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A guide to the best places to visit in the South of England – brought to you by locals!
Perhaps I’m biased, because I grew up and live here, but I really love the South of England. Epic coastline, quintessentially English countryside, quaint villages, historic cities… and so, SO much more!
From cute villages and idyllic countryside escapes to lively cities and brilliant beaches, this list features some of the best sights and spots in southern England. Perfect if you’re planning a day trip or a UK staycation this year!
I’ve included a bunch of my personal favourites, as well as recommendations from some amazing bloggers from around the country. So all the places on this list are tried, tested, and genuinely recommended.
I’ve excluded London, because that city is a destination unto itself! But the rest of the lower third of England is all here.
So get ready to fall in love with the south of England as you plan some escapes to these dreamy places…
Places to Visit in the South West of England
Short on time? There’s a map and a quick version of this list at the bottom of this page. Use the contents menu above or scroll down to the end for the quickest version – otherwise, read on for the full guide…
1. Jurassic Coast, Dorset
You can’t beat the Dorset Jurassic Coast for beautiful beaches, rugged coastal walks, and picturesque seaside towns.
I grew up here, so I’m a little biased! But this stretch of coastline is famous for its geological and historical significance – because the rock formations and fossils date back some 185 million years! So there are a LOT of reasons to visit this part of England’s south coast.
There are so many things to do along the Jurassic Coast. Hit the beaches, explore cute seaside towns like Lyme Regis and Weymouth, or head to the cliffs for some hiking. One of the most famous sites is the rocky archway of Durdle Door, and there are several cliff walks that offer some great views of this iconic landmark. But with a whole 95 miles of coastline to explore, you’re truly spoilt for choice!
RECOMMENDED TOUR: Jurassic Coast & Isle of Purbeck Day Tour
2. Bath, Somerset
Bath is one of the most beautiful cities in England, and one that no visitor should miss! The UNESCO-protected skyline is filled with gorgeous Georgian buildings – and it’s almost all exclusively built from honey-coloured Bath Stone, so the overall effect is really breathtaking.
The city is packed with history; especially the ancient Roman Baths, fed by local hot springs.
You can also soak up these hot spring waters for yourself at the UK’s only natural thermal spa. The rooftop pool at Thermae Bath Spa is a particular highlight. Or you can simply soak up the history of the city as you wander through the stunning town centre. Bath is also a great place to enjoy an afternoon tea, as there seems to be a tearoom on every corner!
RECOMMENDED TOUR: 1.5 Hour Walking Tour of the City from £15pp
3. The Cotswolds
Recommended by: Roshni from The Wanderlust Within
Home to some of the most unspoilt villages in England, the Cotswolds are one of the best places to visit in the South of England. Known for their honey-coloured stone, cosy cottages and traditional tea rooms, there is nowhere as charming and historic as the picture-perfect towns and villages in the Cotswolds.
The most popular choices are Castle Combe, Bibury, Burford and Broadway. But there are some beautiful hidden gems too, such as Minster Lovell.
If you’d like to explore more of the countryside, you can hike the Cotswolds Way, which extends over 100 miles from Chipping Campden to Bath. Or you could take part in the water sports on offer at the Cotswolds Water Park.
READ MORE: How to Spend 2 Days Driving in the Cotswolds
4. Newquay, Cornwall
Recommended by: Victoria, Bridges and Balloons
Newquay is one of Cornwall’s most popular beach towns, perched on the Atlantic cliffs and famous for its surf. It sometimes gets marred by its reputation as a party town, but the area offers much more than bars and nightclubs! It’s also very well suited to families, especially with its bounty of Blue Flag beaches.
It’s also surrounded by many charming villages, beaches, and other attractions. Nearby St Agnes, Perranporth, and Holywell all make fab day trips.
Don’t miss a trip to Padstow, the fishing village famous for being the home of Rick Stein and his restaurants. A favourite beach in the area is Watergate Bay, home to one of the most stylish family hotels in Cornwall. Watergate Bay is also the perfect place to learn different watersports at the beach’s Extreme Academy.
