London & the South East
Iconic city sights and coastal escapes 🎡🇬🇧
London & the South East offers an unparalleled density of world-famous attractions, blending the intense energy of a global capital with the rolling countryside of the ‘Garden of England’ and a historic coastline. For many families, the journey begins in London. The city is exceptionally kid-friendly, with many major museums like the Science Museum and the Natural History Museum being free to enter. Public transport is an adventure in itself; sitting on the top deck of a red double-decker bus or taking the river bus (Uber Boat) along the Thames provides cheap and exciting sightseeing.
Just outside the capital, the magic continues. The Warner Bros. Studio Tour London in Watford is a must-visit for Harry Potter fans, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the sets and costumes. To the west, Windsor Castle allows children to see a working royal palace and watch the Changing of the Guard. Nearby LEGOLAND Windsor caters specifically to children aged 2-12 with themed rides and impressive LEGO model cities.
Heading south to the coast, the region changes character. Brighton is famous for its eclectic pier, teeming with arcade games and rides, and the Sea Life Centre, the world's oldest operating aquarium. Further west, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard offers an immersive look at naval history. Families can walk the decks of HMS Victory, see the Tudor warship Mary Rose, and take a harbour tour to spot modern navy vessels.
For a slower pace, the Isle of Wight is accessible via a short ferry ride or hovercraft (the only commercial passenger hovercraft in Europe). The island is famous for its fossils; families can join guided walks at Compton Bay to hunt for dinosaur footprints exposed at low tide. The quintessential attraction here is The Needles, where a chairlift takes visitors down the coloured sand cliffs to the beach.
The region is well-connected by frequent trains, making car hire optional for city-focused trips, though a car is useful for exploring the South Downs National Park or the castles of Kent, such as Leeds Castle and Hever Castle. Accommodation ranges from luxury city hotels to coastal holiday parks and campsites in the New Forest, where wild ponies roam freely through the villages.
Click a region to explore
Activities & Best Times
Urban tourism, museums, historical sites, architecture
A global nexus of history and art featuring world-leading museums like the Tate Modern and V&A. Peak summer offers ideal walking weather, while spring and autumn provide fewer crowds for interior exploration.
Hiking, wildlife, outdoor exploration, ecotourism
Features the unique ancient woodlands of the New Forest and the dramatic White Cliffs of Dover. Optimal trail conditions and wildlife viewing occur during the drier, warmer months of late spring through early autumn.
Learning experiences, scientific sites, historical education
Home to institutions of global significance such as the Natural History Museum and Science Museum. These destination-level facilities are best visited when extended opening hours and peak programming align with the warmer months.
Sport tourism, fitness activities, active recreation
The South and North Downs Way provide internationally recognized hiking and cycling infrastructure. Summer months offer firm trails and comfortable temperatures, while winter conditions can be excessively damp and muddy.
Events, celebrations, seasonal attractions
International icons like Notting Hill Carnival and Royal Ascot define the summer event calendar. The season is highly concentrated in warmer months, with winter offering fewer globally recognized outdoor celebrations.
Scenic drives, countryside tours, route-based travel
The Seven Sisters and New Forest loops offer spectacular coastal and pastoral vistas. Peak conditions coincide with maximum daylight and clear visibility, while winter months often bring fog and heavy rain.
Amusement parks, family entertainment venues
3 theme park attractions (LEGOLAND Windsor, Thorpe Park, Chessington) = good cap per evidence rules. While world-class UK parks, 3 attractions cannot support very_good.
Beach resorts, marine activities: diving, snorkelling, kite surfing, wind surfing, sailing
Offers historic coastal spots like Brighton and the Isle of Wight, though sea temperatures remain low by international standards. Suitability is limited to the warmest summer months for casual recreation.
Spa retreats, wellness centers, peaceful getaways
Includes notable historic bathhouses and urban spas, though the region lacks the dedicated wellness focus of major international retreats. Summer provides the most comfortable environment for integrated spa-city breaks.
Attractions (115 total)
Art Gallery / Fine Art Museum
Ashmolean Museum
Oxford
The world's first university museum, featuring an incredible range of art and archaeology from Egyptian mummies to contemporary masterpieces.
