Hotel is situated in the coastal town of Bournemouth, a 10-minute walk from the sandy beaches and Bournemouth Pier. It offers bed and breakfast accommodation in the town center.

Price p/p:   From 90 £

BAY RETREAT APARTMENT

Bay Retreat is a self-catering accommodation located in Poole. The property is 1.3 km from Poole Harbour and 5.6 km from Sandbanks . Also, check out Brownsea Castle (4 km) and Compton Acres (5.3 km).

CROWN HOTEL

Offering a restaurant, Crown Hotel is located a 5-minute walk from Poole Harbour . Free WiFi access is available. Each room here will provide you with a flat-screen TV. Shared bathrooms +shower.

Price p/p:  From 30 £ 

HOW TO GET TO POOLE AND BOURNEMOUTH FROM LONDON

 london-poole/bournemouth by train:.

From London to Poole, you will need to go to London Waterloo station and get the direct one to Poole. The train departs every hour and takes approximately 2 hours 30 minutes.

Check out the official Train line website for the timetable here : Fares from 27.80£

London-Poole by Bus:

Take the National Express coaches, which leave every 2 hours from London Victoria Coach Station. The trip takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes.

Check out this website to compare different bus companies : Fares from 10£

4 | PLYMOUTH AREA

This vibrant city is located on the waterfront and has so much to offer! Between its famous landmarks or beautiful country side, busy streets or marine life, it has something for everybody at any time.

THINGS TO DO IN PLYMOUTH

Le Vignoble

If you are a wine connoisseur or just keen to taste some delicious wines, this is definitely for you. Le Vignoble is a Wine Lounge in the Royal William Yard in Plymouth . It always has some great special going and the staff are very informative about the wines. They also offer a wide array of cheese to accompany the wine.

Plymouth Hoe

A massive open space adjacent to and above the low-hanging limestone cliffs . It grants views of Drake’s Island and Plymouth Sound . Great for a day out for exploring local history. It has so much to offer and has many pubs and restaurants to enjoy a drink or a bite to eat. Also great for walking and paying a visit to the lovely nearby  lighthouse .

Burrator Reservoir

Feeling like a nice relaxing stroll with amazing scenery ? Burrator Reservoir offers all of this and more. Beautiful for hiking, biking, or just taking out the kids. Lots of parking and a few minutes of walking can get you into picturesque woodlands . Silence is only broken by birds and the sound of running water. Great place to just get away and blow off some steam. Check the official website for opening times and more info here !

Live Escape Rooms

This is one of the most interesting and fun concepts for entertainment ever. Being locked in a room, you’ll have to search for clues and solve puzzles to escape imprisonment. Best to do in groups of friends or foes… this requires teamwork as you race the clock from room to room, solving the puzzles and following the clues. Note to self: I HAVE to try this!! Check out their official website to have more info and book the experience!

WHERE TO STAY IN PLYMOUTH

BORINGDON HALL HOTEL

Situated on the edge of the idyllic Dartmoor National Park and just five minutes from Plymouth, the 4-star Boringdon Hall Hotel features fantastic historic interiors and elegant rooms.

Price p/p:   From 56 £

ROYAL WILLIAM YARD 

Situated in the prestigious Royal William Yard, the Plymouth Serviced Apartments offer excellent self-catering accommodation with free WiFi and river views. Really an awesome place!

Price p/p:  From 50 £ 

THE TUDOR GUEST HOUSE

Nestled centrally in the city, it is just a 7-minute walk from the seafront and a 5-minute walk from Plymouth Hoe Memorial . Free WiFi access, Plymouth Ferry Terminal is less than a mile away.

Price p/p:  From 38 £ 

HOW TO GET TO PLYMOUTH FROM LONDON

 london-plymouth by train:.

To travel via train, go to London Paddington Station, where trains leave every hour to Plymouth. It is a fairly long journey and will take about 4 – 5 hours to reach Plymouth.

Check the official The Trainline website for the timetable :   Fares from 45.50£

London-Plymouth by Bus:

Want to take the bus ? Take the National Express Coach that leaves from London Victoria Coach Station for Plymouth. The early coaches are the cheaper ones, and it takes about 5 – 6 hours to arrive at Plymouth Bretonside Bus Station.

