South East England attractions

This 17th-century red brick building may be unassuming but it’s where English novelist Jane Austen wrote and revised many of her classic novels, including Pride and Prejudice. As the only one of her former homes open to the public, Jane Austen’s House Museum is a must-visit for literature fans who want to marvel over Austen artefacts, memorabilia, and manuscripts.

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.

Originally built to serve as a moated manor house, the 13th-century Sissinghurst Castle has hosted royals such as the late 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.

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.

Set on the edge of the New Forest National Park, this family-friendly amusement park is packed with rides and attractions. The park encompasses twisting roller coasters, waterslides, play areas, animal enclosures, and pretty gardens, though the biggest draw is Peppa Pig World, an area themed around the popular children’s cartoon.

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.

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.

One of Europe’s leading automotive museums, the Beaulieu National Motor Museum is an essential stop for car lovers. Home to 280 vehicles—including everything from F1 cars to the original Chitty Chitty Bang Bang—as well as a vast collection of automotive artifacts, photos, and films, the museum also hosts a range of temporary and permanent exhibitions and installations.

Named after the seven towering chalk cliffs that run its shores, this Sussex spot sits where the South Downs meets the English Channel. Roughly 700 acres (280 hectares), it also comprises grasslands full of grazing sheep and the meandering Cuckmere River. Also home to plenty of winged and four-legged creatures, too, Seven Sisters is Britain’s nature at its best.

The Wiltshire Museum illuminates the local history of Wiltshire, a county jam-packed with historic sites, from the prehistoric monuments of Avebury to the medieval Gothic masterpiece of Salisbury Cathedral. See gold and amber artifacts dating back to the time of Stonehenge, as well as displays covering Roman, Saxon, and medieval history.

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.

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.

Domes, minarets, and regency splendor beckon at the Royal Pavilion, Brighton’s premier historic attraction. Built for King George IV when he was a party-loving prince, the site flaunts some of Britain’s most extravagant royal interiors and Eastern-style architecture. A dragon-bedecked banqueting hall, a gold-crested music room, and bedrooms with hand-painted wallpaper are among the wonders.

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is an important site for the British Royal Navy, having played a part in the war against the Spanish Armada, the Battle of Trafalgar during the Napoleonic Wars, and both World Wars. Although the dockyard is still a working naval base, many of its historic ships have been converted into museums.

One of Europe’s busiest cruise ports, Southampton Port is an important departure point for many long-distance cruises. All the big liners (think P&O Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, Cunard) sail from the city, and the port itself is home to an impressive five terminals. That said, this cruise port isn’t a place of entertainment, and there are limited shops, eateries, or on-site amenities. However, Southampton’s compact town center is only a short distance away.

Shiny colored bricks abound at LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort, a theme park with rides inspired by LEGO® and DUPLO. The first of its kind in the UK, the Windsor resort is popular with families, offering kids the chance to build, play, and experience rides, too. There are also themed hotels on-site for those who don’t want the fun to end.

Once the summer hideaway of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, Osborne House on the Isle of Wight still exudes Victorian-era elegance today. Restored and lovingly maintained by the English Heritage society, the house is now one of the island’s most popular attractions, offering a glimpse of the lives of British royalty, along with gardens, a museum, and a private beach.

Built by King Henry VIII in the 16th century, the Mary Rose is one of Britain’s most legendary warships. The pride of the Royal Navy, the mighty vessel saw battle numerous times before finally meeting her fate in 1545. More than 400 years later, the raised wreck was returned to her birthplace in Portsmouth Historic Dockyard.

Established by King James I in 1606, the Port of Dover in Kent remains one of country’s busiest and most important transit hubs. The closest port to France—located 21 miles (34 kilometers) across the English Channel—Dover in southeast England is frequented by ferries, cruise ships, and an array of cargo services.

You can’t miss Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth: The sail-shaped, 560-foot (170-meter) tower swoops above the city’s low-lying historic waterfront. On clear days, vistas from the landmark's three observation decks stretch from Portsmouth Harbour to the rolling South Downs and the Isle of Wight. It’s perfect for first-time visitors or for anyone to enjoy a meal with a spectacular view.

Gatwick Airport (LGW) is one of six international airports to serve the city of London and is second in size only to Heathrow Airport. A major transport hub, London Gatwick has two terminals and welcomes more than 40 million passengers every year, accommodating flights to and from some 200 global destinations.

Commissioned by King Charles II in the 1700s, The Long Walk stretches almost 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) from Windsor Castle to Windsor Great Park. Lined with chestnut trees and visited by grazing deer, the avenue offers stunning views of the castle and the Copper Horse statue of King George III. It’s also a popular destination for families, joggers, and history enthusiasts.

Dating back to the 17th century, Frogmore House in Windsor is a Grade I-listed Crown Estate property. It has served as a temporary residence for British royals, including Queen Charlotte, Prince Albert, and Queen Victoria. Notably, it was the reception venue for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding. Today, visitors explore its opulent rooms and gardens and learn about its royal connections.

Once hailed by artist John Constable as “the grandest view in the world”, Devil’s Dyke offers more than just stunning panoramas. As England’s longest, deepest, and widest dry valley, its history is as intriguing as its vistas: Scientists attribute its creation to the last ice age, and its nearby sights include the remnants of an Iron Age hill fort and an abandoned Victorian funfair.

The fascinating Beaney House of Art and Knowledge is a one-stop cultural shop in the heart of Canterbury. It’s a visitor center, library, workshop space, museum, and art gallery. The Beaney has won awards for its family friendliness, too. Whatever your interests and whoever you’re traveling with, the Beaney should be on your agenda.

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.

North Laine is a vibrant, bohemian district in Brighton known for its eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, and street art. Here, you can browse vintage clothing stores, visit bustling markets, or people-watch from trendy cafés, making it a must-visit destination for shoppers and foodies alike.

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.

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.

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.