With 400 miles of stunning coastline and its blue flag award winning beaches, the South East makes for a great escape by the sea. Even better, you can build a case for London being in the South East of England and that opens up the vibrancy and energy of one of the great cities of the world as part of your experience.
South East England is home to a host of UNESCO World Heritage sites, Cathedrals, churches, Palaces, castles and more. It is also the weekend home of the British Royal Family and London is the weekday home of course! South East England offers the unique chance to follow in the footsteps of Royalty. Not only because the British Royal family spend their weekends at Windsor Castle, but there are many other palaces, manor houses, castles and country homes that where once lived in or built for royalty. From the exotic Royal Pavilion at Brighton to Osbourne House on the Isle of Wight, Hever Castle in Kent, and Polesden Lacey, near Guildford to name but a few.
Surprising to many, it’s not quite as rainy as you would expect from a UK trip when you're in the South East. The region is blessed with over 1900 hours of sunshine a year, making it the sunniest destination in the UK.
South East England is also the wine capital of the UK, producing award winning English sparkling wines by the barrel full. With over 140 vineyards, and with new ones popping up all of the time, a visit to the South East is not complete without some time spent at one of the many offering tours, tastings, accommodation, lunches and dinners. Get those taste buds tingling and discover why the chalk that whitens our cliffs, and the sun that brightens the day, makes the South East the top producers of English wines in the UK.
Whether you try Oysters from Whitstable or scallops from Rye, locally brewed beer in Oxfordshire or internationally renowned gin in Winchester, you will find a host of tasty foods and drinks made in the South East to experience.
South East England is home to a host of internationally renowned events celebrating the British Social Season including Royal Ascot, Goodwood Festival of Speed and Cowes Week, along with a host of other acclaimed music festivals, re-enactments, and family friendly school holiday activities to enjoy. With many events now confirmed for 2021, you can look forward to a summer of festivals, events and family fun.
London
From Camden’s punky vibe to leafy Hampstead Heath and historic Big Ben, London’s incomparable blend of influences, traditions and history make it an unmissable destination for travellers. Get your culture fix at world-renowned venues like the Natural History Museum or savour award-winning cuisines in Chinatown, Little Venice and Brick Lane. Satisfy your inner shopaholic with vintage finds in Portobello Road or catch the latest bands at legendary venues like Wembley Stadium. Whether you want to watch some of the world’s finest acting talent in the West End, spot squirrels in Royal Parks or soak up the scenery in Greenwich with a pint of local ale, Britain’s biggest city has it all – and then some!
From Camden’s punky vibe to leafy Hampstead Heath and historic Big Ben, London’s incomparable blend of influences, traditions and history make it an unmissable destination for travellers. Get your culture fix at world-renowned venues like the Natural History Museum or savour award-winning cuisines in Chinatown, Little Venice and Brick Lane. Satisfy your inner shopaholic with vintage finds in Portobello Road or catch the latest bands at legendary venues like Wembley Stadium. Whether you want to watch some of the world’s finest acting talent in the West End, spot squirrels in Royal Parks or soak up the scenery in Greenwich with a pint of local ale, Britain’s biggest city has it all – and then some!
There is no shortage of things to do in London:
- Marvel at the city’s many iconic buildings and palaces, immerse yourself in culture at one of the 170 museums and relax amidst the natural beauty of the Royal Parks.
- Take a spin on the London Eye to experience spectacular views of the city's skyline and get a unique perspective on iconic London landmarks like Big Ben, London Bridge, Westminster Abbey and the Hungerford Bridge.
- The world's foremost fashion destination, London is a shopper’s paradise: from flea markets and vintage shops to luxury department stores like Selfridges and Harrods, the options are endless.
- Many famous films have used the city as a backdrop, follow in the footsteps of James Bond or Harry Potter with a guided tour.
- Tuck into innovative fare on the city’s trendy street food scene or treat yourself to something really special at one of London’s many Michelin star restaurants.
- There are more than 230 theatres in London. Watch a musical in the West End or head to the Globe Theatre to tour Shakespeare’s playhouse, reimagined as it would have been in Tudor times.
Golf In the South East: Starting in the greater London areas, there are great inland course like Sunningdale Golf Club’s Old Course, Swinley Forest, The Berkshire, St. George’s Hill and places like Walton Heath (1981 Ryder Cup venue) and Royal Ashdown Forest. For James Bond enthusiasts, Stoke Park offer the opportunity to re-create the epic match between Bond and Goldfinger while also staying in some of the most luxurious accommodations you will ever experience. A short drive down to Kent delivers great venues like Royal St. George’s, the adjacent Prince’s Golf Club along with nearby Royal Cinque Ports Golf Club, all three historic Open Championship venues. There is no shortage of great golf to be played in this amazing region. |