Check out the National Express website for more info: Fares from 25.70£

5 | PORTSMOUTH AREA

One of the oldest cities in the UK, Portsmouth offers lots of activities for tourists. Jam-packed with museums and historical landmarks makes Portsmouth one of the must-see places when visiting the UK.

THINGS TO DO IN PORTSMOUTH

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard

If you love history and ships , this is definitely for you. Even if you do not, it is still quite amazing to see. The dockyard offers numerous day trips, which include boat trips that explore the whole harbor and a trip to the submarine museum in Gosport . The ticket prices are pretty expensive if you book them individually, so I recommend buying an all-access pass . You also get to walk inside the old ships, looking through the windows and exploring the rooms.

Blue Reef Aquarium

Want to experience some aquatic life in the UK? Blue Reef Aquarium, overlooking the Solent, takes its visitors on an underwater adventure . Explore the variety ranging from British waters to the more colorful tropical waters. The aquarium’s main attraction is the massive tropical tank, which even has its underwater walk-through, where you can observe sharks and stingrays closely. Check out their official website for opening info and prices here !

Hovertravel

Ever wanted to ride a hovercraft? Still one of the coolest and most exciting ways to travel if you ask me. Hovertravel is the only scheduled hovercraft operator in Europe . You can use their services to get to the famous Isle of Wight in a 10-minute ride.It is the quickest way to travel to the Isle of Wight and an experience not to be missed as there are some beautiful beaches to explore or visit the Isle of Wight zoo. Check out the official website for more info : Fares from 15£

Spinnaker Tower

Definitely one of the must-see attractions when visiting Portsmouth . Its sail-like design makes it unique, and it is very difficult to miss when you are around the harbor. You have to pay a small fee to go to the top, where you can experience the glass Sky Walk (not recommended if you are not a fan of heights). Right at the top is an open-air deck where you can enjoy the fresh cool ocean breeze. Check out their website for opening time and info : Fares from 9.50£

WHERE TO STAY IN PORTSMOUTH

PREMIER INN HOTEL

In the Port Solent waterside development, close to the M27 motorway (junction 12), the hotel offers free parking and modern air-conditioned rooms with luxury power showers. Very popular in town!

Price p/p:   From 55 £

SEACREST HOTEL 

The Seacrest Hotel is situated on Southsea’s seafront , looking out over award-winning gardens to the Solent and the Isle of Wight . It has free parking, free Wi-Fi and rooms with a flat-screen TV.

Price p/p:  From 45 £ 

SOMERSET HOUSE HOTEL

The Somerset House Hotel has been restored to the original splendor of its Edwardian roots . It offers boutique rooms with free Wi-Fi and free parking, just a 5-minute walk from Southsea Beach .

Price p/p:  From 55 £ 

HOW TO GET TO PORTSMOUTH FROM LONDON

 london-portsmouth by train:.

Traveling to Portsmouth from London via train , you have two choices. One is taking the train from London Waterloo Station to Brighton, and then from Brighton to Portsmouth, OR, take the train from London Victoria Station, straight to Portsmouth on the South West Trains.

Check out the South Western site for more info : Fares from 28.70£ (direct train: Around 2 hours ride)

London-Portsmouth by Bus:

Traveling to Portsmouth by bus, you will need to go to London Victoria Coach station and catch a bus (which leaves every hour) to Portsmouth, “The Hard Exchange” bus station.

Check out the National Express website for more info: Fares from 5£

AMAZING VIDEO  SHOT IN SOUTHERN ENGLAND

This is a video I found on YouTube with some amazing footage of beaches and places on the Southern Coast of England. Some of these places are not included in this list but are definitely on my wish list! You can check my other article on the Top 10 Uk Beaches to see a few featured. A must-watch video, truly Awesome! (Make sure to watch it in HD to be amazed!)

Credits:   LightUpMediaUK

So, guys! I hope you found this guide useful for planning your Holiday in the beauty of Southern England! Let me know if I left any of your favorite places out or some missing info by leaving a comment below! 🙂

SAVE IT FOR LATER… PIN IT!

