South East England

Coast, castles and historic towns within easy reach

Explore a region of chalk cliffs, cathedral cities, royal history, seaside towns and green countryside. From Brighton and Canterbury to the South Downs, Winchester and the White Cliffs, the South East is full of easy-to-combine days out.

Explore the Map Places to Visit
Coast & cliffs Historic cities Castles South Downs Seaside towns
Explore the South East

Choose somewhere to begin

Use the map to explore cities, coastlines, castles and countryside across South East England. Pick a place that suits the day you want, then see what else fits naturally nearby.

Featured places

Where to go in South East England

Start with a city, historic town or stretch of coast, then use the local guide to build a fuller day around the places nearby.

East Sussex · Coast

Brighton

A lively seaside city with Regency architecture, independent streets and easy access to the South Downs.

Explore Brighton →
Kent · City

Canterbury

Cathedral heritage, medieval streets and a compact centre that works well with nearby Kent villages and coast.

Explore Canterbury →
Kent · Coast

White Cliffs of Dover

Chalk cliffs, Channel views and clifftop walking alongside one of Britain's most recognisable coastlines.

Explore the White Cliffs →
East Sussex · Town

Rye

Cobbled streets, old buildings and a distinctive hilltop centre close to marshland and coast.

Explore Rye →
Sussex · Landscape

South Downs

Rolling chalk hills, ridge walks and villages stretching between Winchester and the Sussex coast.

Explore the South Downs →
Hampshire · City

Winchester

A historic cathedral city with a walkable centre and easy access to Hampshire countryside.

Explore Winchester →
Hampshire · Maritime

Portsmouth

Naval history, waterfront attractions and harbour views with the South Coast close at hand.

Explore Portsmouth →
Choose your kind of day

What is the South East best for?

Cliffs, beaches & harboursCoast & Seaside
Cathedrals, castles & old streetsHistory & Heritage
Ridges, woodland & open viewsWalking & Countryside
Easy short breaksCities & Towns
Easy combinations

Places that work well together

The South East is at its best when one main destination is paired with coast, countryside or heritage nearby.

Brighton & the South Downs

Mix a lively seaside city with open countryside and ridge walks.

  • Brighton for seafront and independent streets
  • Devil's Dyke or nearby Downs for views
  • Lewes for a historic town stop

Canterbury, Whitstable & Kent Coast

A simple combination of cathedral city and relaxed coastal stops.

  • Canterbury for heritage
  • Whitstable for harbour atmosphere
  • Herne Bay or nearby coast for sea views

Rye, Camber & Dungeness

Historic streets, big beaches and one of the South East's most unusual coastal landscapes.

  • Rye for old streets and independent shops
  • Camber Sands for open beach
  • Dungeness for a distinctive final stop
Plan the trip

The South East is made for short combinations

Distances are often manageable, but busy roads and popular coastal destinations can slow a day down. Choose one main place and add one or two nearby stops rather than trying to cross the whole region.

For a dayPair one town or city with a nearby coast, castle or countryside stop.
For a weekendUse one base and explore in two different directions.
By railBrighton, Canterbury, Winchester and many coastal towns are straightforward without a car.
At busy timesAllow extra time for popular beaches, ports and historic centres.
When you know where you are going

Stay · Do · Explore

Once you have chosen a destination, the local guide will help you turn it into a complete trip.

E

Explore

See what else is nearby so one favourite place can become the start of a fuller South East trip.

Explore the map →
Keep exploring

There is more just beyond the South East

London, the Cotswolds and South West England are all natural additions to a longer trip.

Explore more of Britain