Choose from 36 Fun Things to Do in South East England
ShowingFilter 21-36 of 36 listings.
Windsor
Located just west of London, Windsor is one of England's most popular towns to visit. It is most known for the famous Windsor Castle which is a huge castle built during the time of William the Conqueror. It is also the oldest castle in continuous occupation in the world. Visitors can explore the castle with a tour or an audio guide in order to learn about the castle's fascinating history. Another big draw is the traditional changing of the guard, so plan your visit accordingly.
Aside from the castle, Windsor boasts the Windsor Great Park, one of the country's best green spaces, as well as the Savill Garden, which covers 35 acres of manicured lawns and flowerbeds. You can also take a ride on a riverboat along the River Thames to view the town from the water. There are dozens of restaurants, pubs, and bars in town, and you can take in a show at the Theatre Royal Windsor. If you're traveling with children, consider a trip to the Legoland Windsor Resort.
Practical Info
Windsor is located 25 miles from Central London. You can get there by train from London's Paddington Station. Windsor Castle is open 9:45am to 5:15pm March through October and 9:45am to 4:15pm November through February. Adult admission is 19.20 pounds.
Address: Windsor, South East England, United Kingdom, England
From $ 52
University of Oxford
The University of Oxford, located in Oxford, England, is the oldest university in the English-speaking world and the second oldest surviving university in the world. It is not known what the exact date of its foundation is, but there is evidence of the university's existence dating back to at least 1096. In 1209, due to disputes, some academics split from Oxford and formed the University of Cambridge nearby. Oxford is made up of 38 constituent colleges, and the university buildings and facilities are spread throughout the city center. The university operates the world's largest university press and the largest academic library in the United Kingdom.
There is also a 70 acre parks area and the oldest botanical gardens in the United Kingdom. The university operates several museums covering topics such as art, music, science, history, and archaeology. Many well known people have been educated at Oxford including Margaret Thatcher, Tony Blair, David Cameron, Bill Clinton, Stephen Hawking, Oscar Wilde, Hugh Grant, Michael Palin, and Kate Beckinsale. Parts of Oxford were also used in the filming of the Harry Potter movies.
Practical Info
The University of Oxford is located in the town of Oxford, England, 59 miles from London. It can be reached using route M40 and A40 or by using the Oxford Tube from Notting Hill Gate. Check with specific museums and libraries for opening hours and fees. Certain colleges charge a fee for tours.
Address: Oxford, England
Admission: Some colleges charge for tours
From $ 19
Windsor Castle
Windsor Castle is the largest occupied castle in the world that is still used by the monarchy. Since William the Conqueror built a wooden fortress here over 900 years ago, this has been a royal palace and residence. Despite its daily use for royal business, much of the palace is open to the public and well worth a visit.
The Basics
Parts of the castle are open to visitors, including the State Apartments, Queen Mary's intricate dolls' house, and George VI's private apartments. St. George's Chapel is another highlight, where many royal weddings and funerals have occurred, as well as where the Queen Mother's and King Henry VII's tombs are found. On a guided tour, you can see the Great Kitchen to witness the inner workings of the castle.
Things to Know Before You Go
- British history buffs and royal enthusiasts will want to prioritize a visit.
- Windsor Castle is often visited on a half-day tour from London or on a full-day tour that also stops at Stonehenge, Oxford, or Bath.
- Entrance to the castle is included in the London Pass.
How to Get to Windsor
Windsor is located less than an hour from central London by road. You can get there by train via London Waterloo (direct) or Paddington (one change). From the station, the castle is an easy walk. Buses run to Windsor from Victoria.
When to Get There
The castle is open daily from 9:45am to 4:15pm from November to February. From March to October, it closes at 5:15pm. Keep in mind that parts of the castle sometimes close for royal events.
Official Royal Business at Windsor Castle
As an official residence, Windsor Castle hosts Queen Elizabeth for a month at Easter, a week in June, and during most weekends. At Windsor, she also often hosts state dinners for international dignitaries and entertains those she has knighted into the Order of the Garter. When the queen is in residence, you can see the Changing of the Guard (as you do when she is at Buckingham Palace).
Address: Windsor SL4 1NJ, England
Hours: Open daily 9:45am - 4:15pm Nov - Feb, closes 5:15pm Mar - Oct
Admission: Adults: £8.50 - £16
From $ 13
Rochester
The historical city of Rochester, located east of London, was a special place for well known author Charles Dickens as this was his childhood home and the place where he lived later in life. Many buildings and other locations in Rochester were featured in Dickens' writings, more than any other city besides London. Some of the buildings that still exist today include the Restoration House, which was used as the home of Estella and Miss Havisham in Great Expectations, and the Poor Travellers House, which was featured in a short Christmas story.