RECOMMENDED TOUR: Introduction to Surfing Lesson in Newquay – from £35pp
5. Stonehenge and Salisbury, Wiltshire
Stonehenge in Wiltshire is one of the most famous (and photographed) places in England. This ancient stone circle remains one of the country’s greatest mysteries. Although we know when – and even how – it was built, some 5,000 years ago, we still don’t really know why! That mystery only adds to the appeal, so it’s no surprise that this is such a popular attraction in southern England.
The nearest town is Salisbury, which is also well worth a visit. This medieval city boasts a 13th-century cathedral and a charming, historic high street. There are plenty of boutique shops, independent eateries, and bars to explore. So this is the perfect base if you want to explore Stonehenge and the rest of Wiltshire.
RECOMMENDED TOUR: Stonehenge Half-Day Tour from London with Audio Guide
6. English Riviera, Devon
Recommended by: Steph & Lewis from Book it Let’s Go!
The English Riviera is located on the south coast of Devon. It comprises three key seaside resorts: Torquay, Paignton, and Brixham, as well as the smaller village of Babbacombe. Also known as Torbay, the area holds UNESCO Global Geopark status, one of only seven in the UK and 140 in the world.
With golden sandy beaches, clear calm waters and swaying palm trees, on a sunny day, it’s almost possible to imagine you’re abroad!
While most people visit Torbay for its beautiful, family-friendly beaches, there’s also a wealth of things to do in the area. You can visit Britain’s largest model village in Babbacombe, enjoy outdoor adventures along the Jurassic coast, visit the many historic (and sometime’s quirky) local museums, and even explore some prehistoric caves.
7. Exmoor National Park
Recommended by: Heather, Conversant Traveller
Located in North Devon and West Somerset, Exmoor National Park is an area of hilly moorland famous for its unique landscapes and wilderness habitats. There are miles of hiking trails to explore, coastal cliffs to scramble over, and deep wooded valleys with quaint tea shops hidden at the bottom.
Renowned for its wildlife, Exmoor is the place to go if you want to spot red deer, otters, rare butterflies, and more. The iconic Exmoor ponies are a common sight, too, often seen grazing in large wild-roaming herds close to the road.
The area feels remote but is easily accessible by car, and there are plenty of great hotels, countryside inns, campsites and holiday parks dotted about the moors.
8. Penzance, Cornwall
Recommended by: Stella, Around the World in 24 Hours
Penzance, a town in western Cornwall, is most famous to some people for the musical The Pirates of Penzance. But Penzance also deserves to be known for its beautiful architecture, fascinating museums, delicious food, and charming residents.
You can easily spend an enjoyable day or two in Penzance by itself, or you can use it as a base for exploring other places in Cornwall.
Visit the port and the famous Admiral Benbow Inn to learn about Penzance’s maritime history. Explore 19th and 20th-century Cornish art at the Penlee House Gallery and Museum or more contemporary works at The Exchange. Finally, don’t miss dining on the local seafood at excellent restaurants like The Shore.
9. Cranborne Chase AONB
Cranborne Chase is one of my favourite hidden gems in the south of England. This Area of Natural Beauty (AONB) lies on a chalk plateau straddling the counties of Dorset, Hampshire, and Wiltshire.
It’s not very well known, which is one of the real selling points: unlike England’s more popular national parks and AONBs, Cranborne Chase is often incredibly empty!
Rolling chalk grassland, ancient woodlands, and river valleys await you, lined with walking trails and nature reserves. In summer, the grasslands are covered with wildflowers, making them even more picture-perfect. And with idyllic countryside villages to give the Cotswolds a run for their money, there are so many reasons to add Cranborne Chase to your England bucket list!
10. Cheddar, Somerset
Recommended by: Darek and Gosia
Located in the southern part of the Mendip Massif, in the county of Somerset, Cheddar is mainly famous for two things:
First is the amazing Cheddar Gorge – the largest limestone gorge in England which attracts thousands of visitors every year. You can go for a walk above the gorge and explore beautiful limestone caves within the rocky cliffs.
