Top South East England Arts & Design

The Royal Pavilion is one of Britain’s most eccentric and extravagant palaces previously occupied by three monarchs, George IV, William IV and Queen Victoria. Built as George IV’s pleasure palace, it has been restored to its original 1823 splendor with Indian architecture contrasted with interiors inspired by China. New for 2025! Experience the vibrant world of COLOUR at Royal Pavilion. Allow your visitors to dive into a dazzling celebration of color, from bold historic hues to peaceful palettes, all within the Pavilion’s stunning interiors. Don't miss this unique blend of beauty and history

Winchester is one of England’s most historic cathedral cities, and the perfect place to explore some of the country’s most famous legends. Meet Henry VIII, Oliver Cromwell and William the Conqueror on a journey through Winchester’s ancient streets, and learn about the city’s literary heroes including Jane Austen, Keats and Thomas Hardy. Hear stories about King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table, and enjoy the Medieval architecture on a tour that’s like stepping back in time.

Discover one of England’s most distinctive museums—and enjoy the freedom to explore at your own pace—when you book advance tickets to the National Museum of Computing. Located at Bletchley Park, where Alan Turing and others participated in boundary-breaking computing and code-breaking work during World War II, the museum includes the world’s largest collection of working historic computers. Browse the wide-ranging exhibits, and learn more from on-site volunteers.

Explore the best sights of Cheltenham at your own pace with this flexible, self-guided audio tour. See sights like the Royal Crescent, Neptune Garden, Cheltenham Town Hall, Imperial Square and Gardens, and more. Includes convenient turn-by-turn directions and maps, and automatic GPS playback, which can all be used offline.

Occupying over 10.5 hectares, the Castle offers a varied day out for visitors, including a visit to the magnificent State Apartments and St George's Chapel. The Castle's State Apartments are furnished with some of the finest works from the Royal Collection, reflecting the changing tastes of the Castle's royal occupants, particularly those of Charles II and George IV. Among the masterpieces on display are paintings by Holbein, Rubens and Van Dyck, Sèvres porcelain and exquisite English and French furniture. Many of the works of art are still in the historic settings for which they were first collected or commissioned by the kings and queens who have lived at Windsor. Visitors can take a self-guided tour of the Castle with a free multimedia tour. In the winter months, visitors can also walk through the sumptuous Semi-State Apartments, which served as the private rooms of George IV in the 19th century.

This is the essential tour for Harry Potter fans. Spend the afternoon discovering the sites of Oxford associated with the Harry Potter movies, including the Divinity School inside the Bodleian Library, and learn behind-the-scenes secrets about the Harry Potter actors, and J. K. Rowling. Afterwards, explore Christ Church College which inspired the Great Hall of Hogwarts, on a self-guided tour.

Discover the rich literary heritage of Oxford on this private guided tour. Learn about Lewis Carroll, C.S. Lewis, and J.R.R. Tolkien, and see many of the sites featured in Harry Potter, including the Divinity School of Bodleian Library. Afterwards, explore Christ Church College, where many Harry Potter scenes were filmed, on a self-guided audio tour, with guaranteed entry.

Soak up amazing English countryside views from this hill top Rothschild estate. Walk around the sculptures and spot the one made for the gardens of Versailles. Count the different kinds of birds in the aviary - Waddesdon is a licensed zoo and successfully breeds rare songbirds. See the formal garden, called the Parterre, planted twice a year with around 110,000 different colorful plants Take the kids to the Woodland Playground and eat lunch or try an ice cream at the family-friendly Stables Cafe.

Walk in the footsteps of two of the most famous authors from Oxford: CS Lewis and JRR Tolkien. Learn about the authors’ lives and works as you walk around past key sites in their lives, including Exeter College (where Tolkien studied), University Church (where Lewis preached) and the Eagle & Child Pub (where the two met weekly as part of The Inklings).

Hurry to see the renowned Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition right here! Visit ‘The In Crowd: Mod Fashion and Style 1958−1966’ Or marvel at our awe-inspiring permanent collection! If you're a footie fan, why not celebrate Albion’s historic 2023/24 campaign when the club played in Europe for the first time in its history. Photographs, ephemera and kit tell the memorable story of matches against Ajax, Marseille, AEK Athens and AS Roma as the club competed in the UEFA Europa League.

