South East England attractions

One of Oxford’s oldest colleges, Balliol College dates back to the 13th century, although the precise date is disputed. The architecture of this rambling college is predominantly from the 19th century, though parts of the Front Quadrangle are as old as the 15th century. It takes its name from its founder, John de Balliol.

Set on High Street in the heart of town, graduates-only All Souls College is Oxford’s most elitist institution. Only the university’s best and brightest are invited to sit the entrance exam, and just two are accepted as fellows each year. Fifteenth-century architecture mingles with Hawksmoor and Wren detailings for pure tranquility.

The junction of High Street, Cornmarket Street, Queen Street, and St. Aldgate’s, Carfax is a major meeting point in the heart of Oxford. The lofty St. Martin’s Tower (Carfax Tower), which offers some of the best views of the “city of dreaming spires,” sits at the intersection.

Home to fishmongers and produce vendors, quirky hat specialists and trendy sandwich shops, Oxford Covered Market is both a bustling retail hub and a destination for food lovers. The market has operated continuously since its founding in 1774, and today it hosts more than 50 independent shops.

Between its baroque chapel, extensive gardens, and historic buildings, Trinity is one of Oxford’s prettiest small colleges. Founded in 1555 by Sir Thomas Pope, it occupies a prime position in central Oxford, opposite the landmark Bodleian Library.

Founded by Henry VI and boasting a history dating back almost six centuries, Eton College is one of England’s oldest and most prestigious boarding schools. One of only four remaining boys’ boarding schools in the UK, the exclusive college has been attended by politicians, actors, literary icons, and royalty.

Climbing up the hillside from the waterfront, the maze of shopping streets known as “The Lanes” make up Brighton’s most atmospheric quarter. The pedestrianized area is home to more than 200 independent shops, galleries, and antique stores, along with a great selection of cafés, restaurants, and historic pubs.

Magdalen College—pronounced “Maudlin”—is one of the most storied and scenic colleges at Oxford University. Founded in 1458, it’s known for its lofty Magdalen Tower, its choral associations, and the celebrated figures who once walked its halls, including C.S. Lewis, Oscar Wilde, and Sir John Betjeman.

A luxury shopping destination located just outside the city of Oxford, between London and Birmingham, Bicester Village tempts shoppers with more than 160 stores—from high-end, designer outlets to mainstream brands. Bicester Village is one of the most popular shopping destinations in England, with more than 7 million visitors each year.

Made up of three unique performance spaces, the Brighton Dome is a pillar of the English south coast’s cultural heritage. First the stable block of a young George IV, then a World War I hospital, the 200-year-old venue is now known as a champion of Brighton’s creative scene.

Explore nearly 1,000 years of history at Oxford Castle & Prison, located near central Oxford. Originally built in 1071 by Normans who came across with William the Conqueror, the castle was later turned into a prison. Now a museum and tourist site, it also offers stunning panoramic views over Oxford from one of the city’s oldest buildings.

Set in the elegant 17th-century building that held the original Ashmolean Museum, the History of Science Museum (previously known as the Museum of the History of Science) is a treasure trove of scientific wonders. From Einstein’s equations to Marconi’s radio transmitter, by way of astrolabes and penicillin, it’s endlessly fascinating.

Established in 1683, the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford is the oldest public museum in the UK and one of the oldest in the world. It’s home to one of the most important collections of art and archaeology in the world, spanning civilizations both Eastern and Western and from the Neolithic era to the present day.

The childhood home of Henry VIII’s ill-fated second wife, Anne Boleyn, this restored 13th-century castle is now open to the visiting public. Discover grand paneled rooms, Tudor portraits, tapestries, and antiques, and wander the grounds, which encompass formal gardens, two outdoor mazes, and a boating lake.

Perched on the banks of the Windrush River, Burford is a small English town that’s often referred to as the gateway to the Cotswolds. Highlights of the town include a medieval bridge and an abundance of Tudor and Georgian buildings that have remained unchanged over centuries.

The observation tower Brighton i360 offers a whole new perspective on Brighton and the south coast of England. In a futuristic glass viewing pod, you’ll glide gently up to 450 feet (138 meters) above ground for 360-degree views across the city, the South Downs and—on the clearest days—all the way to the Isle of Wight.

Located on the River Medway in Kent, the town of Rochester is located just a quick commute from London. Celebrated for the 12th-century Rochester Castle and Rochester Cathedral (whose history dates to the year 604, Rochester was also frequented by writer Charles Dickens, and various festivals and events are held in his honor.

Located just a quick trip from Oxford, Cogges is one of the prettiest corners of the Cotswolds (an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. A Scheduled Ancient Monument, Cogges has over 1,000 years of history. Today, the area is a popular tourist attraction, thanks in part to its Grade II listed Cogges Manor Farm.

On the coast of the English Channel, the world’s oldest aquarium showcases the aquatic diversity beyond British shores. More than 5,500 creatures call SEA LIFE® Brighton home—including marine species and rain forest critters—while educational talks, tours, and events provide insight into ocean conservation.

Founded in 1621, Oxford University's Botanic Garden is the oldest in the UK and one of the oldest scientific gardens in the world. Located near Magdalen College, this 5-acre (2-hectare) garden is home to nearly 6,000 types of plants, representing more biodiversity than any other collection of similar size.

Located on the River Thames just west of London, Windsor is an ancient town with a unique royal pedigree. Best known for the eponymous Windsor Castle—the oldest and largest continually occupied castle in the world—the area was formally settled by William the Conqueror. Today, it is regularly frequented by members of the royal family.

With more than 2 million annual visitors, LEGOLAND® Windsor is the second most visited theme park in the United Kingdom. Just about everything in the park incorporates multi-colored LEGO® bricks, from adrenaline-fuelled rides and interactive entertainment zones to cars and building workshops.

First built in 1897, Oxford Town Hall is a glorious structure in the heart of the city that’s an ever-popular destination for weddings and events. Besides a café and gift shop, it’s also home to the Micro-Museum, a temporary replacement for the Museum of Oxford, which is scheduled to reopen in the town hall in summer 2020.

This stately red-brick mansion was the country home of one of Britain’s most lionized leaders, Sir Winston Churchill. The World War II prime minister purchased the property in 1922 and spent much of his retirement here. Little has changed since then, and visitors will find Churchill memorabilia and personal belongings scattered throughout.

Sandy shorelines, white cliffs, and lush countryside come together on the Isle of Wight, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and one of England’s largest islands. Once the preferred holiday destination of Queen Victoria, the Isle of Wight is now popular for its annual music festivals, impressive dinosaur fossil quarries, and scenic walking trails.

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.

Home to more than 30 rides and family-friendly attractions, Thorpe Park Resort is one of the UK’s major theme parks. Situated 20 miles (32 kilometers southwest of London, its draws include fast-rolling coasters; high-speed water aerial and water rides, and gentler amusements ideal for the younger ones.

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.

Declared a royal forest by William the Conqueror and established as a National Park in 2005, New Forest National Park is home to family-friendly biking, hiking, and horseback riding trails, as well as nearby museums and villages. Look out for the thousands of native New Forest ponies—as well as deer, donkeys, and cattle—that call the sprawling moorland and rugged woodland of the New Forest National Park home.

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.