The second thing Cheddar is famous for is Cheddar Cheese – which is traditionally aged inside the caves around the village. You’ll find a few great local cheese shops where you can sample the goods! There are also a few great pubs and small shops selling local products.
RECOMMENDED TOUR: Glastonbury and Cheddar Gorge Guided Day Trip from London
READ MORE: If you want to stay a bit longer, check out these 6 Beautiful Places to go Glamping in Somerset
11. The Lizard Peninsula, Cornwall
Recommended by: Annabel, Smudged Postcard
The Lizard Peninsula is a peaceful corner of southwest Cornwall, known for its incredible coastline dotted with lively fishing villages. One of the most popular beaches on the Lizard is Kynance Cove: a stunning turquoise bay with smooth sand, sea caves and a dramatic rocky backdrop.
There are plenty of great places to eat and drink, including Roskilly Farm, home of the famous Cornish ice cream. Don’t miss Lizard Point, the most southerly place in England, where you can usually spot a colony of seal pups.
Although the beaches draw most of the crowds, it’s worth heading inland a little for a day on the Helford River, perfect for kayaking and stand-up paddle-boarding.
12. Avebury, Wiltshire
Recommended by: Wandering Carol
For fans of the Neolithic, the village of Avebury is an absolute must-visit. Its main draw is the henge that contains the Avebury stone circles. While it’s not as famous as Stonehenge, the stone circle here is larger and even more ancient. However, you’ll find it very different in look and feel.
Containing ‘male’ and ‘female’ stones, represented by rectangle- and diamond-shaped standing stones respectively, the henge is so intertwined with the village that you’ll find a couple of shops and roads right inside it, not to mention a few grazing sheep!
There are several other sacred sites within walking distance, including Silbury Hill – a 4,000-year-old monumental mound – and the burial chamber of West Kennet Long Barrow. Avebury is truly a step into the past!
13. Lacock, Wiltshire
Recommended by: Laura, What’s Hot Blog
Lacock is a tiny village in the south of England, known for its quintessential British charm. The village has managed to retain much of its medieval architecture, so upon arrival, you could be forgiven for thinking that you had walked straight onto the set of a period drama.
In fact, Lacock is a popular location for filmmakers and many movies and TV shows have been shot here: including Harry Potter, Downton Abbey, The Other Boleyn Girl, and Cranford.
For day-trippers, Lacock has a number of small and charming independent establishments where you can stop for afternoon tea or a pint. Lacock Bakery is a must!
14. Bristol, Somerset
Get ready to meet one of the coolest cities in southern England: Bristol. This vibrant, bustling city boasts a fascinating maritime history, as well as plenty of more modern temptations.
Among them is the much-loved street art culture. Banksy was born and started painting in Bristol, and you can see several of his works around the city.
Bristol also boasts an amazing foodie scene. Don’t miss Wapping Wharf, the trendy new dining and shopping hub just off the historic Bristol Harbourside. And if you fancy a challenge, you can also try abseiling Avon Gorge on the outskirts of the city. I did a few years ago and loved the experience!
RECOMMENDED TOUR: Bristol Hop-On Hop-Off Bus from £14pp
15. Dartmoor National Park
Dartmoor National Park holds a special place in my heart, as I spent my teenage years taking school camping trips here! This vast moorland in Devon is known for its craggy landscapes, wild ponies, and dramatic tors (rock formations).
Camping, hiking, and mountain biking all await if you want to indulge your adventurous side. Or, you can tour the pretty villages, stopping for a cream tea or a slap-up pub lunch! One of my favourite sights is the stunning Burrator Reservoir, which is circuited by a walking and cycling path for epic views.
READ MORE: My Wet and Wild Dartmoor Road Trip
Places to Visit in the East and South East of England
16. Windsor, Berkshire
Recommended by: Jade, Two Tall Travellers
Whether you’re interested in the town’s royal history, want to release your inner child at Legoland, or fancy treating yourself to the perfect afternoon tea, Windsor is a great place to spend a weekend.