Visitors can also go to the Guildhall Museum of local history where you can learn more about Charles Dickens and his works. There is also a walking tour through the city that guides you to the buildings and locations he wrote about. Other highlights in Rochester include the Rochester Cathedral which was founded in 604 and is the second oldest cathedral in England. Visitors can also explore Rochester Castle and the views from the top of one of the tallest keeps in the country.
Practical Info
Rochester is located 32 miles east of London and can be reached by train from London's Victoria Station.
Address: Rochester, South East England, United Kingdom, England
From $ 148
Trinity College
One of the constituent colleges of the University of Oxford, Trinity College was originally founded as a training house for Catholic priests in the 16th century. It was a center of educational reform in the 19th century and over the years has produced three British prime ministers. The college was an all-male institution until 1979 and today has a very small student body, with just around 400 students. The grounds are surrounded by an iron palisade and consist of four major quadrangles, a large lawn and extensive gardens. On top of the West Tower, look for four female statues representing astronomy, geometry, medicine and theology. Trinity’s chapel was the first college chapel to be designed in the Baroque style and the school is home to one of the largest chapel choirs in the university.
Practical Info
The main entrance to Trinity College is on Broad Street in Oxford, located between Balliol College and Blackwell’s bookshop and opposite Turl Street. Additional entrances can be found on St Giles’ and Parks Road. Oxford can be reached from London by either bus or train. From the Oxford train station, turn left past the Said Business School and walk straight along Hythe Bridge Street and George Street onto Broad Street and Trinity will be on the left. The bus station is at Gloucester Green, just off George Street, a five minute walk from Trinity.
Address: Broad Street, Oxford, England
From $ 19
Thorpe Park
With its high-speed rollercoasters, gravity-defying rides and hair-raising free-falls, Thorpe Park has long been a favorite for adrenaline junkies and at just 20 miles from London, it’s the go-to amusement park for thrill-seeking Londoners. With some of England’s highest and
fastest rollercoasters and a high scare-factor, Thorpe Park is a big hit with teenagers and adults, but there are also some rides suitable for younger members of the family.
Highlights include the eye-wateringly fast Stealth rollercoaster, the horror-movie inspired Saw rollercoaster and the Tidal Wave water ride, while family favorites include Angry Birds themed bumper cars and the beach and paddling pool. Also proving popular are the latest additions to
the park – the family-friendly jungle maze inspired by TV show ‘I’m a Celebrity Get me Out of Here!’ and Derren Brown’s Ghost Train, a 13-minute-long mind-bending experience that’s the first of its kind in the world.
Practical Info
Thorpe Park is located in Surrey, around 20 miles (32km) southwest of London. The park is open from March to October, daily from 9.30am to 6pm, although opening hours may vary.
Address: Staines Road, Chertsey, Surry KT16 8PN, England
Hours: March-October: daily 9.30am – 6pm (hours vary during holiday periods)
Admission: Tickets start from £27.99
From $ 44
St George's Chapel
Windsor is a handsome town in Berkshire, southeast England, with an ancient heart, a setting along the River Thames and a connection by bridge to Eton, home of one of England’s oldest and most prestigious public schools. St George’s Chapel sits next door to Windsor Castle, which is both the largest permanently occupied castle in the world and one of the official homes of HM The Queen. The chapel was founded in 1348 by King Edward III and is a fine example of Gothic styling with flying buttresses, glorious stained glass and a vaulted interior of exceptional grandeur, as befits the place of worship of the Royal Family.
It is the burial place of 10 English kings including Henry VIII and George III, as well as many other members of the monarchy, and is also home of the Knights of the Garter; this is one of the oldest chivalric orders in the world and the highest ceremonial accolade in the UK. Members currently include the Queen, Prince Charles and former leaders of the armed services, captains of industry and ex-Prime Ministers; their heraldic banners hang high above the choir in the chapel. St George’s is closed to visitors on Sunday, but all are welcome at any of the services throughout the week; they are held daily at 8:30am, 10:45am, noon and 5:15pm.