Visit website →Tate Modern
London
Set in a former power station, this iconic museum showcases international modern and contemporary art with interactive spaces for families.
Visit website →The National Gallery
London
Housing over 2,300 paintings, this world-renowned gallery offers free access to Western European masterpieces from the Middle Ages to the 20th century.
Visit website →Victoria and Albert Museum
London
The world's leading museum of art and design, housing a permanent collection of over 2.3 million objects in a stunning Victorian building.
Visit website →Towner Eastbourne
Eastbourne
A contemporary art gallery featuring a world-renowned collection of modern British art and hosting the Turner Prize in 2023.
Visit website →Watts Gallery - Artists' Village
Guildford
A unique Victorian gallery and studio dedicated to the works of George Frederic Watts and Mary Watts in a tranquil Surrey setting.
Visit website →Dulwich Picture Gallery
London
England's oldest public art gallery, featuring a world-class collection of Old Master paintings within a beautiful building designed by Sir John Soane.
Visit website →Pallant House Gallery
Chichester
An award-winning gallery in a Grade I listed Queen Anne house combined with a modern wing, showcasing 20th-century British art.
Visit website →Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum
Bournemouth
A unique cliff-top Victorian villa filled with global treasures, fine paintings, and exotic decor overlooking the sea.
Visit website →Turner Contemporary
Margate
A striking modern gallery on the Kent coast that hosts rotating exhibitions and celebrates the town's connection to J.M.W. Turner.
Visit website →Landmark / Monument / Iconic Urban Attraction
Big Ben
London
Iconic clock tower at the heart of London, offering families a glimpse into British history and politics.
Visit website →Tower Bridge
London
Majestic Victorian bridge where families can walk across glass floors and explore historic engine rooms.
Visit website →Radcliffe Camera
Oxford
Iconic circular library building representing the architectural beauty and academic history of the city.
Visit website →Spinnaker Tower
Portsmouth
Tall observation tower offering families panoramic views over the historic harbor and the South Coast.
Visit website →Royal Pavilion
Brighton
Exotic palace with unique Asian-inspired architecture and royal history that captivates visitors of all ages.
Visit website →Castle / Palace / Historic Site
Blenheim Palace
Woodstock
A masterpiece of Baroque architecture and the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, set within 2,000 acres of parkland.
Visit website →Canterbury Cathedral
Canterbury
A stunning UNESCO site and the seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury, known for its intricate Gothic architecture.
Visit website →Hampton Court Palace
East Molesey
Henry VIII’s majestic Tudor palace featuring vast kitchens, famous hedge mazes, and stunning formal gardens.
Visit website →Tower of London
London
A historic fortress and UNESCO World Heritage site home to the Crown Jewels and 1,000 years of royal history.
Visit website →Windsor Castle
Windsor
The oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, offering a glimpse into royal life and the stunning St George's Chapel.
Visit website →Bodiam Castle
Robertsbridge
A 14th-century moated castle that looks like a storybook fortress, perfect for family exploration of ruins and battlements.
Visit website →Arundel Castle
Arundel
A restored medieval castle and stately home featuring magnificent armor collections and vibrant tulip gardens.
Visit website →Battle Abbey
Battle
The site of the famous 1066 Battle of Hastings, featuring abbey ruins and an interactive visitor center about English history.
Visit website →Dover Castle
Dover
Known as the 'Key to England,' this massive fortress features immersive medieval interiors and secret wartime tunnels.
Visit website →Leeds Castle
Maidstone
Often called 'the loveliest castle in the world,' this moated site offers bird of prey displays, mazes, and boat rides.
Visit website →Farm Park / Petting Zoo / Rural Experience
Bocketts Farm Park
Leatherhead
A working family farm in the Surrey Hills where visitors can feed animals, watch pig races, and enjoy expansive indoor and outdoor play.
Visit website →Fishers Farm Park
Wisborough Green
An award-winning family farm park offering animal encounters, adventure play, and tractor rides in the heart of the Sussex countryside.
Visit website →Mudchute Park & Farm
London
Set in 32 acres of countryside, this is one of Europe's largest urban farms, offering unique animal interactions with the Canary Wharf skyline as a backdrop.
