Things to Do in South East England

Choose from 36 Fun Things to Do in South East England

Historic Dockyard

Fans of British TV will probably recognize Chatham's Historic Dockyard from shows like Mr Selfridge, Sherlock Holmes and Call the Midwife, and the vast naval complex is equally impressive both on and off screen. The 80-acre site is now an award-winning maritime attraction, including museums, restored vessels and exhibitions, and offers a fascinating

insight into British naval history.

The star attractions of the dockyard are a series of three historic warships, the Victorian-era HMS Gannett, the WWII destroyer HMS Cavalier; and the cold war submarine HMS Cavalier, and visitors can get a glimpse into life at sea as they explore on-board. Additional highlights include the historic Ropery and Smithery; a collection of RNLI lifeboats; the aptly named BIG Space, which showcases the largest of the dockyard’s artifacts; and a series of exhibitions focusing on the dockyard’s history, its use by the Royal Navy and its role in WWII.

Practical Info

The Historic Dockyard is located on the east bank of the River Medway in central Chatham and is open daily from 10am to 4pm in winter or 6pm in summer. Adult admission is £24.

Church Lane, Chatham, Kent ME4 4TE, England

Daily 10am-4pm (winter) or 6pm (summer)

Adult £24, Child £14

From $ 32

Bodleian Library

The main research library of the University of Oxford and one of the oldest of its kind in Europe, the Bodleian Library is also one of the UK’s five "copyright libraries," famously housing a copy of every book printed in Great Britain—a collection that spans more than 11 million works. Founded by Sir Thomas Bodley in 1602, the Bodleian Library, or "the Bod" as it’s known to students, is actually a complex of libraries and reading rooms located in the heart of Oxford, including the domed Radcliffe Camera, the vaulted Divinity Room, the Duke Humphrey's Library and the Old and New Bodleian Libraries.

With its towering shelves of prized books and manuscripts, exploring the Bodleian libraries is a rare treat for book lovers, with everything from early manuscripts, biblical texts and ancient maps to rare literary editions, Oriental manuscripts and a large collection of original J.R.R Tolkien works. But don’t expect to get your hands on one of the books—much of the historic library is off-bounds for non-scholars, except by guided tour, and no one is allowed to remove the books from the library—even King Charles I was famously refused permission to borrow a book in 1645.

Practical Info

The Bodleian Library is located in central Oxford between the Radcliffe Camera and the Sheldonian Theatre. It is open on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturdays from 9 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.; and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (note that some buildings may be closed on Sundays). The Bodleian’s historic quadrangles, exhibition room and shop are all free to visit, while the adjoining Divinity School charges a £1 admission. Access to the library’s reading rooms is by guided tour only.

Broad St., Oxford OX1 3BG, England

Monday-Friday 9am-5pm Saturday 9am-4:30pm Sunday 11am-5pm

From $ 16

Christ Church College

The largest and arguably most renowned of Oxford’s many colleges, the hallowed halls and exquisite cathedral of Christ Church College have a long and illustrious history. Founded by Cardinal Thomas Woolsey in 1524, the grandiose complex includes architectural highlights like Sir Christopher Wren’s Great Tom bell tower and the Great Hall, where King Charles I held court during the English Civil War. Despite being just one of 38 colleges, for many visitors to Oxford, Christ Church is synonymous with Oxford University. Today, the legendary buildings see almost as many tourists as they do students.

Christ Church’s esteemed alumni include philosopher John Locke, Albert Einstein, architects John Ruskin and Sir Christopher Wren and former Prime Minister William Gladstone. But its academic resume isn’t the only string to its bow. The prestigious college has also made its mark in popular culture, starring as the now-iconic Great Hall of Hogwarts in the Harry Potter movies and housing the world’s largest collection of work by alumnus Lewis Carroll. Incidentally, Carroll's classic Alice's Adventures in Wonderland was written for Alice Liddell, daughter of the then-Dean of Christ Church.

Practical Info

Christ Church College is located just south of Oxford city center, and the college grounds, main hall and cathedral are all open to the public, with first admission at 10:30 a.m. and last admission at 4:15 p.m. (The hall and cathedral are typically closed over lunchtime). Adult admission costs £7 during the winter months and £9 in the summer months. Discounted entry is offered if the hall or cathedral is closed at the time of visiting.