Windsor Castle is a stunning maze of towers, apartments, gardens, and chapels. Take a guided tour to explore the interior and get a glimpse of royal life! Be sure to book your ticket in advance for ease – click here to check prices and availability.
The town itself offers plenty to do – and it’s only a short train ride from London. Enjoy a day of water sports on the Thames, or try something a little more relaxing, like a boat ride on the river. You can also walk over the bridge and spend some time exploring Eton, the home of the historic college.
17. Brighton, East Sussex
Recommended by: Teresa, Brogan Abroad
Brighton is one of the most popular seaside resorts in England, particularly with Londoners looking to spend a day on the coast. However, Brighton is more than a day trip destination.
Once the playground of the Prince Regent, Brighton is a diverse city with a vibrant cultural and arts scene that offers something for everyone. It’s also one of the best cities in the UK for nightlife, with a fab party scene and a brilliant Gay Village. For those looking for a bit of fun and excitement, the historic Palace Pier is a local institution.
If history is more your thing, head to the Royal Pavilion to admire its Indian-inspired architecture and Chinese-inspired interior. And for shopaholics, getting lost in The Lanes – a maze of narrow alleyways full of independent shops with traditional shop fronts – is a must.
18. Winchester, Hampshire
Recommended by: Devashree Sanghvi, Thecrazyindianfoodie
Located in Hampshire, Winchester is a spectacular, historical city. You can spend hours exploring its gorgeous alleys, churches, libraries and stunning beauty on foot. Winchester Cathedral is the main attraction – and one you shouldn’t miss!
One of the largest cathedrals in all of Europe, the sheer grandeur of its incredible architecture will mesmerise you. The cathedral houses a 17th-century Morley Library, the Winchester Bible, and a Norman crypt.
Apart from the cathedral, Winchester is home to many more historical attractions, including the Great Hall of Winchester Castle, the city mill, and one of the oldest High Streets in the country! Look out for The Manor of God Begot – a stunning half-timbered Tudor building on the high street.
READ MORE: Things to do in Winchester
19. Norfolk Broads
Recommended by: Kristin, Adventures with En Suite
The Norfolk Broads is a national park with over 125 miles of lock-free waterways located close to Norwich. The man-made area can be explored by bike or on foot, but the best way to see the region is by boat. No prior experience is required to rent a boat and you’ll be given a short demonstration before you set off.
Sailing through the quiet wetlands landscape on a sunny day is incredibly relaxing. Along the canals, you’ll find luxurious waterside holiday homes, picturesque villages, and riverside pubs where boats can be moored – typically a few boats wide on busy summer days.
20. Chichester, West Sussex
Recommended by: Kat, Wandering Bird
Chichester has everything an English city should have: history, a beautiful cathedral, and a mixture of modern and quirky shops.
The city was built in Roman times and there’s still plenty of Roman history to enjoy, including the Roman walls surrounding the inner city. While you’re in the area, be sure to visit the Roman Palace at Fishbourne – the largest Roman residence found in Britain.
Chichester isn’t a large city, so it’s perfectly possible to explore it in a day. Why not combine your trip with a visit to the South Downs just north of Chichester, or the fantastic beach of West Wittering to the South.
21. The New Forest, Hampshire
Recommended by: Stuart Forster of Go Eat Do
England’s New Forest National Park lies about a 90 minute train journey southwest of London. The area was formerly a royal hunting ground, established during the reign of William the Conqueror and much of it is still crown land. Around 5,000 wild ponies roam the scenic countryside.
Walking and cycling are popular ways of exploring the New Forest’s woodland and meadow trails. Bicycles, including electric bikes, are available for hire next to the railway station at Brockenhurst.
Thatched buildings hint at the region’s long heritage, while the many country pubs mean you’ll have no shortage of places to stop for a pint or a great meal. Finally, don’t miss The National Motor Museum at Beaulieu – whether you’re into cars or not, this is a fascinating museum and makes a great day out!