Visit website →Godstone Farm
Godstone
A popular rural attraction focused on farm animal discovery, featuring a large farm trail, tractor rides, and extensive play equipment for children.
Visit website →Kent Life Heritage Farm Park
Maidstone
A 28-acre vibrant heritage farm that showcases Kent's rural history with historic buildings, traditional farm animals, and seasonal activities.
Visit website →Wellington Country Park
Reading
Located on the border of Berkshire and Hampshire, this park features a dedicated animal farm, nature trails, and a miniature railway set in 350 acres of parkland.
Visit website →Beach / Coastal Recreation Area
Brighton Palace Pier
Brighton
A classic Victorian leisure pier featuring amusement rides, arcades, and food stalls over the English Channel.
Visit website →The Needles Landmark Attraction
Alum Bay
Famous chalk stacks and lighthouse viewed via a scenic chairlift, featuring multicolored sand cliffs and family activities.
Visit website →White Cliffs of Dover
Dover
Iconic white chalk cliffs offering dramatic coastal walks with views across the English Channel toward France.
Visit website →Viking Bay
Broadstairs
A beautiful horseshoe-shaped sandy bay with a boardwalk and traditional beach huts, famous for its ties to Charles Dickens.
Visit website →Camber Sands
Camber
The only sand dune system in East Sussex, offering a vast expanse of golden beach perfect for families and kitesurfing.
Seven Sisters & Birling Gap
Eastbourne
Spectacular undulating white cliffs and a pebble beach within the South Downs National Park, ideal for coastal exploration.
Visit website →Historic Town / Village / Cultural Area
Canterbury Historic Centre
Canterbury
Families can explore medieval lanes, enjoy river tours, and visit the historic cathedral in this world-famous UNESCO-listed pilgrimage city.
Visit website →Maritime Greenwich
London
A UNESCO World Heritage site offering families the chance to explore naval history, see the Cutty Sark, and stand on the Prime Meridian.
Visit website →Oxford City Centre
Oxford
Known as the City of Dreaming Spires, this historic university hub allows families to visit Harry Potter filming locations and enjoy river punting.
Visit website →Windsor Town Centre
Windsor
Home to the world's oldest inhabited castle, this royal town offers families scenic riverside walks and the colorful Changing of the Guard ceremony.
Visit website →Arundel
Arundel
A charming market town where families can combine a visit to the fairytale castle with a walk through historic streets and independent shops.
Visit website →Shere Village
Guildford
A quintessential English village in the Surrey Hills, perfect for families to enjoy a peaceful stream-side walk and traditional tea rooms.
Visit website →Burford
Burford
Celebrated as the gateway to the Cotswolds, this picturesque hillside town offers families charming antique shops and golden limestone architecture.
Visit website →Rye Historic Town
Rye
A fairytale hilltop town featuring steep cobbled streets, secret passages, and beautifully preserved timber-framed houses that fascinate visitors of all ages.
Visit website →Winchester Historic Centre
Winchester
Families can discover King Arthur's Round Table in the Great Hall and explore the ancient capital's stunning cathedral and riverside trails.
Visit website →Major International Festival / Cultural Event
Chelsea Flower Show
London
Late May, 5-day world-renowned horticultural event, attracting 150,000+ visitors. It showcases cutting-edge garden design, floral displays, and rare plants. While educational for all ages, it is most suitable for older children due to the dense crowds and limited stroller access.
Visit website →Notting Hill Carnival
London
Late August (Bank Holiday weekend), 2-day Caribbean street festival, over 2 million annual visitors. It features massive sound systems, steel bands, and a grand costume parade. Sunday is designated as 'Family Day' with a child-friendly atmosphere and smaller parades.
Visit website →Royal Ascot
Ascot
Mid-June, 5-day world-famous horse racing and social festival, attracting 300,000+ visitors. Known for its strict dress code and the daily Royal Procession. Families can enjoy the Windsor Enclosure which features live music and a more relaxed, picnic-style atmosphere.
Visit website →Zoo / Wildlife Park / Safari Park
Chessington World of Adventures Resort
Chessington
A major theme park that includes a large zoo and a Sea Life centre for a full family day out.
Visit website →Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens
Burford
A beautiful manor estate where visitors can see rhinos grazing on the lawn and exotic birds in a walled garden.
