Sights and Things to do in Southern England
Southern england boasts it all. Good transport links via Gatwick and Heathrow Airports, regular train services from London and a network of motorways. You do not have to travel far to find sandy beaches, theme parks, attractions and places of interest. For attractions in southern england see our comprehensive guide. Finding interesting and exciting days out for the children is easy in Southern England.
Southern England
The Garden is a mixture of formal and informal flowers, world famous for it's Camellia groves and magnolias. Noted in Dorset for its Rhododendron and Hydrangea collections and the charming Victorian Garden. Facilities include the Colonial Restaurant, a quality gift shop and a superb plant centre where many of the flowers grown in the Garden can be purchased. Established in 1765 by the first Countess of Ilchester as a kitchen garden for ...
Southern England
Abbotsbury Swannery
Abbotsbury Swannery Abbotsbury Swannery is unique. This is the only place in the world where you are able to walk through the heart of a colony of nesting Mute Swans.
History The Swannery was established by Benedictine Monks who built a monastery at Abbotsbury during the 1040's. The monks farmed the swans to produce food for their lavish banquets. St Peter's monastery was destroyed in 1539 during the dissolution. ...
Southern England
Adventure Island
Adventure Island is a Theme park in Southend whose attractions include Jungle Safari, Raging River Log Flume and Barracuda.
Southern England
Arundel Castle
The seat of The Dukes of Norfolk and set in 40 acres of sweeping grounds and gardens, Arundel Castle has been open to visitors seasonally for nearly 200 years. It is one of the great treasure houses of England, each having its own unique place in history and is home to priceless works of art. Come and see paintings and furniture, tapestries and stained glass, china and clocks, sculpture ...
Southern England
For a memorable family day out in Sussex visit Battle Abbey, set on the site of the 1066 Battle of Hastings. It’s an exciting way to discover more about the most famous date in English history.
A fascinating exhibition featuring CGI film and interactive displays tells the story of the great battle and paints a picture of England at the time of the conquest. The audio tour of the battlefield itself brings the momentous ...
Southern England
Beaulieu National Motor Museum
Beaulieu, one of the South of England’s top day visitor attractions, is set in the heart of the New Forest, the UK’s newest National Park. Beaulieu is a guaranteed great family day out with lots for everyone to enjoy including the world famous National Motor Museum, Palace House, home of the Montagu family, and historic Beaulieu Abbey. It is located within easy reach of the popular tourist ...
Southern England
Blue Reef Aquarium Southsea
Blue Reef Aquarium Southsea, Portsmouth, voted Visitor Attraction of the Year by Tourism South East.Situated on Clarence Esplanade, between the two piers overlooking the busy Solent, Blue Reef Aquarium is a great visit whatever the weather. Be amazed by animals ranging from local marine species to the hundreds of tropical fish in the gigantic ocean display complete with underwater tunnel.
Southern England
Bournemouth Beaches
Bournemouth town and its Beaches must be one of the most popular seaside beach resorts on the south coast of England and is full of tourists in summer months. It has much to offer any holiday maker, and the town of bournemouth is home to a range of attractions and facilities to cater for every visitor.
Southern England
Brighton Beach is a very popular shingle and sand beach and is one of the united kingdoms most famous seaside resorts. Attractions in Brighton include the refurbished pier, fun fairs, arcades and local boutique shopping in The Lanes shopping centre. The palace of Royal Pavilion and Brighton Museum & Art gallery are among the best known attractions.
The pebble beach of Brighton is a popular sport for sunbathing, partying and water sports, ...
Southern England
Welcome to Brighton pier, famous for its rides. Take a journey on the 'Wild River' flume and climb the water mountain for a scary splash landing or spin and twist on the 'Crazy Mouse' - where you can see fantastic views of the Brighton coastline - but only if you dare!
Super Booster is the ultimate thrill ride – 0-60mph in less than 3 seconds, stands at over 125 feet tall – ...
Southern England
Brighton Sea Life Centre
The Brighton SEA LIFE centre offers a fun and educational day out whatever the weather. With over 150 species and 57 displays, you will be hard pressed to find a more enjoyable day for the whole family! Watch in amazement as giant turtles and sharks glide above you in our underwater tunnel. Come and visit our Tropical Reef - Complete with a ...
England,Southern England
Bucklebury Farm Park
Bucklebury Farm Park offers a great day out from early Spring to late Autumn, whatever the weather. The park has a wide range of attractions that will appeal to the whole family. Situated in the beautiful Berkshire countryside close to the picturesque village of Bucklebury, the park has Deer, Farm animals a play area and more.
Southern England
Butlins Bognor Regis Resort
Out and about in the sunniest town in England Bognor Regis, the beautiful South Downs and Butlins. What could be better? Bognor Regis is surrounded by the rolling South Downs – a designated area of natural beauty. Equally stunning is the choice of wildlife parks, quaint villages, castles and beaches that are close to Butlins. See below for links on booking your butlins holiday.
