Contributed Collaborative Post
From Brighton and Chichester to London and Oxford, the South East leaves us spoiled for choice in terms of days out, activities and events. Throughout the year, this area of the country is packed with exciting things to do, whether you’re looking for a weekend away, a unique way to celebrate a special occasion or simply something to do as a family or with friends. If you’re unsure where to start, here are some suggestions of great places to visit or events to attend in the South East.
Spend a day at the races
Packed with plenty of action and entertainment, you can’t beat a day at the races, and luckily there are several within reach in the South East. Horse racing is a fantastic day out, whether you’re a sports fanatic or not, from the thrill of the horses pounding down the track to the roar of the crowd and the entertainment found around the racecourse. And if you choose a racecourse near London, you can double up with a meal in the evening in the vibrant capital to really make a full day of it! It’s a wonderful day out and there are events on throughout the year so there’s always something to enjoy during your visit to the south.
Enjoy Brighton Pier
Brighton’s famous beach is, in part, renowned because of its vibrant, colourful pier that’s filled with amusements, food vendors and rides overlooking the sea. Great for couples, getaways with friends or a family day out, Brighton Pier and its accompanying coastline is the perfect summer’s day out. Whether you want to get competitive with friends over the arcade games, see Brighton from above with a trip on the i360 observation tower, or head out to the waters for a spot of swimming or watersports, a day at the beach can’t be beaten.
Uncover the stories of the Mary Rose
Step back in time to Tudor England with a trip to the Mary Rose in Portsmouth. Henry VIII’s favourite naval ship fought in two wars against France and Scotland, and makes for a fascinating day out for history buffs who want to explore the past and England’s rich history in more detail. From events and exhibitions to a virtual museum experience, if you want to dive into the Tudors’ colourful past, uncovering the many stories of the Mary Rose is a great way to do just that.
Spend a weekend in the New Forest
The New Forest offers something for everyone, from cycling and thatched-roof tearooms to canoeing and horse riding. With its village pubs, medieval churches, flora and fauna, and general charming ambiance, the New Forest is a wonderful location for a weekend away where you can relax and unwind, surrounded by the natural beauty and charm of the area. The New Forest also houses the National Motor Museum where car enthusiasts can browse F1 cars and vintage motorbikes.
Explore Arundel’s castle and grounds
Dating back to 1067, Arundel Castle boasts many of the original features of the time, from the Norman Keep to the Gatehouse and Barbican which have survived to this day. Wander the beautifully preserved rooms and explore the tapestries, furniture, paintings and artefacts before heading out to the peaceful gardens that surround the castle. Arundel itself is also well worth exploring, with its own museum, antique shops and galleries, and quaint cafés, pubs and restaurants, all on the doorstep of the castle.
Go glamping at Whipsnade Zoo
Camp out next door to the animals of Whipsnade Zoo for a camping experience unlike any other, where you’ll be surrounded by white rhinos, wolves and other exotic creatures. A hosted experience, with an exclusive tour of the zoo and beautiful lodges on-site where you can relax in the evening, this is a great way to see the animals that’s a unique spin on the classic zoo visit.
Final thoughts
The South East has so much to offer, from laid-back getaways where you can enjoy the peaceful surroundings and unwind, to the electric atmosphere of live sports and eager crowds. Whatever your interest, from sports to history to nature, there’s something to explore and enjoy in the South East, and with great travel links, you can pack a lot into a short amount of time.
This is a contributed collaborative post
