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Things to do in South East England

Our most recommended things to do in South East England

Isle of Wight: Osborne Admission Ticket

1. Isle of Wight: Osborne Admission Ticket

Admire the opulent Royal Apartments and private family bedrooms within the mansion. See the twin desks where Queen Victoria and Prince Albert worked. Explore the magnificently decorated Durbar Room. The furniture and artifacts reveal intricate details about entertainment at Osborne, from state banquets to family meals. Currently, only the lower floor of Osborne House is open for visitors to view. See where the royal children played house and tended their own gardens down at the Swiss Cottage. There's a room dressed as it was on 11th July 1861, when the children prepared afternoon tea for their parents, not long before Prince Albert's tragic death.  Stroll in the pleasure gardens, alongside historic trees, and enjoy the Victorian Walled Garden much as the royal couple did. Take a trip down to the royal family's once jealously guarded private beach, with Victoria's restored bathing machine.

THORPE PARK Resort: Entrance Ticket

2. THORPE PARK Resort: Entrance Ticket

With over 30 thrilling rides, attractions and live events, Thorpe Park Resort is an island like no other and the UK’s must-visit destination to share endless fun with family and friends. Crafted by the master of mind control Derren Brown, this one-of-a-kind 13-minute experience promises to blow your mind by fusing five multi-sensory experiences of grand illusion, live-action, next-generation technology, 4D special effects, and physical transit. Then fly into ANGRY BIRDS LAND, home to the world’s first ANGRY BIRDS 4D experience, where the feathered flock roost on the 100ft rapid drop tower ride Detonator, while Red Bird and the Bad Piggies go bump to bump on a classic dodgems attraction. Enjoy world-class rides such as the UK’s first winged rollercoaster THE SWARM, Stealth, one of Europe’s fastest and tallest roller coasters, and the 100ft ‘beyond vertical’ drop of the movie-themed coaster SAW-The Ride. PLUS five water rides including the super-soaking Tidal Wave, Storm Surge, and Logger’s Leap guarantee the thrills and fun. Alternatively, visit the park during Halloween and book tickets and passes for the ultimate theme park Halloween event by choosing the FRIGHT NIGHTS Special Option. Every FRIGHT NIGHTS day ticket includes the chance to enjoy 7 scare mazes and attractions.

Oxford: University and City Walking Tour with Alumni Guide

3. Oxford: University and City Walking Tour with Alumni Guide

Step inside Oxford University and explore the grounds on a guided walking tour. Admire the iconic architecture and learn about university life from your student guide. Visit one of the university’s oldest colleges and the Bodleian Library. Learn about the history of the university colleges, including All Souls College, Trinity College, Oriel College, Hertford College, and Merton College, the Radcliffe Camera, and the University Church of St. Mary. Get an equally in-depth history of the town. Hear about ceremonies at Oxford, famous graduates, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, and also how the most powerful Archbishop of Canterbury was burned at the stake in Oxford.

Oxford: University and City Walking Tour

4. Oxford: University and City Walking Tour

Join a university-educated guide, with years of experience and local knowledge of Oxford City and colleges. See the dreamy spires of one of the oldest universities in the world on a guided walking tour. Go inside some of the city’s most historic colleges, such as New College, founded in 1379 and more recently seen in the Harry Potter films and television productions of Inspector Morse and Lewis. Visit Exeter College, founded in 1314, and another favorite on most tours. Stop by Hertford College, with its romantic façade and Bridge of Sighs, instantly recognizable from Brideshead Revisited. See the University Library and learn about the collegiate system unique to Oxford and Cambridge. Discover famous alumni who studied and taught at the university, including the infamous Dr Spooner, whose portraits hang in New College Dining Hall and whose name is given to the playful linguistic phenomenon of spoonerisms.

Portsmouth: Historic Dockyard Ultimate Explorer Ticket

5. Portsmouth: Historic Dockyard Ultimate Explorer Ticket

Pick from individual or family entry tickets to the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. Visit attractions including HMS Victory, HMS Warrior, The National Museum of the Royal Navy, HMS M.33, The Mary Rose Museum, Explosion Museum of Naval Firepower, and The Royal Navy Submarine Museum. Marvel at the exhibitions at the Historic Dockyard in Portsmouth and explore in any order you want, and at any time you want within a year. Choose between a family or an individual ticket. Introduced for 2023, experience Dive the Mary Rose in 4D and learn more about the historic diving expedition. Step into the past as you explore historic ships, including Lord Nelson’s world-famous flagship HMS Victory, Queen Victoria’s HMS Warrior, and the First World War’s HMS M.33. Marvel at Henry VIII's Tudor warship, the Mary Rose and take the complimentary waterbus to Gosport to visit the Cold War submarine, HMS Alliance. Enjoy a sightseeing harbor cruise around Portsmouth Harbour and view the ships of the modern Royal Navy for a complete picture of Britain's naval history.