Attractions in the bognor ...
Southern England
Camber Sands
Camber Sands is situated to the east of the county. It is a popular sandy beach, with picturesque dunes and interesting wildlife. The village of Camber is very close to the beach. The dunes are formed from the sand that is blown inland which builds up around plants, debris and fences. The marram grass that you see covering much of the dunes has a deep root system which helps ...
Southern England
Drusillas Park
Where getting nose to nose with nature is all part of the most memorable fun family day out you can imagine. Voted the number one attraction in Sussex for days out with the kids by Southern FM listeners and Argus readers, and now listed 12th in the Sunday Times 50 Best Days out in Britain. Drusillas park is recognised as the best small zoo in the UK and they ...
Southern England
Farnborough International Airshow
The Farnborough International Airshow is a Bi-Yearly air display held at Farnborough Airfield. Farnborough Aerodrome is renowned for its long-standing aviation links. No other site in the United Kingdom, possibly the world, can claim a closer, more continuous association with the history of man's conquest of air than the airfield at Farnborough.
The next Farnborough International Airshow will be held from 19-25 July ...
Southern England
Fontwell Park has been voted the best small racecourse in the South East. Recent development has made fontwell park into a perfect setting for events and weddings and is sited in west sussex just a stones throw away from the south coast and its atttractions.
Southern England
Fontwell Park has been voted the best small racecourse in the South East for the past 16 years Whether you 39 re a racing enthusiast on a friends day out or on a family outing you can be sure of a warm welcome and a great day at Fontwell Park For a list of fixtures please visit website above Southern and Fontwell Park Racecourse have teamed up to offer a ...
England,Southern England
Gilbert Whites House and The Oates Museum
Visit Gilbert Whites House and The Oates Museum and enjoy a special day out at this fascinating and most original museum commemorating important individuals in the exploration of the natural world, set in an historic village in beautiful countryside. With over 20 acres of garden and parkland and a good selection of unusual plants for sale there is always plenty to ...
Southern England
Hampton Court Palace has grown from humble beginnings in the 11th century to one of the finest palaces in the world. Over 800 years of history can be explored through this magnificent palace. Visitors are offered an introductory exhibition, a guide through Tudor kitchens, a costume guide tour, and the opportunity to see the Queen’s state apartments, the King’s apartments and the Wolsey and Georgian rooms. Outside you can try ...
Southern England
Harbour Park Littlehampton
Harbour Park is one of the finest amusement Parks on the beaches of the Southern Coast. Located at littlehampton in the south coast, harbour park attracts thousands of visitors every year. Come and enjoy the selection of Rides & Attractions such as the water chute and dodgems , as they are sure to provide everyone with a great day out!
Southern England
Marwell Activity Centre is one of the south’s leading outdoor and indoor activity centres with 25 years experience in outdoor pursuits. Offering a wide range of year round activities for children and adults, thehighly experienced, qualified team deliver activities and events of your choice from archery to quadbiking to paintball and much more.
Adventure Barn – indoor soft play for children aged up to 10 years
Camping – Tented Village from May to September for ...
England,Southern England
Marwell Zoological Park
Marwell Zoological Park is located in Hampshire near Winchester in the United Kingdom. It was opened in 1972 and it was one of the earliest zoos in Europe to place an emphasis on animal conservation and is considered one of the leading institutions in that field. It is best known for its large collection of ungulates and unique style of enclosures. Marwell Zoological Park is owned and operated ...
England,Southern England
Monkey World
Set amongst the woodland of Dorset lays 65 acres of sanctuary for over 240 primates. Monkey World was set up in 1987 by Jim Cronin to provide abused Spanish beach chimps with a permanent, stable home. Today Monkey World works in conjunction with foreign governments from all over the world to stop the illegal smuggling of apes out of Africa and Asia. At the park visitors can see more ...
Southern England
The Museum of Army Flying is home to a unique collection of aviation history one of both international and national importance. Come and see over 35 historic fixed and rotary wing aircraft on display which along with detailed dioramas, artifacts, trophies and models serve as a profound and inspiring tribute to men and their machines.
The Museum gives a fascinating and imaginative glimpse of “soldiers in the air” and life at ...
Southern England
Explore Farnham's colourful history and relax in the beautiful walled garden at the Museum of Farnham. Free entry. Whether you are a teacher, child or local historian, all ages can learn something new from our facinating collections.
Southern England
An award winning attraction and a fine example of an English fortification Newhaven Fort is the perfect place for a great day out. Offering the perfect family day out, there is so much to explore at Newhaven Fort, including the vast, echoing tunnels built into the chalk cliffs. Experience a sense of freedom in this 10-acre site as you stroll along the ramparts and enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views of ...