Visit website →Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens
Burford
A unique wildlife park where rhinos graze on the lawns in front of a stunning Gothic Manor House.
Visit website →Marwell Zoo
Winchester
A 140-acre park home to hundreds of exotic and endangered animals including tigers, leopards, and rhinos.
Visit website →Port Lympne Safari Park
Hythe
A sprawling safari park offering truck tours across 600 acres of Kentish countryside with spectacular views.
Visit website →ZSL London Zoo
London
The world's oldest scientific zoo, featuring thousands of animals in the heart of Regent's Park.
Visit website →Drusillas Park
Alfriston
Widely regarded as the best small zoo in the country, specifically designed for families with young children.
Visit website →Howletts Wild Animal Park
Canterbury
Famed for its world-leading breeding programs for gorillas, tigers, and elephants in a woodland setting.
Visit website →Botanical Garden / Formal Gardens
Hampton Court Palace Gardens
East Molesey
Spectacular formal gardens including the world's oldest hedge maze and the historic Great Vine.
Visit website →RHS Garden Wisley
Woking
The flagship garden of the Royal Horticultural Society, offering inspirational planting designs and a massive glasshouse.
Visit website →Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
Richmond
A UNESCO World Heritage site featuring the world's most diverse collection of living plants and iconic Victorian glasshouses.
Visit website →Sissinghurst Castle Garden
Cranbrook
A world-renowned 20th-century garden created by Vita Sackville-West, famous for its romantic 'outdoor rooms' and White Garden.
Visit website →Chelsea Physic Garden
London
London's oldest botanic garden, focused on medicinal and useful plants, tucked away in a quiet riverside location.
Visit website →Sheffield Park and Garden
Uckfield
A horticultural masterpiece featuring four large lakes that reflect the vibrant colors of specimen trees and shrubs.
Visit website →The Savill Garden
Windsor
Part of Windsor Great Park, this garden features stunning ornamental displays and the contemporary Rose Garden.
Visit website →University of Oxford Botanic Garden
Oxford
Founded in 1621, this is the oldest botanic garden in the UK, featuring a stunning collection of plants in a walled setting.
Visit website →Wakehurst
Ardingly
Kew's wild botanic garden in Sussex, home to the Millennium Seed Bank and diverse woodland landscapes.
Visit website →Theme Park / Amusement Park
LEGOLAND Windsor Resort
Windsor
A world-famous family theme park dedicated to the iconic plastic bricks, featuring impressive model cities and child-friendly rides.
Visit website →Paultons Park
Romsey
Consistently rated one of the UK's best family parks, it is home to the world-renowned Peppa Pig World and Jurassic-themed Lost Kingdom.
Visit website →Thorpe Park Resort
Chertsey
Known as the UK's most thrilling theme park, it features world-class roller coasters and record-breaking rides centered on a scenic island.
Visit website →Dreamland Margate
Margate
A carefully restored vintage amusement park featuring the UK's oldest roller coaster and retro-style entertainment.
Visit website →Water Park / Splash Park / Aquatic Centre
London Aquatics Centre
London
A world-class Olympic venue featuring iconic architecture and elite swimming facilities open to the public for recreation and training.
Visit website →Guildford Lido
Guildford
A beautifully maintained 1930s historic open-air pool set within landscaped gardens, featuring modern water slides and family facilities.
Visit website →New Forest Water Park
Fordingbridge
A scenic outdoor aquatic centre offering large-scale inflatable obstacle courses and wakeboarding within the New Forest National Park.
Visit website →Coral Reef Waterworld
Bracknell
One of the largest indoor water parks in the country, featuring an extensive array of themed slides, rapids, and pirate-themed pools.
Visit website →Liquid Leisure Windsor
Windsor
Europe's largest aqua park featuring a massive inflatable obstacle course on a private lake near historic Windsor.
Visit website →Splashdown Poole
Poole
An action-packed indoor water park with 13 thrilling flumes and three splash zones for younger children.
Visit website →Science Museum / Natural History Museum / Discovery Centre
Natural History Museum
London
A world-famous museum featuring dinosaur skeletons and vast biological collections in a stunning Victorian building.