Amazing blog, I loved reading it, very interesting, and please keep on writing blogs like this in the future as well.

Gorgeous and good

it looks pretty

Amazing! Your article helps me to find out some hotels in England. Thank you for sharing your experience and knowledge here.

Thanks Clara, I’m so glad I could help!

Very informative! Love the info shared by you. I can’t wait to visit these places. Thanks a lot for sharing the great article.

Thanks Lisa!

Oh my God. Look at these picturesss. I am literally dying right now to visit all these beautiful holiday spots. I wonder why have I not visited these before. Currently I am in England and I am definitely visiting these spots this weekend.

I hope you had a great time! England is so underrated, so many great places to see!

A really nice guide & detailed guide. Thanks for providing all the information at one place. Instead of browsing other websites for hotels & transportation, this article is very helpful. Great job.

Great post! Thanks for great guide, all these places are wonderful to visit.

Thanks for the descriptive information; spurred my husband and I to take a drive to Eastbourne. Cant wait to see the white cliffs amd also have a delicious fish and chips

Hey Mel, you are going to LOVE Eastbourne! I’ve seen so many places in my life but I remember my jaw dropping expression when I saw that beautiful view! Enjoy 🙂

Thank you for this post. i am chinese, and this year i will go to UK study in sep. could u tell me Eastbourne and Bournemouth what is the difference ?which is best? cause i just have one mouth vacation,i just can choose one place. thankyou.

Hey Samantha! Thanks for stopping by! Eastbourne and Bournemouth are both beautiful destinations but If I had to choose only one, I’d be in trouble as I like them both! I’d first go to Bournemouth for the variety of things you can do (Durdle door is awesome and you can go on a day trip in there and also reach London in 2 hours by train) The countryside is lovely in there too. Eastbourne is closer to London (a little more than 1 hour by train) and the white cliffs are to die for but the town itself is pretty quiet except for the seafront area where you can find nice restaurants, the pier to watch the sunset and eat some fish and chips 🙂

Difficult decision, really!Too bad you can only choose one place… So let’s put it this way, if you want to also visit London frequently during your month in the UK… I’d go with Eastbourne. If you want a more relaxing adventure, then Bournemouth is better for you!

Hope this helps! Cheers Clelia

Great post, with a lot of travel inspirations. Dorset is a great location, I visited it in 2013 and it reminded me of the Mediterranean. Durdle Door is another spot definitely worth to visit, people couldn’t believe from the picture that it was UK. There’s such diversity of landscapes in England!

Hey Milena, I can’t believe I actually didn’t mention Durdle Door in the guide! Shame on me, that place is simply jaw-dropping and if you are into photography, going in there at sunrise you can take an incredible shot with the sun perfectly aligned inside the arch. Stunning! Thanks for the reminder and I will definitely add it to the list, people will LOVE it, I’m 100% sure. England, as you said has so much to offer in terms of beautiful landscapes. Most of the people traveling to the UK base their vacations around London and it’s such a shame because even if London is a must (of course) but they are missing out on other incredible gems!

I also explored these all alluring destinations during my last journey and have a joyful time with my mates. In my point of view these all places are the best ways to have great fun in England. I hope you will fully enjoy there like I enjoyed.

I definitely enjoyed my time in these locations while I was in England, great places to visit!

Thank you for this kind of a thorough list! I’m going to London for the first period next weekend break. With one totally free day I now have various choices to pick for my day journey from London.

Glad I could help MD Rasel! I hope you had a great trip in the UK!

Hi Clelia Really liked your post. The amount of information you’ve included is incredible!

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Thank you! Clelia

Thanks, Matthew!

Thank you for this post. I’ve been looking for something to do this Sunday and because of your post I’m going to see the Eastbourne White Cliffs. They look stunning!

You are going to love it, I think that is one of the most amazing things I saw while in the UK! Enjoy 🙂

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Great post! I really want in one day, I can travel to South Uk and visit Portsmouth Area. This place is really attractive and beautiful. Thanks for marvelous sharing and cheer!