Practical Info
Windsor Castle, Windsor, Berkshire SL4 1NJ. Open Mar–Oct Mon–Sat 9:45am–5:15pm; Nov–Feb 9:45am–4:15pm. Admission includes entry to Windsor Castle: adults £19.20; seniors & students £17.50; under 17 £11.30; under 5 free; family ticket £49.70 (chapel services are free). Take the train from London Waterloo or Paddington via Slough to Windsor. By car, take the M4 and leave at exit 6, signposted to Windsor.
Address: Windsor Castle, Windsor, West Berkshire, England
Hours: Mar–Oct Mon–Sat 9.45am–5.15pm; Nov–Feb 9.45am–4.15pm
Admission: Includes Windsor Castle; dults £19.20; seniors & students £17.50; under 17 £11.30; under 5 free
From $ 52
The Lanes
Climbing up the hillside from the waterfront, the maze of shopping streets known as “The Lanes” make up Brighton’s most atmospheric quarter. The pedestrianized area is home to more than 200 independent shops, galleries, and antique stores, along with a great selection of cafés, restaurants, and historic pubs.
The Basics
The only way to explore The Lanes is on foot, and with the lanes sloping down to the seafront, it’s impossible to get lost. Opting to visit with a tour guide will give you an insight into the historic quarter, its street art scene, and thriving LGBTQ community. A Lanes walking tour typically includes nearby attractions, such as the Royal Pavilion, Brighton Museum, and Brighton Pier.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Most shops and cafés are open daily, with reduced opening hours on Sundays.
- Wear comfortable shoes to tackle Brighton’s steep hills and cobblestone lanes.
- Free Wi-Fi hot spots are located around The Lanes.
How to Get There
Brighton's Lanes are located at the heart of Old Town just south of North Laine. Trains from London and other destinations arrive at Brighton train station, an around 5-minute walk from The Lanes.
When to Get There
The Lanes are busiest in July and August, when smaller shops and cafés can get crowded. For quieter shopping, visit on a weekday outside of peak season, or join locals for a Sunday brunch at one of the cafés.
The History of The Lanes
Dating back to the 18th century, the narrow streets of The Lanes were once home to hundreds of fishermen's cottages, and their quirky, overhanging roofs were purpose-built to shelter the lanes from the coastal storms. Today, The Lanes retain much of their original character, with their old-fashioned shop fronts, brick-paved streets, flower-filled window boxes, and labyrinth of hidden passageways, known locally as “twittens.” Notable buildings include the Cricketers Arms, Brighton’s oldest pub, which dates back to 1545.
Address: Brighton, England
From $ 19
Bridge of Sighs
Hertford Bridge, more commonly known as the Bridge of Sighs, is a skyway bridge linking two parts of Hertford College over New College Land in Oxford, England. The Old Quadrangle, which houses the college's administrative offices, is to the south, and the New Quadrangle, which is mostly student accommodation, is to the north. It was completed in 1914 and is often referred to as the Bridge of Sighs because it supposedly looks like the Bridge of Sighs in Venice, Italy. However, many say it more closely resembles Venice's Rialto Bridge. It is one of the area's top tourist sights due to its unique look and design.
There was a famous legend about the bridge from decades ago that said a survey was taken of the health of the students of the University of Oxford. The results of the survey indicated that Hertford College students were the heaviest, resulting in the college closing the bridge in order to force the students to take the stairs and get more exercise. However, this legend is false and the bridge was never closed. In fact, the students would actually be climbing fewer stairs by not taking the bridge.
Practical Info
The Bridge of Sighs crosses New College Lane just east of Catte Street in Oxford, England.
Address: Oxford, United Kingdom, England
From $ 27
Isle of Wight
One of England’s largest and most famous islands, the Isle of Wight has been a popular holiday destination since Victorian times, and draws huge crowds to its annual summer music festivals – the Isle of Wight Festival and Bestival. Aptly nicknamed “England in Miniature,” the small island is undeniably photogenic and boasts an incredible variety of scenery, including dramatic coastal cliffs, sandy beaches, verdant farmlands and some of the world’s most impressive dinosaur fossil sites.
Just 40 km in length, getting around the Isle of Wight is easy and despite its small size, there are plenty of attractions to fill up your itinerary. Start with a visit to the legendary Carisbrooke Castle, which dates back to the 15th-century and once imprisoned King Charles I; the magnificent Osborne House, the former holiday home of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert; and the elegant Ventnor Botanic Gardens, then go hiking, cycling or horseback riding along the coast; ride the island's nostalgic steam railway or dip your toes in the multi-colored sands of Alum Bay.
