Ideas for your stay, covering the South Coast from Brighton, Eastbourne, Worthing and around to Southampton, Portsmouth, and Winchester…..
I hope you’re ready, this is my favourite topic, so brace yourself and get planning your next visit with us- there’s just so much to do around here!
A top rated theme park and home of the famous Peppa Pig World. It includes fun for children (and adults) of all ages with rides, gardens, wildlife and water kingdom.
Responsible and expansive zoo including 100’s of animals from giraffes and tigers to penguins and snow leopards. It is within 140 acres of parkland, has 5 adventure playgrounds and there are daily talks and animal feeds.
Includes three permanent exhibitions; Southampton’s Titanic story, Gateway to the World (a history of the comings and goings of people at Southampton port) and Southampton Stories (a history of maritime affairs, archaeology and more).
Bournemouth is a beautiful seaside town with a glorious sandy beach, pier with amusements and land train. Brilliant for fun by the seaside, lounging on the beach, strolling the promenade and exploring the seaside shops and cafes.
There is vast amounts to do on the Isle of Wight- just the ferry over from the mainland is an enjoyable experience in itself. On the Isle of Wight itself you could visit Monkey Haven, the Isle of Wight Deer Park, the Needles Battery or even take a bike ride round the island. The list is goes on! The choice, and its a difficult one, is yours!
Visit Queen Victoria and Albert’s private residence, as well as their bathing beach and children’s play cottage for an intimate glimpse of royal family life. Then take a stroll through the garden terraces with magnificent views across the Solent.
Busy day out including the National Motor Museum, Palace house, Beaulieu Abbey, monorail, World of Top Gear, gardens and ‘Little Beaulieu’ play area.
Experience the New Forest with a trip exploring all the delights it has to offer, whether that be wandering the villages of Lyndhurst or Brockenhurst, sampling local food at the copious restaurants and cafes or taking a long walk or bike ride in the countryside- it is an experience not to be missed.
On the coast of the New Forest is the serene market town of Lymington. It is famous for its sailing history and has plenty of interesting shops and top quality restaurants, making an excellent base for exploring the local area, or even taking a trip over to the Isle of Wight.
Head up the tower for amazing views across the city and three Solent Forts. Admission includes access to the Skywalk and Sky Garden. You can book to have High Tea with a view from the top!
Visit the famous historic docks and take a turn around the HMS Victory, Mary Rose and HMS Warrior, packed with history and exhibits to explore.
Visit beautiful Winchester, the first and former capital city of England, and its stunning cathedral. Here you can take a guided tour, listen to a choir, find Jane Austen’s resting place or just take a stroll about. In the city more generally, there are plenty of shops, attractions and eateries to enjoy- and don’t miss the magical Christmas markets in December.
Jane Austen’s house, lovingly restored for visitors to enjoy the house and gardens that respects and seeks to understand and promote women writers from history to the present day.
Steeped in history and surrounded by countryside, visit Berkshire county’s idyllic market town and explore.
Beautiful castle, made famous as the setting for the televised ‘Downton Abbey’, here you can explore the castle, gardens and Egyptian Exhibit. They run events throughout the year with special tickets, as well as champagne afternoon teas.
Explore the expansive South Downs National Park! It is really one of the most beautiful and most liberating places to be in the UK. You can run, walk or cycle the myriad of trails, routes and tracks here, covering a large portion of the South Coast. You could even tackle the South Downs Way, running 100 miles on the South Downs ridge from Winchester to Eastbourne. Not to be missed if you enjoy being outdoors- great fun in all weathers!
Most impressive and best preserved of the ‘Saxon shore’ forts, a fundamental castle in the Solent’s defence. Set in a large courtyard, where you can have a picnic and enjoy the site.
The largest roman home in Britain- here you can explore the largest collection of in-situ mosaics in the UK and stroll around the recreated roman gardens.
An awe-inspiring medieval castle, with many features including the Norman keep and Barbican still surviving. Marvellously well-kempt gardens and plenty of historical events to get involved in- not to be missed!
Stunning cathedral in the heart of Arundel. Come take a look and explore the wonderful shops and restaurants the place has to offer.
A free attraction in the heart of the town centre with permanent and temporary exhibitions set in a beautiful Edwardian building. Immerse yourself in the costume collection, artworks or uncover buried archaeological treasures and get to know the story of Worthing,
Get closer to nature with a wetlands adventure; peek at pelican cove, take a boat safari or just take a stroll and check out all the birds and wetland life on offer.
Has a narrow gauge railway, vintage vehicle demonstrations and historical trade exhbitions- all set in an ancient chalk quarry, with surrounding nature trails.
Explore the upmarket cathedral city of Chichester and take a ponder around the ancient and stunning cathedral, including bell tower, baptistry, high altar and beautiful quire.
Family-run farm park set in the West Sussex countryside, with farm animals, indoor soft play, rides, and food outlets- something for everyone to enjoy as a family day out.
Peaceful National Trust site, this is an Arts and Crafts family home with Morris and Co interiors, set in beautiful hillside gardens with an award-winning plant collection.
Tranquil gardens set in a corner of the South Downs National Park atop Highdown Hill. A garden created by Sir Frederick Stern and Lady Sybil Stern, now a veritable living library of plant collections, perfect for a quiet stroll or to sit and relax.
The most historic hill on the South Downs, it is the largest hill fort in Sussex, set high atop a chalk promontory, its ditch and ramparts cover 56 acres. A wonderful habitat of plants and butterflies live here, making it an excellent place for a family walk, or as part of a longer hike on the South Downs.