Thank you Liennguyen! South England is indeed a great place to visit 🙂

Stopped here from a river cruise for an hour and a half. Classed as a World Heritage site, it’s steeped with history, and beautiful buildings like the Benedictine Abbey, the Old City Hall with it’s torture chamber, and lovely cobbled lane ways. Wish we had more time to explore.

It’s always like that, we all wish we had more time to explore! I’m going back to the UK (London now) for a mini break in May and I wish i could stay more and visit some more amazing sites!

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I’m a chocolate lover that’s why surely I will visit Brighton just because of Chocolate Boutiques.

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The index is really helpful. I love how you edit the post, it looks so organized and amazing! And the content and photos are much more amazing! Thanks for the detailed and lovely post! I’d choose the Blue Reef Aquarium above all.

Thanks Stephen! Glad you enjoyed the post, there are so many things to discover in the UK!

Thank you.. these are so beautiful places to visit…

Thanks to you for stopping by Alice, yes, great places indeed!

The UK has so much potential. I didn’t know about those places! Too bad the weather is not the best 🙂

Definitely! Many people living in the UK don’t even realize it! I was lucky as I saw many of these places but I’m still missing so much to see!

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I’m glad to see that Brighton is on the list. I went there on a day trip a couple of years ago and I have very fond memories of that place and I often look back at my pictures from there. I definitely want to go there again soon. The UK has some amazing places to visit.

I agree with you Zascha! The UK has so much to offer! The only downside of it is the weather, but still, the landscapes make it up for the rest! I’ve been to Brighton many times and It’s certainly fascinating, but my favorite still remains Eastbourne, damn those white cliffs are so surreal!!!

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This is such a thorough information of what to see in the South of UK. I visited London, UK for the first time in 2011 and last year 2014 I was meant to go back to UK after being back in Europe for the 3rd time again. I had anticipated to explore the rest of UK but unfortunately my travel itinerary had to be changed while I was back in Europe last year. I had to fly back to Australia and New Zealand, which I am currently based until next year. I’m hoping to return to Europe again, explore UK more and perhaps find my temporary home base either in Greece, Italy, Spain or France. I’ve been to those countries a few times in previous travels but also thinking of moving to the UK, Switzerland or Germany. So much options to choose from.

I’ve heard lots of good things about Brighton and I really can’t wait to explore the city. 🙂

Just discovered your blog and have so far enjoyed experiencing your travels through reading your blog. Thanks for sharing.

Thanks for the comment Fashion Girl (I’m not that much into fashion anymore but I can see you also love traveling!). The UK is a very good place to move to, I even wrote a comprehensive guide about it and I hope you can return to England and enjoy some good views! Cheers!

These places are beautiful! I have to add them to my list!

Yes the South coast of England is actually pretty awesome, I think I’m going to write a second article as there are also other areas like Cornwall that are quite amazing!

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6 Places to Visit in the South of England

Welcome to the south of England, the sunniest region in the British Isle! Alongside being the region with the warmest average temperature, the south is filled with the most beautiful places to visit in England. It is the ideal destination for a motorhome holiday, as this will allow you to truly soak up the gorgeous weather and see as much of this region as possible. There is something for everyone, with countless places to visit and things to do in South England. Whether you plan on heading to the rugged but stunning coasts of Cornwall in the west or cycling one of the many trails of the South Downs, you will be absolutely spoiled for choice! Read on to learn about the 6 places that ensure the South of England is at the top of your bucket list!

1. Cornwall

There is no place on the English mainland further West than the county of Cornwall. An area with a rich history and independent culture, Cornwall is a great destination for those who like to keep active, as it is home to great England tourist attractions. The county has become a hotspot for surfing and camping in the summer months. There is many an adventure to be had on this rugged coastal county and no shortage of great places to have a meal and a pint. Renowned for its seafood, you won't have to go far to find a good seafood platter, or a crisp cider to wash it down. Newport is a popular destination for surfers and holidaymakers wishing to enjoy a summer of partying and meeting people from all over the UK and further afield. There are motorhome sites all up and down the country with higher concentrations near surf spots and beaches. Cornwall really is a motorhome county, as public transport isn't as comprehensive as in less rural counties. Having the freedom to travel around as you please will give you that true sense of independence and adventure!