Practical Info
The Isle of Wight is located less than 10 km off the south coast of England and can be reached by regular ferries from Lymington, Southampton and Portsmouth.
Address: England
From $ 74
Sheldonian Theatre
Built by master architect Sir Christopher Wren, whose later works included the iconic St Paul’s Cathedral in London, the Sheldonian Theatre stands out among Oxford’s many landmarks with its grand semi-circular design reminiscent of a classical Roman theater. The Grade I-listed building has been one of Oxford’s principal venues since it opened its doors in 1668, and it even hosted the first performance of Handel’s third oratorio Athalia. Today, the theater is primarily used as the ceremonial hall of the University of Oxford.
If you’re not lucky enough to attend a lecture, concert or graduation ceremony in the Sheldonian’s 950-seat auditorium, you can still admire the opulent interiors and magnificent hand-painted ceiling when the theater is not in use. Also open to visitors is the rooftop cupola, renowned for its impressive panoramic views of the city.
Practical Info
The Sheldonian Theatre is located on Broad Street in Oxford city center, between Trinity College and the Bodleian Library. As well as hosting a varied schedule of concerts and recitals, the theater is open to visitors Monday through Saturday between 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Adult admission is £3.50 or free to evening ticket holders.
Address: Broad St., Oxford OX1 3AZ, England
Hours: Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. & 2-4:30 p.m.
Admission: £3.50
From $ 20
Shanklin
Shanklin is a seaside resort town on the Isle of Wight in southeast England. The town is on the east side of the island and includes a long stretch of sandy beach. This is a popular place for swimming, sunbathing, boating, and other water activities. Other activities in Shanklin include an amusement arcade, a crazy golf course, and a children's play area. There are plenty of hotels, restaurants, cafes, and pubs in the area as well. On High Street and Regent Street, you can go shopping for souvenirs, clothing, and anything you may have forgotten for your beach trip.
The Old Village is a nice area for a stroll through thatched cottages that house tea rooms and unique gift shops. Visitors can also explore nature in the wooded ravine, Shanklin Chine, where there are many animals, rare plants, and waterfalls. It covers an area of three acres and is home to around 150 varieties of plants and at least 50 species of moss and liverworts. There is also a pond and an aviary.
Practical Info
Shanklin is located 95 miles southwest of London. It can be reached by train from the London Waterloo station and connecting with the Southampton ferry crossing.
Address: Shanklin, South East England, United Kingdom, England
From $ 74
Legoland Windsor
With more than 2.2 million annual visitors, Legoland Windsor is the second most visited theme park in the UK and it’s a thrill for the whole family, with adrenaline-fuelled rides, interactive entertainment zones and millions of multi-colored Lego bricks. Lego enthusiasts will be in their element as everything has a Lego-themed twist, from Lego cars to Lego-building workshops – there’s even Lego-inspired décor at the on-site hotel!
You’ll need at least a full day to enjoy Legoland Windsor, with 55 interactive rides and attractions to explore. Ride the Viking rapids, enjoy an underwater adventure on the Atlantis Submarine Voyage, hangout with LEGO® Friends at Heartlake City or join the fun at the Ninjago Training Academy. Even adults will be impressed by the Lego brick sculptures in the Miniland, which include miniature model displays of world landmarks. Look out for the Eiffel Tower, Big Ben and the Statue of Liberty, plus the UK’s only LEGO® Star Wars™ display, all built using nearly 40 million Lego bricks.
That’s not all – there’s also a DUPLO® valley, an Xbox® Gaming Zone and a 4D movie theater, plus discovery zones, workshops, live entertainment and plenty of restaurants and souvenir shops.
Practical Info
Legoland Windsor is located in Windsor, around 40km west of London, and is open from March-early November and 2 weeks over Christmas. The park is typically open daily from 10am-6pm, but opening days and closing times do vary throughout the year, so check ahead. Admission to Legoland is £49.20 for Adults and £45 for children (3-15 years) at the gate, but discounts are possible for pre-booked tickets and groups. Under 3s go free.
Address: Winkfield Road, Windsor SL4 4AY, England
Hours: Open from March - early November, and for 2 weeks over Christmas. Daily 10am-6pm, but closing times do vary throughout the year.
Admission: Adults £49.20, Children £45.
From $ 91
Magdalen College
Wandering through the 100-acre grounds of Magdalen College paints an idyllic picture of Oxford university life—punting along the river, watching a game on the cricket lawns, strolling through the deer park or walking the woodland Addison’s Trail, a favorite route of Oxford alumnus C.S Lewis. The verdant setting is reason enough to visit, but Magdalen’s striking architecture is equally notable, making it a worthy rival to nearby Christ Church College.