St Aldate's, Oxford OX1 1DP, England

Opens daily at 10:30 a.m.; last entry at 4:15 p.m.

£7 in winter; £9 insummer

From $ 16

Brighton Dome

Encompassing three different venues – the Concert Hall, Corn Exchange and Pavilion Theatre – under one roof, the Brighton Dome is Brighton’s number 1 destination for the arts. Housed in an elegant Grade I-listed building at the center of the Royal Pavilion Estate, the stylish venue is linked via underground tunnels to the Royal Pavilion and Brighton Museum, and boasts a fascinating history, once serving as a Royal stables and WWI hospital.

The award-winning venues host hundreds of shows, concerts and workshops each year, with events including music, theatre, dance, comedy, visual arts and film. The top ticket is the legendary Brighton Festival, renowned as one of England’s leading multi-arts festivals and held over three weeks each May. As well as the trio of venues, the Dome is also home to the Brighton Dome Café-bar and Studio Theatre Bar, both of which are open to the public.

Practical Info

The Brighton Dome is located in central Brighton, close to the Royal Pavilion and is open daily from 10am.

Church Street, Brighton, United Kingdom BN1 1UE, England

Open daily 10am-late

Entrance: free; ticket prices for shows and performances vary

From $ 19

Ashmolean Museum

Not only Britain’s oldest public museum but also among the oldest in the world, the Ashmolean is more than just a museum – it’s an internationally renowned institution and one of Oxford’s most visited attractions. Founded in 1683, the esteemed museum is one of four of the University of Oxford, with a focus on art, archaeology and natural history.

Benefiting from a thorough renovation in 2009, the Ashmolean Museum now boasts a 21st-century redesign by award-winning architect Rick Mather, including a rooftop restaurant looking out over the university buildings. Highlights of the huge permanent collection include the world’s biggest collection of Raphael drawings, an array of pre-dynastic Egyptian jewelry and artifacts, manuscript copies of the Old and New Testaments, the Western World’s most important collection of modern Chinese Art and a significant assemblage of British and Western Art. If that’s not enough, there’s also a ceremonial costume worn by Lawrence of Arabia, Guy Fawkes’ lantern, the death mask of Oliver Cromwell and Uccello's iconic The Hunt in the Forest.

Practical Info

The Ashmolean Museum is located in the north of Oxford city center, a short walk from the main shopping streets and university buildings. It is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and admission is free.

Beaumont St., Oxford OX1 2PH, England

10 a.m.-5 p.m.

From $ 45

All Souls College

One of the constituent colleges of the University of Oxford is All Souls College, though the official name is the Warden and the College of the Souls of All Faithful People Deceased in the University of Oxford. It is primarily a graduate research institution with no undergraduate students. The college's library collection is housed in the Codrington Library building, an impressive building that was completed in 1751 and has been in used ever since. Today the library contains about 185,000 items, of which about one third were published before 1800.

A four story gate tower and two story ranges on either side of the entrance on High Street are mostly the same as they were originally built in the 1440s. Battlements were added in the 16th century, and the windows are from the Victorian period. Once you pass through the gate house, you will see a medieval building where the Warden once lived and now provides individual rooms for Fellows. The Chapel still retains some of its medieval elements along with the addition of renovations from the Victorian and even modern eras.

Practical Info

All Souls College is located on High Street to the north and Radcliffe Square to the west in Oxford, England. Visiting hours are 2pm to 4pm Monday through Friday, closed in August and certain holidays. Admission is free.

Oxford, United Kingdom OX1 4AL, England

From $ 16

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.

England

From $ 74

Dover Castle

An imposing fortress looming above the famous White Cliffs of Dover, Dover Castle is not only one of England’s largest and oldest medieval castles, but one of its most strategically important, standing guard over the narrowest point of the English Channel and the first line of defense against mainland Europe.

Although built by William the Conqueror in 1066, Dover Castle actually has a much longer legacy, preceded by an Anglo-Saxon fort and a Roman lighthouse, and seeing battle several times throughout its reign. Visitors can climb the 12th-century Great Tower, walk the battlements, view the ruins of the ancient Roman lighthouse, and even explore the warren of secret wartime tunnels that burrow beneath the castle. There’s also the Princess of Wales' Royal Regiment Museum and a series of exhibitions, where you’ll discover life in the royal court of King Henry II, learn about how the castle was used as a hospital during WWII and relive the horrors of the Siege of 1216.