Another surfing hotspot in the UK, Devon has two separate coastlines on either end of the county. The Bristol Channel in the north of the county, is across the water from Wales. The other runs along the south coast on the English Channel. A county with a long maritime history and plenty of ports, Devon is a must-see for those who love the sea. This stunning coastline earns its title as one of the most beautiful places to visit in England. The county is also historically important from Roman times as its capital Exeter, was the southwesterly end to the Roman roads system and therefore the extent of the empire in Britain. Devon has a lot to offer for those with a passion for nature and wildlife, with its many beaches and coves, as well as conservation areas and even an otter sanctuary! There are a plethora of motorhome campsites in the county and many of them are near one of the two coasts. Travelling by motorhome is the perfect way to see Devon, as its attractions are dotted all over the county. Devon will ensure that the highlight of the trip isn’t just the destinations, but the journey between them, a journey filled with gorgeous sights!

We also recommend trying coasteering in north Devon !

3. Somerset

One notable thing about Somerset is that it is the home of cheddar cheese. For those of you who are still reading and haven’t got on the first bus to the county, it is also renowned for its beautiful farmland. One of the most important things to do in South England would be to try the native cheddar cheese, for it is like no other you’ve ever tasted! The county is also host to Glastonbury Festival and so has a wonderful balance of traditional rural Britain, mixed with a somewhat more quirky and alternative demographic. Pull on some wellies and enjoy this weekend of good taste, and you can pick up some cheddar to feed you during it. Somerset is close to Bristol, which is a city full of history, culture and music, ensuring you will never be bored there. It is also close to the counties of Devon and Cornwall. This makes it an ideal stop off on your way to a surfing holiday or to see other places on the West Coast of the UK. Driving around the Mendip hills is a beautiful experience, full of tranquillity and beauty. There are also plenty of other sites to visit, and their rural locations make a motorhome the perfect way to explore this cheese-filled county!

Dorset is primarily on our places to visit in South England list due to its insanely beautiful coastline. Dorset has one of the most stunning coastlines in the UK, moulded over centuries by waves and tides. Visit the Jurassic Coast, a World Heritage site named after its abundance of fossils from the Jurassic Period. This is one of the best England tourist attractions for families, as your kids will be entertained for hours searching for fossils. Dorset has beautiful campsites, lovely footpaths for hiking and beaches that look like something out of a pirate film. Lulworth Cove is a popular choice with holidaymakers and has beautiful clear water for those daring enough to take a swim in the not-so-warm sea. Another site worth seeing is Durdle Door, a large naturally formed limestone arch, that has formed over a paltry 140 million years. A popular holiday destination for motorhome users, this county is well set up for parking your motorhome and going for beautiful rambles up and down the scenic coast. Camping is also highly popular in the county so you will easily be able to find places to stay.

5. South Downs National Park

Spanning over much of the South of England this extensive series of chalk hills and forests is quite the wonder of nature. To get an idea of its size, the National Park spans 3 different counties (Hampshire, West Sussex and East Sussex). But the Downs' list of attractions doesn't stop there, as it has some of the top things to do in South England. It is rich in history, boasting such sites of interest as prehistoric burial mounds, Iron Age hillforts and several historically important battlefields. There are also several castles in the area, including Arundel Castle, which was restored in the 1800s and is one of the best-surviving examples of a castle in the UK today. There are plenty of scenic and exciting bike paths to ride in the area so a bike rack would be of great use on this holiday! There aren't too many motorhome sites in the south downs. This is part of the appeal of the place as it doesn't really get overcrowded by tourists. Make sure you bear in mind, however, it is best to book a site in advance to ensure you get the best spots!