Discover the rich maritime heritage at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, home to a remarkable collection of naval treasures and iconic ships. Engage with 500 years of history as you explore famous vessels like HMS Victory, HMS Warrior, and The Mary Rose, each telling its unique story. Enjoy the interactive exhibits and various museums dedicated to naval exploration and innovation. With the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard ticket, gain full access to all attractions for an unforgettable day of exploration and learning at this unique waterfront destination.

Stroll the streets of historic Oxford and hit the perfect Instagram spots too on this self-guided audio walking tour, narrated by a historian. See iconic sights like the Bridge of Sighs, the Bodleian Library, the Sheldonian Theatre, and Radcliffe Square, as well as a wealth of historic colleges. You can download the tour in advance, meaning Wi-Fi is not required, but GPS access still works.

Follow in the footsteps of Oxford’s iconic detectives on this immersive walking tour through the city’s historic streets and colleges. Discover key filming locations from Inspector Morse, Lewis, and Endeavour — including the Radcliffe Camera, Bodleian Library, and the famous Morse Bar. Along the way, enjoy insider stories, behind-the-scenes trivia, and a few mysterious tales from Oxford’s darker corners. Whether you're a die-hard fan or a curious newcomer, this tour brings the city’s crime-solving legacy vividly to life. Keep your eyes open — in Oxford, clues are everywhere.

Discover the rich history and unique architecture of Oxford on a personalized walking tour led by an experienced, independent, local guide (we're new here on Viator). This tour provides insights into the Oxford University system, the colleges, and fascinating stories of notable figures who shaped the city. Tailor your experience by choosing a theme such as literature, history, or music to enhance your visit. Enjoy the flexibility of a private tour, allowing you to explore hidden corners and learn about the vibrant student life at Oxford today. A visit to one or more colleges is highly recommended for a complete experience. - Private tour tailored to your interests and schedule - Flexible duration, typically 2 hours, with options to extend - Explore themes like literature, history, and architecture - Entry to one or more colleges can be arranged. We will arrange this with you in advance. This is an extra cost. - Prices include the Contrada Tours pre-tour planning service by WhatsApp.

Waddesdon Manor is a French Renaissance-style chateau, built in the 1870s by Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild to entertain the fashionable world and house his impressive art collection. Waddesdon Manor was built by Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild between 1874 and 1885 to display his collection of arts and to entertain the fashionable world. Opened to the public in 1959, Waddesdon Manor is managed by the Rothschild Foundation, a family charitable trust, on behalf of the National Trust, who took over ownership in 1957. It’s home to the Rothschild Collections of paintings, sculpture and decorative arts. Make the most of your visit. Take a stroll in the Gardens, explore the paintings, furniture, porcelain and tapestries collected by generations of Rothschilds in the House. Meet the Aviary Keeper and see the colourful birds housed in the ornate Aviary. Explore the Cellars storing over 13,000 bottles of Rothschild wines, and hear about their history and so much more.

Discover Oxford's highlights on this private full-day tour from London, including skip-the-line entry to Christ Church College, Divinity School, and University Church of St Mary. Enjoy a traditional British lunch in a historic tavern and explore landmarks such as the Bodleian Library's Divinity School. This intimate tour offers personal attention and a rich cultural experience, without the hassle of large groups or long lines.

Eton is a historic town in the shadow of Windsor Castle, but is perhaps better known for its prestigious boys’ school. On this self-guided walking tour, you’ll hear the centuries of fascinating history that have shaped this remarkable small town and its world-famous college. The tour starts at Windsor Bridge and guides you through Eton’s storied past and vibrant present. As you walk up the High Street, you’ll pass ancient inns and distinguished tailors that have made Eton’s distinctive uniform for generations. You’ll see the grounds of Eton College, founded by King Henry VI in 1440, where princes, prime ministers, and poets have studied for nearly six centuries. The tour dips through the College area, along peaceful playing fields, and back to the bustling High Street. On your way back to Windsor Bridge, you’ll discover how this small town of just 4,500 residents has preserved its historic character while maintaining deep connections to royalty, literature, and sporting traditions.