22. Dorchester-on-Thames, Oxfordshire
Recommended by: Rose, Where Rose Goes
The gorgeous Oxfordshire village of Dorchester-on-Thames is the perfect place to escape city life and get lost in the Oxfordshire countryside. It’s a picture-perfect village, filled with pretty thatched cottages.
The must-visit attraction is Dorchester Abbey: one of the oldest Christian sites in England, which stands on the remains of a 7th-century Saxon cathedral.
One of the highlights is the walk to nearby Wittenham Clumps, two 120m chalk hills offering gorgeous views across Oxfordshire. This four-mile circular walk runs along the banks of the Thames and passes over Days Lock, where scenic steamboat rides begin.
23. Colchester, Essex
Recommended by: Kylie from Essex Explored
Colchester, in Essex, is the oldest recorded town in the UK! Originally, it was known as Camulodunum and for a while, it was the Roman capital of Britain.
There are lots of things to do in Colchester, with Colchester Castle Museum being one of the main attractions. The underground vaults were built around 50AD, while the main structure is Norman, dating back 900 years. Castle Park is also a lovely outdoor space.
Another major attraction is Colchester Zoo. It’s one of the best zoos in the UK with over 220 animal species. The Kingdom of the Wild enclosure has rhinos, zebras, giraffes, ostriches, and greater kudu, all living together!
24. Arundel, West Sussex
Recommended by: Tracy, UK Travel Planning
Located in the county of East Sussex in England, the town of Arundel has a number of attractions that make it a great place to visit.
The most famous sight is the medieval castle, which is England’s second-largest and dates back to the days of the Norman Conquest of 1066. Today, it’s inhabited by the Howard Family, but it’s open to visitors. Don’t miss the beautiful gardens surrounding the castle and the Gothic Church located on the grounds.
Take a walk along Arundel’s main street to discover numerous cafes, tearooms, antique shops, art galleries, and restaurants. At the top of the street, you’ll find another place of note – Arundel Cathedral, which was built in the late 19th century.
25. Oxford, Oxfordshire
Recommended by: Sima, the Curious Pixie
Oxford, the “City of Dreaming Spires”, is home to academics, literary greats, and magic. Visitors can explore its 800-year-old history, wandering picturesque streets dotted with beautiful honey-coloured architecture.
Find where Lewis Carroll took the real Alice in Wonderland, and which colleges CS Lewis and JRR Tolkien taught at. Relive the Harry Potter films as you marvel at New College, Bodleian Library and the Great Hall at Christ Church College. A lot of scenes were shot in Oxford, so be sure to book a Harry Potter tour like this one to explore the sights!
To round off a trip in true Oxford style, indulge in a tradition that dates from before the 1880s and cruise down the river in a punt. All the sights are easily accessible by foot so you can enjoy Oxford in 24 hours – or stay longer. A guaranteed feast for the eyes!
26. Box Hill, Surrey
Recently, I discovered Box Hill in the Surrey North Downs, and I can safely say this is one of the best spots for a countryside walk. Especially because it’s within such easy reach of London! The viewpoint at the “front” of the hill offers one of the best vistas of green English countryside I’ve ever witnessed.
If you fancy a challenge, the 15km Box Hill Hike is a great way to explore the rolling countryside. But it’s also pretty hilly, so if you’d rather keep things simple there are several shorter and easier routes. With lots of cute villages and cosy country pubs to explore, this is the perfect countryside day out in southern England!
27. Seven Sisters and Eastbourne, East Sussex
Recommended by: Alexei, Travel Lexx
A visit to the Seven Sisters chalk cliffs is an epic day out in beautiful East Sussex. As well as the iconic white cliffs, there’s plenty to see and do.
Abundant trails will keep even the fussiest walkers happy. Part of the South Downs Way runs through here and can be followed over the cliffs. Climbing to famous Beachy Head allows for sweeping views of the coastline as well as an offshore lighthouse below.
If all that exercise sounds like hard work, hit the beach, and explore the rock pools at Birling Gap before fuelling up on coffee and cakes from the café. End your visit at Eastbourne with its Victorian pier, 1930s bandstand, and many excellent pubs and restaurants.