Visit website →Science Museum
London
An interactive hub of human ingenuity featuring historic spacecraft, steam engines, and hands-on science galleries.
Visit website →History of Science Museum
Oxford
The world's oldest purpose-built museum building, housing an incredible collection of scientific instruments.
Visit website →The Look Out Discovery Centre
Bracknell
A hands-on science and nature discovery centre located in Swinley Forest, ideal for family exploration.
Visit website →The Observatory Science Centre
Herstmonceux
Set in a historic observatory, this site features massive telescopes and interactive science exhibits for all ages.
Visit website →Winchester Science Centre & Planetarium
Winchester
An engaging hands-on science centre with a large planetarium and interactive exhibits perfect for children.
Visit website →Oxford University Museum of Natural History
Oxford
A striking neo-Gothic building housing significant natural history specimens, including the famous Oxford Dodo.
Visit website →Royal Observatory Greenwich
London
The home of Greenwich Mean Time and the Prime Meridian, offering fascinating insights into astronomy and navigation.
Visit website →Natural Feature / Scenic Site
New Forest National Park
Lyndhurst
A unique landscape of ancient woodland and open moors where wild ponies and cattle roam free across the countryside.
Visit website →Seven Sisters
Eastbourne
A series of spectacular undulating white chalk cliffs along the coast, perfect for scenic hiking and photography.
Visit website →The Needles
Alum Bay
An iconic trio of white chalk stacks and a historic lighthouse situated off the western tip of the Isle of Wight.
Visit website →Uffington White Horse
Uffington
A prehistoric hill figure carved into the white chalk hillside, providing incredible views over the Oxfordshire landscape.
Visit website →Box Hill
Dorking
A popular summit in the North Downs offering panoramic views over the Surrey Hills and diverse nature trails.
Visit website →Richmond Park
London
The largest of London's Royal Parks, famous for its herds of free-roaming red and fallow deer and wild landscapes.
Visit website →Road Trips & Scenic Drives
New Forest Scenic Loop
Circular
50km paved circular route (approx. 1.5-2 hours) starting from Lyndhurst. Passes through ancient woodland and open heathland where wild ponies and cattle graze freely. Key stops include the village of Beaulieu and the Ornamental Drive near Brockenhurst.
Visit website →Seven Sisters and Beachy Head Drive
Eastbourne
15km paved coastal section (approx. 30-45 minutes) following the A259. Features dramatic views of the 162-meter high white chalk cliffs at Beachy Head, the iconic Belle Tout Lighthouse, and the undulating cliffs of the Seven Sisters.
Visit website →Chilterns Scenic Drive
Henley-on-Thames
45km paved route (approx. 1 hour) through an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This drive follows the Thames Valley before climbing into the Chiltern Hills, passing beech forests and flint-stone villages like Hambleden and Turville.
Visit website →The A272 Scenic Route
Winchester
93km paved road (approx. 2 hours) across the South Downs and Weald. Known as one of England's most iconic countryside drives, it passes through historic market towns like Petworth and Midhurst, offering views of rolling hills and ancient woodlands.
Visit website →The Kent Heritage Coast Drive
Folkestone
35km paved coastal road (approx. 1 hour) via the A20 and A258. This route hugs the shoreline of the English Channel, passing the White Cliffs of Dover, the historic Dover Castle, and the medieval seaside town of Deal.
Visit website →Hiking & Cycling Routes
North Downs Way
Farnham
246km moderate to challenging long-distance trail from Farnham to Dover. Typical duration: 12-14 days. Total elevation gain: approximately 5,800m. Features historic sites and the White Cliffs. Bike rental: Alice Holt Cycle Hub (aliceholtcyclehub.co.uk).
Visit website →South Downs Way
Winchester
160km challenging multi-day trail from Winchester to Eastbourne. Typical duration: 8-9 days walking or 2-3 days cycling. Total elevation gain: approximately 4,150m. Bike rental: Bespoke Biking (bespokebiking.com) or Chalkhaven (chalkhaven.co.uk).
Visit website →The Ridgeway
Goring-on-Thames
139km moderate trail described as Britain's oldest road. The section through Oxfordshire and the Chilterns is highly scenic. Typical duration: 6-8 days. Elevation gain: ~1,200m. Bike rental: Mountain Bike Hire (mountain-bike-hire.co.uk).