Founded in 1448 by future Chancellor of England William Waynflete, Magdalen College—pronounced "Maudlin"—was home to Oxford’s first science department and still ranks among the university’s most prestigious colleges. For visitors, most tours start at the landmark Magdalen Tower, a grand Gothic bell tower most famous for its May Morning celebrations, before moving on to explore highlights like the 15th-century St. John's Quad, the richly decorated gatehouse and the atmospheric Great Quad, adorned with expertly carved hieroglyphs.
Practical Info
Magdalen College is located to the east of Oxford city center, next to the Oxford Botanical Gardens. The college is open to the public daily from midday until 6 p.m. during the summer and from 1 p.m. until dusk in the winter. Adult admission is £5.
Address: Oxford OX1 4AU, England
Hours: Summer: midday-6 p.m. in summer
Winter: 1 p.m.-dusk
Admission: £5
From $ 32
Thames River
Flowing right through the heart of central London, the Thames River offers a dramatic backdrop to the city's famous skyline with landmarks lining its shores. Walk along the riverfront from Westminster to Tower Bridge and you'll pass London icons such as the London Eye, Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, the Tower of London, St Paul's Cathedral, Southbank, Shakespeare's Globe, and the London Bridge.
The Basics
A boat ride along the Thames River is a quintessential London experience, with popular choices including city cruises, afternoon tea or dinner options, RIB (rigid-inflatable boat) excursions, London duck tours, and hop-on hop-off boat tours. Many Thames River tours even run all the way to Greenwich, passing Canary Wharf, Waterloo, and Cutty Sark.
Things to Know Before You Go
- It can get chilly, especially at night, so bring warm clothing if traveling on an open-air boat.
- Most boat cruises are wheelchair accessible, but it’s best to check in advance.
- Other boat tours operating on the river include the Thames Clippers and River Roamers ferries, London showboats, and the Tate-to-Tate boat, linking the Tate Modern with the Tate Britain.
How to Get to the Thames River
It's impossible to miss the River Thames on any sightseeing tour in London—it runs right through the center of the city, with cruises typically leaving from Embankment, Westminster Pier, or Greenwich Pier. The river meanders for 215 miles (346 km) from the Cotswolds in the west, through Oxford and London, all the way to the coast at Southend-On-Sea.
When to Get There
Thames River cruises run regularly all year round, but for the most atmospheric views, opt for a sunset sightseeing cruise or a night cruise. And for an unforgettable holiday experience, book a Christmas cruise to admire the waterfront illuminations, or take in a spectacular view of fireworks and festivities on a New Year cruise.
Where to Find the Best Views of the River Thames
Look out along the Thames as you walk over the Millennium Bridge, admire the waterway and city skyline from the hilltops of Greenwich Park, or relax in a riverfront pub in neighborhoods such as Kew, Putney, or Richmond. For an aerial view, head to the top of The Shard, London's tallest building; ride the London Eye; or soar overhead on a helicopter tour.
Address: London, England
Admission: Free
From $ 16
University of Oxford Botanic Garden
A tranquil pocket of greenery stretching across the banks of the River Cherwella, the University of Oxford Botanic Garden is the UK’s oldest botanical garden, dating back to 1621. Located on a five-acre plot on the Magdalen College grounds, the diminutive garden makes up for its small size with an impressive variety of plant and flower species—more than 6,000 different ones from around the globe.
Renowned as one of the world’s most biodiverse areas, the garden hosts everything from giant rhubarb to the common stinging nettle, with highlights including the old English Yew tree, which was planted in 1645, a gigantic waterlily that could hold a child’s weight and an array of carnivorous plants. The walled garden also has a pond, a physic garden growing medicinal plants and herbs and a series of greenhouses filled with exotic plant species. If you’re craving more space, the Botanic Garden also operates the 150-acre Harcourt Arboretum just south of the city, where you’ll find wildflower meadows and bluebell woods blooming throughout the spring and summer months.
Practical Info
The University of Oxford Botanic Garden is located southeast of Oxford city center, close to the Magdalen College, and is open daily from 9 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. in winter and 6 p.m. in summer. Adult admission is £4.50.
Address: Rose Ln., Oxford OX1 4DU, England
Hours: Winter 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Summer 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Admission: £4.50
From $ 52