RECOMMENDED TOUR: Seven Sisters and South Downs Day Trip from London
28. Cambridge, Cambridgeshire
Recommended by: Paul – Anywhere we Roam
With the crooked laneways of Cambridge housing handsome facades of exquisite gothic architecture, it’s easy to see why this gorgeous university town is often regarded as one of the most beautiful in the country.
But the real spellbinding nature of Cambridge is in The Backs – a large swathe of green, cut by the River Cam, with sublime views of the iconic buildings that make up the old colleges.
Cambridge is an experience to savour. Be awe-struck by the fan-vaulted ceiling of Kings College Chapel, inspect the intricate design of the Bridge of Sighs, go punting on the river, and stroll around the independent traders and craft stalls on the atmospheric Market Square.
29. Hastings, East Sussex
Recommended by: Caroline and Neil, CK Travels
Historic Hastings is a stunning seaside resort in East Sussex boasting a beautiful beach and picture-perfect pier. This is a classic coastal town that has all the traditional trappings, including a cobbled high street, numerous old inns and pubs, and several rather delicious fish and chip shops.
You’ll also find the UK’s steepest cliff railway, which allows you to quickly get to the top of the cliffs for stunning views of the town and coastline.
The surrounding countryside and coastline, known as 1066 Country, are full of historic sights and epic adventures. Be sure to take a day trip to nearby Battle to learn all about the famous Battle of Hastings.
GLAMPING NEARBY: Read my review of Starcroft Farm Cabins, the most beautiful place to stay near Hastings!
30. Norwich, Norfolk
Recommended by: Jeremy of Cultura Obscura
As the central commercial and social hub of East Anglia, Norwich has everything you could want from a city: high street shopping, museums, entertainment venues, historic buildings, and plenty of restaurants. But there’s also plenty that makes Norwich unique!
The central marketplace was established by the Normans almost a thousand years ago and still thrives to this day.
Due to its literary background, and the local University of East Anglia’s creative writing courses, Norwich was listed as England’s first UNESCO City of Literature. There are also a notably large number of pubs in Norwich – including the iconic Adam and Eve, which has served local patrons for over 750 years.
RECOMMENDED TOUR: Norwich Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour from £14pp
31. Mersea Island, Essex
Recommended by: Sarah Carter, A Social Nomad
Reached by a tidal causeway that was built by the Romans, Mersea Island is a glorious escape from the everyday. It’s a great place to enjoy a “proper” British seaside holiday. Rent a beach hut for a day, go crabbing on the pontoon, and round it all off with a local wine or beer to savour the sunset.
There’s a great foodie scene! The island is famous for seafood – particularly the Colchester Native Oyster – and Mersea also has its own vineyard and brewery. The fabulous Company Shed restaurant and neighbouring West Mersea Oyster Bar are both great options for seafood platters.
32. Canterbury, Kent
Recommended by: David from Your Ireland Vacation
Steeped in history, Canterbury is a charming city in southeast England. Its most famous landmark is Canterbury Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site which was built over 1,400 years ago and is the headquarters of the Church of England.
Part of the city is still enclosed by ancient Roman walls and protected by Westgate, a 14th-century medieval gatehouse. Quaint cobbled streets lead past Canterbury’s distinctive black and white timber frame houses and delightful tea houses.
The city was also the setting for one of the most important works in medieval literature, Geoffrey Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales. Other popular sights include the ruins of St Augustine’s Abbey and Canterbury Castle and punt rides along the River Stour.
33. South Downs National Park
Last, but by no means least, the South Downs is a dream for lovers of countryside views and great hikes! This sprawling national park is England’s newest, stretching all the way from Winchester in the west to Eastbourne and the coast in the east.
With rolling countryside, rich wildlife, and the iconic white cliffs in East Sussex, there’s plenty to discover. Visit Virginia Woolf’s country retreat at Monk’s House, or tour some of the English vineyards dotted amongst the hills. And, of course, there’s the 160km long hiking and biking trail, the South Downs Way. Hike a portion, or the whole thing, for some of the best views in southern England!