Practical Info

Dover Castle is located by the port of Dover on the southeast coast of England and is open daily, from April-Oct and weekends only from Nov-March. Opening times vary throughout the year and adult admission at the time of writing is £18.

Dover, South East England, England

Daily Apr-Oct, Weekends Nov-Mar, 9:30AM-6PM

£18

From $ 119

Chartwell

Looking at the stately red brick mansion of Chartwell, with its gabled roofs and vast gardens overlooking a swimming lake, it’s easy to imagine it as the residence of someone important, and few British politicians are as revered as Sir Winston Churchill. The legendary Prime Minister lived at the country estate with his family from 1924 until his death and today its interiors have been preserved in his honor.

As well as strolling through the immaculate rose garden, learning about the estate’s history at the Visitor Centre or stopping for tea at the onsite café, visitors can admire the house’s lavish décor, explore Churchill’s studio, where more than 100 of his paintings are on display, and peek at Churchill’s personal belongings and books.

Practical Info

Chartwell is located in Kent, South East England, approximately 40 km from London and is open daily from 10am- 5pm. Adult admission is £14.30. Chartwell is closed throughout the month of January.

Mapleton Road, Westerham, Kent TN16 1PS, England

10am-5pm

Adult £14.30

From $ 208

Balliol College

Balliol College is the oldest continuously operated college in the University of Oxford and was created around 1263. The oldest parts of the college include the north and west sides of the front quadrangle and the medieval hall. The Balliol Library holds a collection of medieval manuscripts that are considered to be the finest and largest private collection to survive in England from the Middle Ages. You can still visit the medieval reading rooms, and the library's collection includes many other early printed books, medieval manuscripts, and rare books.

The Chapel is the third one that has been on this site. It was built in the mid 1800s but contains stained glass windows from the 16th and 17th centuries. At the entrance to the Chapel there are war memorials honoring Balliol members who died in World War I and II. Visitors to the college can also explore the gardens that accent the historical and modern buildings as well as the theater and concert hall.

Practical Info

Balliol College is located on Broad Street in Oxford, England. Visiting hours are 10am to 5pm or until dusk, whichever is earlier. The fee is 2 pounds.

Oxford, United Kingdom OX1 3BJ, England

2 pounds

From $ 65

Eton College

Founded by Henry VI and boasting a history dating back almost six centuries, Eton College is one of England’s oldest and most prestigious public schools (actually an exclusive fee-paying independent school) and one of only 4 remaining single-sex boy’s boarding schools in the UK. It’s also undeniably the most famous, with former scholars (traditionally nicknamed ‘Old Etonians’) including 19 British Prime Ministers, among them Winston Churchill and David Cameron; members of the British Royal Family, including Prince William and Prince Harry; writers like George Orwell and Ian Fleming; London Mayor Boris Johnson; and actors like Eddie Redmayne, Damian Lewis and Hugh Laurie.

It’s even made its mark on pop culture – fictional characters like Lord Grantham from Downton Abbey, Captain Hook and James Bond (who was expelled!) were described as having attended Eton and the college itself has served as a backdrop to films like Shakespeare in Love, Mansfield Park and My Week With Marilyn.

Today the boarding school has around 1,300 students, aged between 13 and 18, all of whom wear the iconic uniform of a black tailcoat, white tie and pinstriped trousers, and are split into administrative ‘houses’. The historic school is also notable for its architecture, with highlights including the medieval School Yard, the Gothic-style Chapel and the Cloisters Court. Visitors are able to tour the principal buildings and visit the on-site Museum of Eton Life and gift shop.

Practical Info

Eton College is located in Windsor, across the river from Windsor Castle, and is open to the public from March to October by guided tour only.

SL4 6DW, Windsor, South East England, England

Mar-Oct Guided Tours

From $ 12

Cogges

Cogges was once a small village in the Cotswalds area of England but is now considered part of the town of Witney along the River Windrush. It consists of a group of stone cottages and farm buildings surrounding Cogges Manor Farm in a peaceful setting that makes you forget how close you are to a bustling town. Today the 15 acre farm is a museum where visitors can explore the house and grounds. There is a walled garden, a picnic orchard, a moated island, and walking trails along the river. Activities that entertain children include feeding the farm animals, exploring the adventure playground, and dressing up in vintage clothing.