Legendary beauty spot on the South Downs, perfect for breath-taking views and a to fill the lungs with fresh air on a long walk.
Extensive but intimate gardens set around a romantic house and ruins. Various special activities throughout the year, depending on the season.
Famous beach for watersports with a wind-surfing and kite-surfing club.
Spend a day strolling the promenade on Worthing Seafront, or enjoying the funfairs during summer months. Explore the pier, visit the beautiful old Dome Cinema to catch a movie, or book into a play or comedy show at the Worthing Theatre.
Stunning vast house that is home to some of the finest art the National Trust has to offer. You can take a turn around the house including the state rooms, stunning Carved Room and Marble Hall and then wander the 700 acre Capability Brown landscaped pleasure ground and Deer park.
Gorgeous assorted gardens, meadows and woods including wetlands, American prairie and pinetum to explore as well as Children’s heritage garden and mansion.
Beautiful West Sussex landmark, an Iron Age Fort above Findon Valley, makes for a lovely walk or run through the country of the South Downs to take in the views at the top.
Seaside pleasure palace built for King George IV, an exotic building mixing regency grandeur with visual styles from India and China. Makes for an interesting and educational experience.
No visit to Brighton is complete without wandering the lanes; the quirky and unique boutiques, eateries, shops, tattoo parlours, gift outlets and cafes that abound here. Then take a stroll down to Brighton seafront for a meander along the promenade or a visit to the pier.
The oldest operating aquarium in the World, but its vibe is fresh and modern, set in a beautifully restored Victorian arcade- an amazing underwater world to discover, with a focus on sustainability and respecting the environment.
The British Airways i360 Viewing Tower allows visitors the unique experience to view the Brighton coast from up above. Various experiences can be booked, including the i360 Tower Top Climb.
Great for families and young children, within a garden centre is the separated off Paradise Park with dinosaur safari, heritage garden and trail, indoor play zone, mini-golf and planet earth museum.
Do not miss the place that is the home of Winnie the Pooh. Take a walk in the footsteps of the famous characters of A.A. Milne’s stories and then stop in Hartfield at Pooh Corner for a browse of all Winne-related gifts and a bite of lunch or coffee and cake, before walking down to the Pooh Stick’s Bridge and playing a few rounds with your loved ones! A really quintiessential Winne-the-Pooh themed day out in the country for all to enjoy.
A 14th century moated castle with ruined interior, a glimpse into medieval life with an original wooden portcullis.
Travel through 11 miles of glorious Sussex countryside behind a steam engine. The Bluebell Railway can be visited throughout the year, but is particularly beautiful in Spring when the namesake bluebells are in bloom, or during the Christmas period for the Santa Specials.
A fulfilling family day out with hundreds of animals, collection of rides, water park, play areas and soft play. Definitely worth a visit for children!
A free art gallery exhibiting and collecting contemporary art for decades, a compelling community space, an ‘art gallery for the people’.
A stunning majestic 15th century moated castle, estate and wedding venue set within 300 acres of countryside, with various gardens to admire and explore.
Eventful family day out to be had with Children’s farm, Owl Sanctuary, outdoor play areas, boating lake, Froggie’s soft play area and Lost World Play Barn, to name a few.
Stand on the battlefield at the very spot where the great Battle of Hastings took place, see the spot where King Harold fell and explore the ruins of Battle Abbey.
The mysterious guardian of the South Downs, check out this large ancient painted man that has proudly been displayed on the Downs, for hundreds of years, and speculate as to its origins and purpose.
Built originally to keep Napoleon’s forces from invading, it is one of several coastal fortifications that were formed, but now invites visitors to explore within its walls and years of history.
The South Downs meets the sea at the awesome chalk cliffs of the Seven Sisters, come for a walk and a day out hiking the South Downs, or rock-pooling in the beaches below. Or simply have a picnic and take in the amazing views.
A beautiful place to relax, centring on four lakes, the parks comprise gardens, woodland and peaceful areas to relax and enjoy the landscape.
An outstanding privately owned country estate in the South Downs National Park that opens for pre-booked house visits, talks and workshops.
Great for a family day out, you can travel on the miniature steam railway round the park, explore the maze or burn off some energy in the play areas. A great outing for little ones!
A great little town to come for a stroll or have some brunch. You can visit Harvey’s Brewery, Anne of Cleves house, Lewes Castle or Lewes Priory. If you are around for Bonfire Night, don’t miss the event, it’s quite a spectacle!
The first building saved and tended by the National Trust, for the enjoyment of the nation, with beautiful cottage garden to wander around.
Popular with Sussex beach-goers as this is a sandy beach, unlike many on the South Coast that are pebbly. A great destination for a day by the beach, bucket and spade at the ready!
A 14 mile surfaced path throughout the Sussex countryside, excellent for a leisurely bike ride or stroll.
Explore this glorious beech woodland for yourself, taking advantage of the excellent walking, biking and horse-riding trails, or take a picnic and relax amidst the serenity of the forest.
Dramatic 530 feet high cliffs of Beachy Head, showcasing breath-taking views over Eastbourne and the English channel.
Take a stroll along the promenade, sip a latte in the seafront cafes, have a wander along the pier, or explore the shops in the nearby town centre- a pleasant day out for all the family.
An introduction to Rye, a local history centre with a town model and pier amusements.