RECOMMENDED TOUR: Seven Sisters and South Downs from Brighton
Map and Quick List: Places to Visit in the South of England
Quick List: South West England
- Dorset Jurassic Coast
- Bath
- Cotswolds
- Newquay
- Stonehenge and Salisbury
- The English Riviera
- Exmoor National Park
- Penzance
- Cranborne Chase
- Cheddar
- The Lizard Peninsula
- Avebury
- Lacock
- Bristol
- Dartmoor National Park
Quick List: East and South East England
- Windsor
- Brighton
- Winchester
- Norfolk Broads
- Chichester
- New Forest
- Dorchester-on-Thames
- Colchester, Essex
- Arundel
- Oxford
- Box Hill
- Seven Sisters
- Cambridge
- Hastings
- Norwich
- Mersea Island, Essex
- Canterbury
- South Downs
Tips and further reading on the South of England
I hope you’ve found some inspiration for your next trip to England! There’s so much to see around the south, from gorgeous coastal locations to cities rich in history and culture.
If you’re visiting from overseas, I strongly recommend the English Heritage Attractions Pass, which allows for unlimited free entry to over 100 places including Stonehenge and Dover Castle. Click here to check the price and find out more.
26 Places to Visit in the Midlands, England
40 of the Most Romantic Places in Britain
30 of the Best Places to Visit in the North of England
23 of the Best Destinations to Enjoy England in Autumn
What are your favourite places to visit in the South of England? Share in the comments!
So many brilliant ideas! Avebury sounds like a great place to camp and you’re right, I’ve never heard of Cranborne Chase!
I think a lot of people haven’t – which is my favourite thing about it. Such a beautiful area and there are so many pretty villages there :)
Thank you very much for providing the best places to visit in the South of England.
Thanks for reading!
Sorry if the question is not appropriate for the section. I am coming to Europe in April, 2022 March-April 23. From April 15-April 23, I would like to explore the southern coast of England. This is not my first trip to Great Britain, but I have never had the opportunity to do some exploring in the south. I will be by myself. Your site is very informative and the possibilities seem endless Are there any tours which you could suggest for my stay? I am also content to rent a car and explore on my own. I am almost 75, in good health, love to walk. The first part of my European trip this time will be in the Cech Republic on a Tauck Cruise on the Danube. My airline flights in and out of Europe are via Heathrow. Any suggestions would most appreciated. Thank you in advance for your help.
Hi Eugenia! Great question. I’ve never done any tours within England so there aren’t any I could recommend first hand. I know InnTravel come quite highly recommended, and there’s a company called selectsouthwesttours.com who look like they have some great multiday options. But if it was me I’d rent a car and explore at my own pace, as I’m a big fan of solo travel, and then you could book day tours in each place you visit if you wanted to meet people etc. I always use getyourguide.com to search for local tours. Hope that helps :)
Hello!
I’m so glad I found your blog!
I am taking a tour in Ireland with my adult granddaughter and then planning on 6 days in the South of England (mostly). We are flying into Tintagel, hoping to rent a car there and head toward Bath, Salisbury, etc. I am wondering about the time frame for seeing things and stops to stay the night. Is Salisbury a good first stop? I would like to spend a couple days at each overnight and drive to sights (Stonehenge, Lacock, Oxford), then move on to our next overnight. Am I being practical or should I plan on more time in one place?
We have never traveled to Europe or the UK and want to make great memories for myself and my granddaughter. Where are some place you would recommend? The last place I thought about for our trip is York and then fly out of Leeds? Practical or time to rethink?
Thanks so much for any input!
