Destination Guide

South East England

Tourist Information

Hotels & Things to see & do in South East England

South East England is an area which is full of heritage, an excellent coastline, picturesque villages and towns and has an abundance of things to see and do. A popular area to stay with many distinctly different resorts such as the coastal resorts of Hastings, Eastbourne, Brighton & Margate. Inland there is Maidstone, Tunbridge Wells, Seven Oaks and Canterbury.

Berkshire

In South central England there is a noble area, & part of the ancient kingdom of Wessex known as Berkshire, is the birthplace of King Alfred. Berkshire is made up of Bracknell Forest, West Berkshire, Reading, Slough, Windsor, Maidenhead, and Wokingham. For the visitor, Berkshire has as much to offer as any of the counties. Donnington Castle is a must-see; constructed during the late 14th century, the striking, twin-towered gatehouse of this castle survives amid impressive earthworks. Then there are the delights of The Corn Exchange. This entertainment venue, situated in Newbury's town centre presents drama, comedy, music, dance, exhibitions, films, & resident orchestra. In summer there are family shows and music in the streets and parks. Canals, fishing, golf and an abundance of historic sites too in this wonderful area of the United Kingdom..

Buckinghamshire

Enjoy the delights of Buckinghamshire, a county over 50 miles in length but just 10 miles wide at its narrowest point, set right in the heart of rural England. Buckinghamshire is one of the loveliest of the Home Counties - some say the loveliest - and its Chiltern hills and beechwoods, beautiful River Thames and the rolling acres of Aylesbury Vale make it a place for visitors to enjoy.

Kent

Discover the captivating essence of the Garden of England winding along lanes past lavender fields, orchards, vineyards and oast houses. Be enriched by England's oldest county, alive with its exciting past: visiting Canterbury with Chaucer's pilgrims and Rochester with Dickens, following the maritime adventures that have shaped Kent from Roman invasion to World War II. Quintessential England. But also bang up to date with leading-edge galleries and theatres.

Castles & Cathedrals
Leeds Castle, Walmer Castle & Gardens, Canterbury Cathedral, Knole, Rochester Castle

Gardens
Scotney Castle, Sissinghurst, and 2000 acres Bedgebury Forest

Heritage & History
Maritime Heritage Trail, Dover castle and secret tunnels, Upnor Castle

Attractions
Hop Farm Family Park and Museum of Kent Life

Activities
There are over 90 golf courses in Kent, and 100's of miles of magnificent coastal and countryside walks, not forgetting the White Cliffs of Dover. There are high octane sports available such as; jet skiing, motor racing and surfing.

Wineries - Chapel Down is probably the best known with guided tours and tastings. Also Hush Down and Biddenden

Railways - Nostagic Steam tarin journeys throughout the area. the best known is the Bluebell railway. One of the most scenic and traditional rail rides is the Tenderdon Light railway

Oxfordshire

Whether you are searching for some inspiration for a break or an activity. Or, you are a visitor from afar looking to experience the English Countryside, histroy and culture, then Oxfordshire is an all inspiring palce to be. From the University town of Oxford, to the swathes of open countryside of the Cotswolds, dotted with picturesque villages, crossed with rambling walks and romantic drives. There is an abundance of historical buildings, gardens and other sights and pleasures awaiting you in Oxfordshire. Here are some which Classic recommends are worth visiting:

Blenheim Palace & Gardens is a must, Broughton Castle, Pitt Rivers Museum, Oxford & acruise on the River Thames, Visit the Cotswolds Wildlife Park, free entrance into the UK's oldest museum, 16th century Bailliol & Christchurch Colleges and their links to the Harry Potter Films, Gardens and River Punting.

Activities

Walking, cycling, hot air ballooning, horseriding, fishing and golf are all available against a backdrop of outstanding natural beauty.

East & West Sussex Information

Sussex may lie close to the clamour of London but this south coast region is a tourism jewel, having retained much of its rural character whilst offering a sublime combination of tranquil beauty and all-round interest. Sussex is a place of traditional seaside resorts with piers and beach-huts, age-old castles, Roman relics, half-timbered villages and swathes of languorous countryside
It's a paradise for walkers, cyclists, water-sport enthusiasts and fans of the world's most famous honey-loving bear, Winnie the Pooh.
Whilst most tourists target the region's leading holiday towns such as Hastings, Brighton, Eastbourne and Worthing, others prefer to take in the outstanding beauty of areas like the South Downs, the historic harbour at Chichester and the unique High Weald, which has the highest proportion of ancient woodlands in the country. The most hair-raising spot is atop Beachy Head – part of the 'Seven Sisters' hills – where the view is guaranteed to take your breath away.

Castles & Cathedrals
Herstmonceux Castle, Arundel Castle, Chichester Cathedral

History & Heritage
Rudyard Kiplings Jacobean Home, Petworth House and Park, Battle of Hastings.

Gardens
Sheffield Park Gardens, 500 acres - Wakenhurst Place, Nymans Garden, Earnley Butterfly & Gardens

Activities
Outdoor Pursuits from Bond Days to Quad biking, Ham Manor GC, Selsy GC, Pleasure