Blenheim Palace Admission Ticket

6. Blenheim Palace Admission Ticket

Discover the home of the 12th Duke and Duchess of Marlborough and the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. Wonder at this masterpiece of 18th century Baroque architecture, which houses some of the finest antique collections in Europe. Take a tour of the State Rooms and admire the portraits, tapestries and exquisite furniture while learning about the 300-year history of this National Treasure. Visit the Churchill Exhibition and learn all about the life of the great Prime Minister, starting with his birth at Blenheim Palace in 1874. The exhibition features photographs, extracts from his diaries, artefacts and a number of other elements. Explore this World Heritage Site set amongst over 2000 acres of parkland landscaped by one of the UK’s most famous landscape architects, Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown. Take a stroll up to the Grand Cascades or around the lake to admire some of the finest views in England. Discover the array of Formal Gardens, including the Rose Garden, Churchill Memorial Garden, Water Terraces and Secret Garden. A short miniature train ride away from the Palace is the Pleasure Gardens, which boasts a Giant Hedge Maze, Butterfly House, Lavender Garden, and an exhibition about how the Gardens have been used and maintained throughout the Palace’s history.

Windsor Castle Admission Ticket

7. Windsor Castle Admission Ticket

Established in the 11th century by William the Conqueror, Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world. It has been remodeled by a succession of kings and queens, including Henry II, Charles II, and George IV. Your ticket provides admission to the Castle, including the magnificent State Apartments, which are furnished with some of the finest treasures from the royal collection. Among the masterpieces are paintings by Holbein, Rubens, and Van Dyck, as well as fine English and French furniture. During the winter months, the sumptuous private apartments created by George IV, known as the Semi-State Rooms, are added to the visitor route. Your admission also includes access to St. George's Chapel (except on Sundays). This is one of the most beautiful ecclesiastical buildings in England, and is the final resting place for 10 monarchs, including Henry VIII and Charles I. There is a lot to see and do at Windsor Castle, so please allow enough time to make the most of your visit, which is likely to last between 2.5 and 3 hours. The Castle is situated at the top of a steep hill, and the visitor route covers long distances, so comfortable shoes are advised.

Brighton: Brighton i360 Ticket

8. Brighton: Brighton i360 Ticket

Enjoy views across Brighton, the South Downs and the Sussex coastline from a fully enclosed futuristic glass pod. Learn about the many area landmarks seen from Brighton i360, using the free viewing map and free app. Enjoy a drink at the Nyetimber Sky Bar, serving a range of local drinks including Nyetimber, an award-winning sparkling wine. Visit the beach building for the Brighton i360: How it Was Built exhibition. Enjoy a meal at West Beach Bar & Kitchen or West Beach Cafe, or browse the Brighton i360 shop for a range of gifts and souvenirs, many created by local Brighton artists.

Dover Castle Admission Ticket

9. Dover Castle Admission Ticket

Step into the vibrant world of Henry II’s medieval royal palace and follow lifelike hologram figures round the private chambers, guest rooms, and great hall, along with the kitchen and armories. After immersing yourself in life at the 12th-century court, climb to the roof of the Great Tower for amazing panoramic views over the huge medieval castle, which was one of the strongest in England. Enjoy the unique experience of the secret wartime tunnels, telling the story of the 1940 Miracle of Dunkirk using film, audio, and archive photography. Witness the evacuation of over 300,000 British and allied troops as the rescue operation is played out before your eyes.

Oxford: Afternoon Tea Sightseeing River Cruise

10. Oxford: Afternoon Tea Sightseeing River Cruise

Traveling down the University Regatta course, the boat passes Christ Church Meadows, the University College Boat Houses, and other landmarks on your way to Iffley lock. This is often a busy and vibrant section of the river where training rowing crews, punts, and pleasure boats jostle for river space in a wonderful display of Oxford at play. Passing through the lock at Iffley is an experience in itself. The river scenery and fascinating buildings combine to form a picture perfect location. Beyond Iffley you will travel into the tranquil water meadows that surround Oxford and there are abundant opportunities to spot wildlife amongst the green banks and overhanging willows. The boat turns for home at Rose Island, a favourite destination of Lewis Carroll and Alice Liddell on their river journeys. Aboard the boat an indulgent afternoon tea is provided by the renowned riverside restaurant, the Folly. The traditional menu typically includes: a selection of finger sandwiches, homemade scones with strawberry jam and clotted cream, a selection of cakes, tarts, or petit fours, and tea.

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What people are saying about South East England

Overall rating

4.5 / 5

based on 48,287 reviews

My wife and I really enjoyed our visit to Windsor castle and particularly St George’s Chapel. Wd where both very moved by being able to see the final resting place of our beloved Queen Elizabeth the Second and he husband Prince Philip the Duke of Edinburgh. The castle tour was really enjoyable and being able to go through all the staterooms was an excellent experience we will never forget. We will definitely visit again, all in all a great trip at a very inexpensive cost.

Despite the rain, we had a marvellous time. Len (our driver cum tour guide) was humourous, knowledgeable and so personable. He fed us stories at key points of the trip and made everyone feel welcome. As the tour points, these were great. Had sufficient time at each spot and thoroughly recommend fish and chips at Deal!

This tour is amazing if you want to get out of London and see the sights! I would highly recommend, our tour guide Pablo was super fun & informative!

The trip to Stonehenge, Windsor and Oxford was just amazing! Debora and Joseph were absolutely nice, thank you for making my trip wonderful!

This tour was excellent. We loved all the small villages.