Becca
Hi Becca! Thanks so much for commenting. I didn’t realise there was an airport in Tintagel to be honest, it’s a really small village and I’m not sure there is anywhere there to rent a car. Perhaps you’re flying into Newquay airport and heading to Tintagel from there? There’s a lot to see and do in Cornwall and Devon so I’d recommend at least stopping in a few places there as you drive up to your next stop, you could make a day of the drive and call into a couple of places. Salisbury and Bath are both lovely, and you can easily visit Stonehenge from either, so I’d suggest picking one as your base and doing a day trip to the other – eg Salisbury and Stonehenge make a good combined day trip. If you only have 6 days I think 2 nights at a time in 3 different places should give you a good overview – but I think it would be a real stretch to fit York or Leeds into a 6 day trip. Salisbury to York is a 5 hour drive (when the traffic is being reasonable) so you’d probably give most of a day to travel and not actually have much time in York. If you only have 6 days I’d suggest sticking to one region.
Hope that helps :)
Emily
Great list of places to visit but for anyone visiting the New Forest note an error in the write up. There is no railway station in Lyndhurst and I think the writer meant Brockenhurst where there is a cycle hire shop next to the station. And note that Brockenhurst is well worth a visit as often voted one of the prettiest villages in England. Plus its one of the few forest villages where the ponies and donkeys can wall along its roads. Also recommend nearby ornamental drive arboretum at Rhinefield with nearby quaint village of Burley.
David
Good spot – you’re absolutely right, Brockenhurst is where the bike rental is. Both are lovely villages but that’s the one I think the contributor meant as it’s on the train line. I’ll update now. Thanks so much for commenting :)
Hello,
This is all very informative, thank you.
Together with my boyfriend we plan to go to the South of England in the first half of August. We will take a ferry from Calais to Dover, the same way back. We have around 10-14 days off, would you have any recommendations? Is it a very busy time, for example in places like Brighton? Also, do you think it’s possible to move around by buses or trains? We are more keen to backpacking, camping or even cycling rather than renting a car. I was just wondering if it’s convenient around there.
Thank you in advance!
Hi Anna! Thanks so much for commenting. Most of my recommendations for the area are covered in this blog post. Maybe start by heading to Eastbourne for the Seven Sisters and the white cliffs etc, then work your way south west a little bit – perhaps as far as Dorset, which is lovely this time of year. August is the busiest time on the south coast in general, but it won’t be impossible to travel and you can still find lots of hidden gems. If you don’t mind a bit of walking you can often get a beach to yourself, too. Getting around by public transport is actually very doable depending on how far you want to go. Trains can be a little bit slow in this part of England but there are quite a few buses between the bigger towns. And then most areas also have tourist buses which run for the season and go between all the major attractions – in Dorset for example we have the Purbeck Breezer and Jurassic Coaster buses which are hop on hop off buses that cover pretty much the whole Dorset coast.
Hope that helps!
Emily
Hi Emily, Love your recommendations. We are planning to drive with our car from Calais to Dover. we want to explore the UK for first time ( except London). We are into nature and scenic drives. What should our itinerary be for 1 week to cover the south of England. Is there one place where we can stay for a week and take drives everyday to all the lovely places
Hi Ariana. I think you would struggle to see all of the south of England in a week – it’s a pretty big area! For example, the drive from Dover to Bath is about 4 hours – or to Penzance it’s about 7 hours!
From Dover you could very easily visit Hastings, Rye and Battle (where the Battle of Hastings took place). There are some lovely scenic drives around there and Eastbourne is also close by, with the beautiful Seven Sisters cliffs. From there you could drive through the South Downs and New Forest National Parks (both very beautiful) to head into Dorset to visit the Isle of Purbeck or the Jurassic Coast. Then you could drive up to Bath and from there back to Dover (perhaps via Canterbury).
If you just want to stay in one place, then Eastbourne or Hastings both make good bases for exploring the southeast. Bath is a good base for day trips to the Cotswolds (VERY scenic drives and villages), Cheddar Gorge, the Somerset countryside and Avebury (a bit like Stonehenge but bigger and free). Or Bournemouth is a good base for day trips to the Jurassic Coast, the Isle of Purbeck, the New Forest, Stonehenge, and Winchester.
Also, the A35 coast road from Dorchester to Lyme Regis is one of my favourite drives!
Hope this helps you plan your trip :)