6. Seven Sisters National Park

Located in the country of East Sussex, this beautiful area is both stunning and quintessentially English. The Seven Sisters National Park technically falls within the boundaries of the aforementioned South Downs, which is a further reminder of just how vast it is. With its white cliffs and rolling hills, it is a truly marvellous place to go for a stroll. The name comes from the 7 distinguishable hills that face the sea that all have names - which we won’t spoil for you. After all that walking you will probably have worked up quite the thirst. Not to worry! There are several pubs located on the fringes of the park for you to grab a pint of locally brewed beer or even a pub lunch after your scenic workout. This place is something of a pilgrimage spot for people touring the UK. The area is splendid for hikes as well as being near Lewes, a gorgeous medieval town. Furthermore, Brighton, a thriving cosmopolitan seaside town is less than an hour away and a great place for people visiting the UK to go for delicious cuisine and lovely boutique shops. Several motorhome-friendly campsites can be found in the area with full amenities for you to use after a fun day out.

Now that you know the 6 best places to visit in South England, it is time to find a motorhome and start exploring! Use your next bank holiday or kids half term break to visit the sunniest part of the British Isles and learn more about wonderful England.

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The 8 best hikes through England's beautiful countryside

Jul 1, 2022 • 10 min read

England is crisscrossed by walking trails that lift you up into stunning landscapes © SolStock / iStockphoto / Getty Images

They don't call England the "green and pleasant land" for nothing. Go walking through England's towering hills and moorlands or along its cliff-guarded shoreline and you'll soon realize how well this line plucked from the country's favorite hymn fits the English landscape.

From the glacier-carved valleys of the Lake District and the empty and evocative Yorkshire Dales to the white cliffs of Dover and the beach-studded coves of Cornwall, the terrain here truly is lush and emerald green, except at higher elevations, where heather adds a paint swish of brown that morphs to vivid purple at the end of summer.

With well-maintained and clearly marked trails, you don't need much more to get started than a good map, comfortable hiking boots and waterproofs that are up to the challenge of the English climate. Here is our pick of the top walking trails in England.

What you need to know about walking in England

England is crisscrossed by a magnificent maze of walking trails, connecting gorgeous landscapes, historic sights, stunning national parks and charming country villages where hikers can look forward to a pint and a pie supper after a bracing day of walking in the hills.

Walking isn't just a hobby in England – it's a legal right, enshrined in law as part of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act. Hikers have the right to roam almost everywhere without the need for entry fees or permits, including in England’s national parks .

Trails are well-maintained and most are clearly marked, particularly on the country's impressive long-distance National Trails . Armed with sturdy footwear, wet-weather gear for emergencies, a compass and a good map (the Landranger and Explorer maps from the Ordnance Survey are some of the best), you can start a multi-day hiking adventure from almost anywhere in the country, camping or stopping in country pubs or B&Bs along the way.

Before you set off, familiarize yourself with the guidelines of the Countryside Code , which includes advice on crossing farmland, sticking to pathways, removing litter, protecting nature and keeping gates closed.

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Mam Tor in the Peak District is our favorite day hike in England

8 miles (13km), 5 hours, moderate

The Peak District – never ‘the Peaks’ as locals will no doubt inform you – is a sampling platter of classic English landscapes, from the moody, gritstone moors of the Dark Peak in the north to the tumbling limestone dales of the White Peak, running south into Derbyshire and Staffordshire. In summer, the green hills are spotted with legions of walkers in rainbow Gore-Tex, but with excellent railway links, you can duck in for the day if you’d rather not compete for camping spots.

Topping the table of Peak District day walks is the climb up 517m (1696ft) Mam Tor, which rises handsomely above the village of Edale. Roll in by train from London , Liverpool , Sheffield or Manchester and you can be out on the slopes within minutes, following stone pathways to the summit and looping back via the villages of Castleton and Hope in around five hours.

For something more ambitious, extend the walk to exposed Kinder Scout (636m/2087ft), where hundreds of earlier English walkers kicked off the fight for the "right to roam" that makes England such a great country for rambling today. The great Kinder Trespass of 1932 still has legendary status today.

Hadrian's Wall Path, Northumberland, is a hike steeped in English history

84 miles (135km), 5–7 days (but it is possible to day walk any section), moderate

Tracing a broken line from Wallsend to Bowness-on-Solway, Hadrian's Wall may have been built to divide the English from the Scots, but it lies well south of the 21st-century border. The Romans erected this impressive military and psychological barrier between 122 CE and 128 CE, and a remarkable amount of Roman masonry remains today. Needless to say, the 84-mile (135km) national trail that follows the wall is one of England’s most popular hikes, attracting an army of modern-day walkers during the peak season from May to October.