Cogges is also one of the filming locations on the popular television show Downton Abbey. The Cogges Manor Farm becomes the Yew Tree Farm and home of Mr Drewe, the tenant farmer, on the show. The farm buildings and their interiors were also used as the setting for where Marigold, Lady Edith's illegitimate daughter, was brought up. While visiting Cogges, you can view photographs that show how the buildings were transformed during filming, plus other Downton Abbey memorabilia.

Practical Info

Cogges is located 12 miles from Oxford. Take the S1 or S2 bus from Oxford to Church Lane. Opening hours at Cogges Manor Farm are 10:30am to 5pm Tuesday through Sunday and on bank holidays. Adult admission is 5.45 pounds.

Cogges, South East England, United Kingdom, England

From $ 188

Oxford Castle

With its lone tower and man-made grassy mound, the once mighty Oxford Castle is now a shadow of its former self. But the striking landmark still offers a fascinating insight into the city’s grim and gory history. Originally built by William the Conqueror in 1071, the Norman Castle was later converted into a prison and execution tower, linked to the county court by an underground passageway and remaining in use until as late as 1996 (although the last public execution was held in 1863).

Today, the castle ruins stand at the heart of the Oxford Castle Quarter, an atmospheric hub of cafes, bars and restaurants, and is open to the public through via Oxford Castle Unlocked tours, typically led by a guide in period costume. As well as climbing the 101 steps to the top of the Saxon St. George’s Tower and taking in the views from the mound, visitors can brave a peek into the allegedly haunted crypt and explore the preserved prison wings, while uncovering the secret history of medieval Oxford.

Practical Info

Oxford Castle is located at the west end of Oxford City Center, a five-minute walk from the main train and bus stations. The castle is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and adult admission to the Oxford Castle is £9.95 per adult, with the last tour at 4:20 p.m.

Oxford, England

Daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

£9.95

From $ 15

Museum of the History of Science

The Museum of the History of Science functions as both a public museum and a department of the University of Oxford. The museum occupies the world's oldest surviving purpose-built museum building, the Old Ashmolean. There are family-friendly programs and events, gallery tours, talks and lectures, and sessions designed for school groups. The museum has around 18,000 objects in its collection, although only about one fifth of these items are on display at any one time. Digital archives are kept on all items in the museum's collection.

Dozens of exhibits are on display at the museum. Themes include a wide range of topics such as photography, time, measurements, atmospheres, highlights on specific scientists, astronomy, and much more. The museum also holds an unrivaled collection of early scientific instruments. Aside from the permanent exhibitions, the museum has special exhibits that highlight other areas of their collection which change throughout the year. Audio guides and other multimedia enhance your visit to the museum. There is a small museum gift shop where souvenirs can be purchased.

Practical Info

The Museum of the History of Science is located on Broad Street in Oxford, England. Opening hours are noon to 5pm Tuesday to Sunday. Admission is free.

Broad St, Oxford, United Kingdom OX1 3AZ, England

Tues-Sun 12pm-5pm

From $ 80

Burford

Burford is a small town in England along the River Windrush and is often referred to as the Gateway to the Cotswolds. The picturesque town is detailed with a medieval bridge, Tudor and Georgian buildings, and old stone houses. A former meeting place for merchants, the 16th century Tolsey building now houses the Tolsey Museum where visitors can learn about the town's social and industrial history. The town's church is another interesting place to look for signs of Burford's past by way of the memorials charting some of the greatest families that once lived there.

The town of Burford has in many ways remained unchanged over the centuries. It is a popular place for tourists looking to explore small town beauty and history. However, more modern appeals can be found as well. Burford is an interesting town for shopping and antiques, and there are plenty of restaurants, pubs, and tea shops to choose from. Despite its popularity, you can easily find a tranquil corner of town to enjoy the scenery.

Practical Info

Burford is located 74 miles west of London and 20 miles west of Oxford. It can be reached from Oxford by route A40, or by taking the train from Oxford to Hanborough and then a bus to Burford.

