20 Best Attractions and Tours in South East England
Below we have listed 20 Best Attractions and Tours in South East England
Bletchley Park
Bletchley Park, once home to the World War II Codebreakers, is now an interactive and informative heritage destination. Stop by the Codebreaking Huts before learning about radio communications technology at the National Radio Centre. Then, explore the beautiful grounds and gardens of the 19th-century mansion.
Chatham Historic Dockyard
Maritime galleries, Cold War vessels, and a restored Victorian Ropery are among the highlights at the impressive Chatham Historic Dockyard, a sprawling 80-acre (32-hectare) naval complex among the best of its kind in Britain. Learn about British naval history in a hands-on way at this family-friendly attraction, which holds free talks and tours daily.
Penshurst Place & Gardens
Once King Henry VIII’s hunting lodge, the 14th-century Penshurst Place has an impressively regal history, some of England’s most carefully cultivated walled gardens, and a magnificent medieval hall. Here, at the birthplace of poet Sir Philip Sidney, stroll through the acres of surrounding parkland, visit the on-site Toy Museum and more.
Chessington World of Adventures Resort
With over 1,000 animals, an underwater SEA LIFE® center, and a vast theme park with rides suitable for all ages, Chessington World of Adventures Resort is an ideal family-friendly destination just outside of London. Catch a daily penguin talk, meet and greet meerkats, or take a ride on the rollercoasters for a fun-filled day out.
Sissinghurst Castle
Originally built to serve as a moated manor house, the 13th-century Sissinghurst Castle has hosted royals such as Queen Elizabeth I and Queen Mary Tudor over the years. Today, the imposing castle is best known for the spectacular Sissinghurst Gardens, the inspired creation of 20th-century owner and poet Vita Sackville-West.
Dorney Court
Usually open for just one month of the year, Dorney Court is one of England’s best-preserved Tudor manor houses that few get the opportunity to visit. Explore the landscaped gardens of this Grade I Listed building, marvel over family portraits in the Great Hall, and admire the Restoration-era furnishings for a glimpse into England’s past.
Godshill Model Village
An engaging and quirky attraction, Godshill Model Village features painstakingly re-created models of Godshill Old Village and Shanklin Old Village as they were in the 1920s and ‘30s. Made with great attention to detail, the models are faithful representations of two of the Isle of Wight’s most charming villages.
Ascot
A wealthy suburban town in Berkshire, Ascot is both a popular base for affluent commuters and a year-round destination for horse racing fans. Though well-liked for its proximity to LEGOLAND®, London, and Windsor Castle, Ascot is best known for the Ascot Racecourse, site of the annual Royal Ascot and other annual horse racing events which draw crowds of rich and famous spectators.
Whitstable
With its busy fishing port filled with colorful sailing boats, long pebble beach, and rows of painted wooden beach huts, Whitstable is a prime example of a traditional English seaside resort. Known for its locally harvested oysters, Whitstable is a popular day-trip destination from London and nearby Canterbury, as well as an easy stop-off point on White Cliffs of Dover trips.
Solent Sky Museum
Including an original Spitfire, Sandringham flying boat, and 1920s seaplane, the Solent Sky Museum’s vintage collection encapsulates Southampton’s unique aviation history. A fun choice for aircraft experts and plane-crazy kids alike, the volunteer-run museum offers a personalized learning experience off the city’s beaten track.
SS Shieldhall
Docked in Southampton, the SS Shieldhall is the one of largest working steamboats in all of the United Kingdom, and stands as a tribute to British maritime history. Here, visitors can view the unique inner workings of classic steamship machinery frozen in time, both above and below deck, learn about how most ocean-going ships worked in the 19th and 20th centuries, and take to the sea.
Port of Southampton
The Port of Southampton is the UK’s most frequented cruise port, welcoming some of the largest cruise ships in the world, including those owned by Cunard, P&O, and Royal Caribbean. The port also runs passenger ferries to the Isle of Wight and across the channel to France, as well as serves as the gateway to London and wider South East England.
Rye
Numerous historic attractions, unique handmade ceramics, and some of the country’s most picturesque and best-preserved medieval streets make Rye a quintessential English destination. In this town long favored by writers and artists, climb the clock tower of the local church, enjoy a pint in a former smuggler’s tavern, and more.
Kent & East Sussex Railway
Opened in 1900 as the first light railway in England, the historic Kent and East Sussex Railway now operates a 10.5 miles (17 kilometer) route between Tenterden and Bodiam. Riding aboard one of the 20th-century steam or heritage diesel trains is one of the most traditional ways to appreciate the English countryside, including the Rother Valley and Wittersham.
Maidenhead
On the banks of the River Thames, Maidenhead is an affluent city which is home to an 18th-century bridge built by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, as well as the country’s oldest soccer stadium. An ideal day-trip destination in and of itself, Maidenhead is also a jumping-off point for exploring charming villages such as Bray, Cookham, and Littlewick Green.
Tenterden
First making a name for itself as a wool trading and shipbuilding center in the 13th century, the historic village of Tenterden is today best known as the starting point of the Kent & East Sussex Railway. Here, visitors can take a ride on one of England’s best preserved steam heritage railways—but not before exploring Tenterden’s shops, wood-beamed cottages, and Victorian townhouses.
The Look Out Discovery Centre
Inspire young minds and have a fun, as well as educational, day out at the Look Out Discovery Centre. Hands-on science and nature exhibits and shows teach kids all about the way the world works. Children can learn from more than 90 activities, from launching a hydrogen rocket to playing with boats or building a house.
Sand Bay
Sandwiched between Weston Woods and the headland at Sand Point, Sand Bay in Somerset is a sweeping sand and shingle beach backed by unspoiled dunes. A favorite for hiking, horseback riding, dog walking, and seaside strolling—as well as birdwatching at Sand Point—Sand Bay also offers vistas of the River Severn and its two suspension bridges on a clear day.
Shanklin
One of the Isle of Wight’s top resort towns, seaside Shanklin offers both natural and cultural attractions. Its sandy beach, offset against dramatic cliffs, is the town’s undisputed highlight, though Shanklin Chine (a coastal ravine, the Shanklin Theater (founded in the 1870s, and the quaint Old Village are all top draws.