The entire route takes five to seven days on foot, allowing plenty of time to explore the rich archaeological heritage dotted along the trail. Essential stops include the impressively preserved Roman fort at Housesteads , the temple of Mithras at Brocolitia Fort, and the Vindolanda museum, which displays an original Roman sandal (you’ll appreciate your trekking boots all the more after seeing it).

In between these pockets of Roman history, settle in and enjoy the undulating countryside and the sense of mission that comes from walking the entire length of England’s "great wall". Of course, if time or fitness levels prevent you from doing the whole trek, then you can hike a section in a day either by walking out and back, or by arranging taxi transport to return you to your departure point.  

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The South Downs Way is all uplifting coastal views

100 miles (160km), 8-9 days (or plan a day walk along a section), moderate

Great walking country isn’t limited to the dramatic hills of England's north. The 100-mile (161km) South Downs Way rolls across a series of chalk ridges from Winchester to the legendary white cliffs of Dover, serving up stunning walking within easy reach of London. It’s just a one-hour train ride from London Waterloo to Winchester, and you’ll reach Eastbourne nine days later after tracing the top of the Seven Sisters, England’s most iconic sea cliffs. Alternatively, take the train down to Eastbourne and walk the Seven Sisters section in reverse as a day walk, looping back to Eastbourne via bus or taxi.

There’s something quintessentially English about chalk grassland scenery. Watching kestrels hovering effortlessly overhead in perfect blue skies, it's easy to forget this place rattled with gunfire during the Battle of Britain in 1940. There’s good value accommodation all along the trail – one essential stop is the Belle Tout Lighthouse on the way to Beachy Head, now one of England’s most nostalgic guesthouses. The route is as popular with mountain bikers as walkers and the dry weather in the south of England is an added bonus.

The South West Coast Path ducks between seacliffs and Cornish coves

630 miles (1014km), 40–50 days (or plan a day walk along a section), moderate

Getting away from it all can be a challenge in the tourist-mobbed southwest of England, but the 630-mile (1014km) South West Coast Path provides welcome moments of seclusion. The epic route kicks off in Minehead on the north side of the peninsula, and follows the shoreline through Devon and Cornwall all the way to Poole Harbour in Dorset , taking in dozens of fishing villages, peaceful coves, rocky headlands and holiday hangouts with gorgeous sandy beaches.

If you just want a taster of the trail, the section from Minehead to Westward Ho! serves up some of the most impressive sea cliffs, while the leg from St Ives to Penzance crosses two Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. To keep the kids on board, the stretch from Exmouth to Lyme Regis offers some of Britain’s best fossil-hunting along the Jurassic Coast . As well as seascapes, sand and scenery, you’ll encounter plenty of wildlife: peregrine falcons, gannets, fulmars, kittiwakes and guillemots frequent the shoreline, and seals, dolphins and basking sharks can be spotted in the waters offshore. 

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Scafell Pike & Helvellyn in the Lake District is the best hike for bragging rights

8 miles (13 km) round-trip to either peak, 5–7 hours if you're fit, hard

There’s stiff competition for the title of "best hike in the Lake District ." The trek up 950m (3117ft) Helvellyn comes top for untamed drama – particularly when scrambling along the scalpel-thin Striding Edge – but nearby Scafell Pike (978m/3209ft) comes with bragging rights you only get from climbing England’s highest mountain. Either route can be achieved in a strenuous day, with five to seven hours of hard trekking required to reach the top and get back down to a village pub to toast your success with a pint of Yorkshire bitter.

For Scafell, the most popular ascent route starts at Wasdale Head near Santon Bridge, but there are four alternate routes that see slightly fewer trekking boots. For the classic route to Helvellyn via Striding Edge, pick up the trail at the Glenridding Tourist Information Centre on Ullswater. The weather can make or break a Lake District hike; in rain, walking can be a joyless slog, but on dry days, the views can be transcendental. At any time of year bring waterproofs, food, water, and a map and compass.