Explore the highlights of Oxford's two major art collections, at the Ashmolean Museum and Christ Church Picture Gallery, with an art historian and Sotheby’s specialist. Join me on a rich and entertaining journey through the history of European art, from Ancient Greece to French Impressionism. On the way, you’ll discover masterpieces ranging from Uccello's Hunt in the Forest, to Monet’s Sunset at Sea. Half way through, we’ll have a coffee break at Ashmolean’s Rooftop café. We’ll then walk to Christ Church Picture Gallery, part of Christ Church, one Oxford’s most famous colleges, to see masterpieces from their collection of mainly Italian paintings and drawings, including Botticelli's paintings of the Sybils, and Head of Young Woman by Verrocchio, one of the most beautiful drawings that remains from the Florentine Renaissance. During the experience, you'll be introduced to specialist skills, including spotting painting restorations and identifying 15th century paper.

Feast your eyes and fill your camera roll with postcard-perfect English countryside on this private tour of the Cotswolds’ most adorable villages. There’s no need to stress about left-side driving or worry about parking, which can be challenging, especially in high season. Simply meet your private driver/guide at the pickup point of your choice and soak up delights such as Bourton on the Water, Chipping Campden and Stow-on-the-Wold.

Explore the fascinating world of J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis on this guided walking tour through Oxford. See iconic locations such as Exeter College, the Sheldonian Theatre, the Bodleian Library, and Magdalen College, where the Inklings met. Discover how these writers inspired and helped one another. Enjoy a visit to Magdalen College, where Lewis spent nearly three decades. This tour provides a unique insight into the lives of these authors and the city that inspired them. - 2.5 hour guided walking tour of Oxford’s literary landmarks - Visit Magdalen College, where Lewis worked from 1925 to 1954 - Suitable for teenagers and adults; private tours are also available for families with young children - Learn from an expert guide about the lives of Tolkien and Lewis and their friendship - Learn how Charles Dodgson (Lewis Carroll) met the young Alice Liddell at Christ Church College and how she inspired him to write Alice in Wonderland! - Avoid the crowds - maximum group 12 people

How does studying at Oxford University compare with studying at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry? Fun tour for Muggles of all ages. Guide will cater tour according to everyone's interests, introducing also Oxford heritage. Join tour to find out why we have over 1,000 reviews recommending this tour online! Calling all fans of the world’s favourite wizard, this Oxford walking tour takes you to recognizable locations of the Harry Potter films. During this family-friendly tour, see the grand buildings of Oxford University and see inside the Divinity School—which featured as the infirmary & classroom space in Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Learn of other literary legends that attended Oxford University. Tour includes entry worth £3 per person inside the Divinity school at the Bodleian Library. Tour lasts average 90-120 minutes. Notice: on dates when Divinity school is closed - see closures notices under What's not Included section- we instead visit New college.

With its cobbled lanes, semi-crumbled castle, and bohemian air, Lewes delights history, shopping, and culture buffs. This self-guided audio tour offers a wholly flexible way to experience its highlights and history without the strictures of a guided tour. Download the smartphone app, and use it whenever it you wish to discover Lewes landmarks like Cliffe High Street and Lewes Castle; and hear tales of the town's colorful past you could miss alone. The perfect companion for independently minded travelers.

The Air Forces Memorial at Runnymede is a solemn tribute to courage, sacrifice, and freedom. On this self-guided walking tour, you’ll explore a masterpiece of memorial architecture that commemorates 20,455 airmen and women who died in World War II with no known graves. This memorial tells a powerful story of those who gave their lives in service to liberty, through thoughtful design elements and panoramic views. You’ll walk through carefully designed cloisters where names are inscribed on stone panels or ’books,’ allowing natural light to fall across them throughout the day. The site’s six acres, gifted by Sir Eugen and Lady Effie Millington-Drake, offer sweeping views westward to Windsor and eastward towards London. You’ll discover the memorial’s rich symbolism, from its stone eagle at the entrance, to the stars carved into column capitals. The tour ends in the Visitor Room, where directories allow for personal research and reflection on the airmen and women commemorated here.