Visit website →The Thames Path
Oxford
294km easy-to-moderate trail following the river from its source to London. Within the SE region, the Oxford to London section is most popular. Duration: 14-20 days total. Minimal elevation. Bike rental: Bainton Bikes (baintonbikes.com) or London Bicycle Tour Company (londonbicycle.com).
Visit website →Downs Link
Guildford
59km moderate multi-user trail connecting the North Downs Way at St Martha's Hill with the South Downs Way near Shoreham-by-Sea. Typical duration: 1-2 days. Mostly flat. Bike rental: South Coast Cycles (southcoastcycles.co.uk).
Visit website →Viking Coastal Trail
Margate
51km easy-to-moderate circular cycling route around the Isle of Thanet. Typical duration: 1 day. Elevation gain: ~300m. Follows the coast through Broadstairs and Ramsgate. Bike rental: Ken's Bikes (kensbikes.co.uk) or The Bike Shed (thebikeshed.uk.com).
Visit website →King Alfred's Way
Winchester
350km challenging gravel cycling loop through the heart of historic Wessex. Typical duration: 3-5 days. Total elevation gain: ~5,000m. Requires a gravel or mountain bike. Bike rental: Bespoke Biking (bespokebiking.com).
Visit website →Red Squirrel Trail
Cowes
51km easy cycling route on the Isle of Wight, mostly off-road using disused railway lines. Typical duration: 4-6 hours. Elevation gain: ~450m. Bike rental: Wight Cycle Hire (wightcyclehire.co.uk) or Route 27 (route27isleofwight.co.uk).
Visit website →Aquarium / Sea Life Centre
Sea Life Brighton
Brighton
Originally opened in 1872, this is the world's oldest operating aquarium, combining stunning Victorian architecture with modern underwater tunnels.
Visit website →SEA LIFE London Aquarium
London
Located on the South Bank, this major aquarium features thousands of marine creatures, including sharks and penguins, across several themed zones.
Visit website →Blue Reef Aquarium Hastings
Hastings
Nestled in the historic Old Town, this aquarium showcases a variety of local and exotic aquatic species through engaging walk-through exhibits.
Visit website →Blue Reef Aquarium Portsmouth
Portsmouth
This seafront aquarium offers families an immersive experience with tropical sharks, rays, and local marine life via a large underwater tunnel.
Visit website →National Park / Nature Reserve
Seven Sisters Country Park
Seaford
An iconic coastal landscape featuring dramatic white chalk cliffs and rolling green hills that provide some of Britain's most spectacular seaside views.
Visit website →Adventure Park / Outdoor Activity Center
Up at The O2
London
An exhilarating outdoor climb over the iconic roof of the O2 Arena offering 360-degree views of the London skyline.
Visit website →Hangloose Adventure Bluewater
Dartford
A thrill-seeker's destination featuring England's longest zip wire and giant swings situated in a dramatic former chalk quarry.
Visit website →Go Ape Battersea Park
London
A multi-level treetop challenge located in the heart of London, featuring high ropes and zip lines with unique urban views.
Visit website →Go Ape Leeds Castle
Maidstone
An adventurous high-ropes course set within the stunning grounds of one of England's most historic castles, perfect for active families.
Visit website →New Forest Activities
Beaulieu
A premier outdoor center offering guided canoeing and kayaking on the scenic Beaulieu River along with woodland archery and ropes courses.
Visit website →Natural Hot Spring / Thermal Bath / Historic Bathhouse
Ironmonger Row Baths
London
Historic public bathhouse opened in 1931 and extensively restored. A notable example of interwar public health architecture, it features an authentic Turkish bath suite with three hot rooms, marble treatment slabs, and a traditional thermal circuit including a steam room and cold plunge.
Visit website →Porchester Spa
London
Historic 1929 Grade II listed Turkish bathhouse. Features include original Art Deco tiling, three steam rooms of varying temperatures (tepidarium, calidarium, and laconicum), a traditional sauna, and a cold plunge pool. It is one of the few remaining authentic interwar public bathhouses in the United Kingdom.
Visit website →