Yorkshire's Three Peaks Challenge is the best hike for fitness fanatics and superheroes

24 miles (39km), 12 hours (or less), hard

Nothing focuses the mind like a challenge! Since 1968 more than 200,000 hikers have taken up the quest of climbing the summits of Pen-y-ghent (694m/2277ft), Whernside (736m/2414ft) and Ingleborough (723m/2372ft) in less than 12 hours. Known as the Three Peaks Challenge , the circular 24-mile (39km) route begins and ends at the Pen-y-Ghent Cafe in Horton-in-Ribblesdale (where you clock in and clock out to verify your time); succeed and you become an automatic member of the cafe's Three Peaks of Yorkshire Club.

Fancy a more grueling test of endurance in the Yorkshire Dales ? Then join the fell-runners in the annual Three Peaks Race on the last Saturday in April, and run the route instead of walking it. Just six people entered (and only three finished) when the race was first held in 1954; today, it has a limit of 1000 entrants, and the impressive course record is two hours, 46 minutes and three seconds.

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Escape the crowds on the Shropshire Way and the Long Mynd

202 miles (325km) round-trip, from 15 days, moderate

Scenic Shropshire is often overlooked by tourists rushing to the Peak District, but the hills here are just as dramatic and far less crowded. Tucked against the Welsh border, the county rises in a series of steep ridges, divided by winding rivers, ruined castles and slumbering villages where you can stop overnight and sample some of Shropshire’s famous real ales. Walking trails run in every direction, but they’re rarely busy, so there's little competition for a bed or a table for dinner, even in summer.

The 200-mile (322km) Shropshire Way is divided into two sections – a more dramatic southern loop, taking in the epic scenery around Ludlow, Church Stretton and the Clun Valley, and a gentler northern section – both starting and ending in Shrewsbury (always "shrooz-bury", never "shrows-bury"). We recommend the southern leg, tracing the west side of the Long Mynd, a gorgeous heather-topped plateau inhabited by wild ponies, to the foodie town of Ludlow, with its stocky castle, gourmet restaurants and annual food festival.

The Norfolk Coast Path is the place to spot teeming birdlife

84 miles (134km) one way, 5–10 days (or plan a day walk along a section), easy

Not every walk has to go up hill and down dale. The Norfolk Coast Path rarely climbs much above sea level, but it passes through a meditative landscape of sandy spits, pine forests and dense, reed-filled coastal marshes that shelter some of Britain’s most iconic birdlife. With binoculars to hand, you can spot everything from bitterns, marsh harriers and reed warblers to grey seals as you cover the 84 miles  (134km) between Hunstanton and Hopton-on-Sea.

Bring your swimming costume – this week-long walk through  Norfolk links together a string of historic beach resorts and the stunning sands in front of the stately home of Holkham Hall , one of England’s finest Palladian mansions. Bring an appetite too – north Norfolk is famous for its seafood, particularly Cromer crab, Kings Lynn brown shrimp and Brancaster oysters. 

This article was first published Jun 27, 2021 and updated Jul 1, 2022.

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Where to watch UEFA EURO 2024: TV broadcast partners, live streams

Tuesday, June 11, 2024

Article summary

Find your local broadcast partners, and get live streams of UEFA EURO 2024 matches where you are.

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2024 Total Eclipse: Where & When

Eclipse explorer.

For a mobile-friendly or full-screen version of this interactive map, visit go.nasa.gov/EclipseExplorer .

The Monday, April 8, 2024, total solar eclipse crossed North America, passing over Mexico, the United States, and Canada. The total solar eclipse began over the South Pacific Ocean. Weather permitting, the first location in continental North America that experienced totality is Mexico’s Pacific coast at around 11:07 a.m. PDT.

The path of the eclipse continued from Mexico, entering the United States in Texas, and traveled through Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. Small parts of Tennessee and Michigan also experienced the total solar eclipse. The eclipse entered Canada in Southern Ontario, and continued through Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Cape Breton. The eclipse exited continental North America on the Atlantic coast of Newfoundland, Canada, at 5:16 p.m. NDT.

This table provides the time that totality began in some U.S. cities in the path of totality. These areas also experienced a partial eclipse before and after these times.

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