Burford, South East England, United Kingdom, England

From $ 110

Dorney Court

Dorney Court is one of England's finest Tudor manor houses where generations of the Palmer family have lived for nearly 500 years. The manor house is located among landscaped gardens and parks, and flocks of sheep graze in the nearby fields. Inside the house, visitors can admire portraits that represent each of the 13 generations of the Palmer family dating back several centuries and tell the history of this home. The rooms are filled with traditional oak furniture, four poster beds, lacquer cabinets, carved paneling, silks, and tapestries. Much of the furniture dates from the Restoration since Dorney Court was looted by by Cromwellian forces.

Visitors can explore the Great Hall, kitchens, cellars, passageways, living quarters, and courtyards which provide a view of a typical medieval house. Since this is still a living home, some sections have been updated as recently as the 1970s, and the home continues to evolve. Dorney Court has been open to the public since 1981, and a great deal of work has gone into restoring and preserving the home and property.

Practical Info

Dorney Court is located 26 miles from central London in the village of Dorney on Court Lane. Opening hours are 1:30pm to 5pm on Sunday and Monday May Bank Holidays and throughout the month of August. Group tours are available by appointment only during other times of the year. General admission is 8 pounds.

Dorney Court, Dorney Lane, Windsor, United Kingdom SL4 6QP, England

8 pounds

From $ 32

Bicester Village

Bicester Village is a luxury outlet shopping center just outside of London – the perfect destination for anyone looking to shop until they drop! Located midway between London and Birmingham, Bicester Village is hope to more than 30 luxury retailers, as well as cafes and restaurants such as Farmshop and the Villandry Grand Café. Shoppers can enjoy discounts up to 60% off retail price on brands such as MaxMara, Hugo Boss, DKNY and more. While shops do not accept foreign currency, a currency exchange is available that changes more than 40 currencies. The mall also features a children’s play area, free wi-fi, valet parking, worldwide courier service and a hands free shopping service.

Just a 15-minute walk from Bicester Village is the town of Bicester, where visitors can check out St. Edburg’s Church, the Market Square and the pedestrianized Sheep Street.

Practical Info

Located at 50 Pingle Drive in Bicester, Oxfordshire, Bicester Village is about an hour away from London. Visitors can take the train from London Marylebone and get off at Bicester North or Bicester Town stations. Bicester Town is a short walk from the mall, while a shuttle takes passengers from Bicester North. Alternatively, the luxury Shopping Express bus runs daily (except Christmas Day) from five central London locations: the Cumberland Hotel, the Hilton London Kensington Hotel, the Victoria Coach Station, the Millennium Gloucester Hotel and the Royal National Hotel. The bus departs London twice in the morning and returns twice in the early evening and costs 28 pounds roundtrip.

50 Pingle Drive, Bicester, United Kingdom OX26 6WD, England

From $ 32

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.

Winkfield Road, Windsor SL4 4AY, England

Open from March - early November, and for 2 weeks over Christmas. Daily 10am-6pm, but closing times do vary throughout the year.

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.

Oxford OX1 4AU, England

Summer: midday-6 p.m. in summer Winter: 1 p.m.-dusk

£5

From $ 32

Carfax Junction

The meeting point of Oxford’s main throughways, Carfax Junction is the central point of the city and is within walking distance of all the top attractions. The city’s principal streets converge here – the pedestrianized shopping avenues of Cornmarket Street to the north and Queen Street to the west; the High Street to the east, which leads to Radcliffe Square and Magdalen College; and St Aldate's Street, which runs south to the Christ Church College.

Carfax Junction is also renowned for its 23-meter-tall clock tower, the Carfax Tower, which rings its bells each quarter hour and provides a memorable navigational landmark for both locals and visitors. Once part of the 12th-century St Martin's Church that stood on the site, the Carfax Tower now stands alone, and climbing the 99 steps to the rooftop ramparts is rewarded with a panoramic view of Oxford’s “Dreaming Spires.”

Practical Info

Caxfax Junction lies at the meeting point of Cornmarket Street, High Street, St Aldate's Street and Queen Street in Oxford city center. The Carfax Tower is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. in summer or until 3 p.m. in winter, and adult admission is £2.50.

Oxford OX1 1ET, England

Tower: 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. in summer; until 3 p.m. in winter

Tower: Adults £2.50

From $ 80