Poised between the English Channel and London, and comprising nine counties—Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, East Sussex, Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, Kent, Oxfordshire, Surrey, and West Sussex—South East England is the most populous region in the country, and home to many of its most notable natural and cultural attractions. Exploring cities such as Oxford and Brighton, landmarks including Leeds Castle and Canterbury Cathedral, national parks from the New Forest to the South Downs, and the landscapes of both the Cotswolds and the White Cliffs of Dover are among the top things to do in South East England.
There’s never a bad time of year to visit South East England, a region comprising nine different counties. However, it is at its busiest and most popular during the summer high season since the area boasts some of the country’s most popular seaside towns, including Brighton, Margate, Bournemouth, Poole, and Whitstable. Autumn, however, is also an atmospheric time to visit—time your trip with Bonfire Night in November, and head to Lewes in Sussex to witness the traditional celebrations.
The South East England region includes a number of major urban centers and towns. mainline trains make cities including Brighton, Bournemouth, Poole, and Canterbury easily accessible, as do National Express and Megabus bus lines. London’s two major airports, Gatwick and Heathrow, are located on the edge of the region’s borders, while international Eurostar trains stop in Ashford International and Ebbsfleet International. Ferry services from multiple ports also connect the UK to France.
While few think of England as having a comparable wine scene to France, the South East has seen an explosion in the number of high-caliber wineries in recent years. It helps that its chalky terroir is very similar to what’s found in the Champagne region, and warming temperatures make it easier for grapes to ripen. Visitors should seek out the region’s top-drawer wineries such as Chapel Down, Gusbourne, and Tillingham, and enjoy the rather exceptional English sparkling wines.
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Rolling countryside, coastal cliffs, national parks, castles, seaside towns, and great cathedrals characterize England’s South East, which comprises nine counties, from Kent to the east to Oxfordshire in the north. Highlights include Oxford’s medieval spires, Dover’s White Cliffs, Windsor Castle, Canterbury Cathedral, fun-loving Brighton, and the charming Isle of Wight.
...MoreSouth East England boasts seven cities, each with a rich history and distinct personality. Oxford revolves around its medieval university, while Winchester centers on Regency architecture and its cathedral. Further east are the historical maritime port cities of Portsmouth and Southampton, hip-and-happening Brighton, and Canterbury, home to 11th-century Canterbury Cathedral.
...MoreAmong South East England’s top attractions are Oxford’s stone architecture, Canterbury Cathedral, and Windsor Castle. It’s popular to visit Portsmouth Historic Dockyard to see the Tudor-built Mary Rose battleship and HMS Victory. Tours of Brighton Royal Pavilion and hiking in New Forest and South Downs National Parks are also pastimes.
...MoreAllow seven to 10 days for a grand tour of highlights including Oxford, Canterbury, Windsor, and Portsmouth. Alternatively, take about four days to explore a destination such as Winchester or Kent, the latter home to Dover’s White Cliffs and dubbed the garden of England for its orchards and hop farms.
...MoreDon’t miss Windsor Castle, the burial place of a dozen English and British monarchs. History buffs should see Oxford’s butter-colored buildings, including Bodleian Library and Radcliffe Camera. Canterbury Cathedral, the Mary Rose (a Tudor warship at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard), and Dover’s castle atop its White Cliffs are other musts.
...MoreA car is best for navigating South East England. Motorways link London to cities such as Canterbury and Oxford. And connecting rural and coastal roads weave through history-steeped countryside, villages, and towns. If you’re based in one place, traveling by train and using rail and buses to explore works, too.
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