Southern England
Paultons Park
Paultons Park is a theme park for families and is home to over 50 rides and attractions. Paultons Park celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2008 with the addition of The Sky Swinger! Thrill-seekers young and old head straight for Paultons signature ride, the awesome Cobra. Opened in 2006, The Cobra is Paultons largest and longest roller coaster yet featuring daring drops, turbulent turns and thrilling twists!
Other attractions include The ...
England,Southern England
Portchester Castle
Portchester Castle's commanding location has made it a major factor in the Solent's defences for hundreds of years.The most impressive and best- preserved of the Roman 'Saxon Shore' forts, Portchester Castle was originally built in the late 3rd century. Covering an area of nearly ten acres, it is the only Roman stronghold in northern Europe whose walls still mainly stand to their full 6 ...
Southern England
Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
Discover the world famous historic ships – HMS Victory, the Mary Rose & HMS Warrior 1860 that have shaped British history at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. Home of the Royal Navy, other attractions include The Royal Naval Museum, with a new Exhibition “Sea Your History” and Action Stations with the interactive gallery InterAction detailing the science and technology used by the modern Royal Navy. Also on site there are ...
Southern England
The house now known as the Manor House stands opposite the east end of the church. It was formerly known as Brook or Brooke House and the name was only changed in the late 19th century.
The house is first mentioned (as Broke House) in the reign of Elizabeth I in a grant dated 1589, but this was an earlier building, though some parts of it are incorporated in the present house. ...
Southern England
The Roman Town House in Dorchester was discovered as a result of excavations taken place during the 1930s. What lay beneath the ground, was the history of another time, Roman Times from around the 4th century AD. Today, this amazing Roman Town House is preserved, and available for anyone to see, free of charge, at any time of year.
The Roman Town House is in the grounds of County Hall, very ...
Southern England
Southsea Castle
Southsea Castle was one in a series of forts constructed for King Henry VIII, in what was the most ambitious scheme of coastal defence since Roman times. The castle houses a small museum, spread over several floors of ...
Southern England
The De La Warr Pavilion In Bexhill, East Sussex is a Grade One Listed Modernist icon for contemporary arts on the sea-front in Bexhill on sea, just over one and a half hours from London. As well as being one of this country‘s architectural landmarks, it also has an enviable reputation as home to some of the best contemporary art on the international circuit today, exhibited in two beautifully restored galleries.
Artists ...
Southern England
The kings royal hussars museum contains a comprehensive collection of uniforms, medals, weapons, paintings, photographs, regimental silver and Guidons trace the history of The King’s Royal Hussars and its predecessor regiments from their foundation in 1715 to the present day. The museum has recently re-opened after extensive refurbishment.
Access to the archives is available by prior appointment.
Southern England
Built for the Prince Regent, later King George IV, in stages between 1787 and 1823, the Royal Pavilion is remarkable for its exotic oriental appearance both inside and out. This magnificent royal pleasure palace was revered by fashionable Regency society and is still a distinctive landmark for vibrant Brighton & Hove today.The Royal Pavilion is home to some of the finest collections and examples of the chinoiserie style in Britain.
Southern England
The Volks Railway was the first public electric railway in the world. It was opened on 4 August 1883 by Magnus Volk.
The railway line along Brighton seafront is open to the public every year between Easter and September. Today the railway can carry up to eighty passengers along the beach for one and a quarter miles.
The Volks Railway opens every year from Easter to September, trains run every day until the end of the season. ...
Southern England
Set within 125 acres of country park this anglo saxon village contains artifacts from this period. The visitors centre has a display with some of the artifacts and the parks natural history. There is also a Shop & Cafe, Children's pay area, Nature trail and Picnic area.
Southern England
Winchester Cathedral
Winchester Cathedrals site dates back to the 7th century when a Christian Church was first built. Throughout the centuries it has played an important part in the life of Winchester City and in the history of our nation. The Cathedral is open to all visitors although certain areas may be closed during special events or services.
The foundations of the current Cathedral were laid out in 1079 by Walkelin, the ...
Southern England
Windsor Castle
Windsor Castle is one of three official residences of The Queen of England. Not only is it the largest inhabited castle in the world but is the oldest in continuous occupation. Visitors can walk around the State Apartments, extensive suites of rooms at the heart of the working palace. For part of the year visitors can also see the Semi State rooms, which are some of the most splendid ...
Southern England
With woodlands, heathland and ponds, Yateley Common offers a variety of experiences to visitors. You can walk, cycle and horse ride through 193 hectares of varied and wildlife rich surroundings. The Common also offers visitors the opportunity to fish, birdwatch, and get involved in practical conservation through volunteering.
There is no charge for access to the Common.
The wide variety of habitats on Yateley Common Country Park make it suitable for a ...
