The capital is a whirlwind of glitzy West End theatres, energetic East End markets, green swathes of royal parkland and architectural feats. Think gothic spires, Georgian townhouses and abstract skyscrapers resembling razors and shards – even gherkins. Step outside the 'big smoke' and relax in green spaces including Kent's (known as the Garden of England), the undulating Sussex downs and Hampshire's lush New Forest – pack your bike and riding hat. History lessons in the Home Counties transport you back in time with Irons Age forts, motte-and-bailey castles and Jacobean mansions. The scenic southeast coastline is a Hollywood star, making cameos in iconic films like Brighton Rock and The White Cliffs of Dover.
London and South East England
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Rainy Day Activities: Explore history at Winchester’s Military Museums
Broaden your knowledge of the British Army and the various battles fought throughout history at Winchester’s six Military Museums.
Location: Winchester, Hampshire
Pedal along 100 miles of off-road cycling tracks
Pedal the extensive, year-round network of cycling routes criss-crossing the woodland, heathland and quiet country roads of the New Forest.
Location: New Forest, Hampshire
Walking in the New Forest
Twist and turn through vibrant gorse, imposing woodland and bubbling streams as you stroll through the Forest’s 143 miles of trails.
Location: New Forest, Hampshire
Rainy Day Activities: Visit the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford
All the great civilizations of the world are represented in the Ashmolean Museum’s collections; escape the rain for a whole day, or pop in for five minutes for a quick browse.
Location: Oxford, Oxfordshire
Get on your bike with the epic Viking Coastal Trail
Enjoy spectacular chalk cliffs, sandy shores and quiet country villages on unforgettable, pedal-powered discoveries.
Location: Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate, Kent
Discover Charles Dickens’ Broadstairs
Go to the quaint part of Kent that was inspiration to novelist Charles Dickens and drew him to return time and time again.
Location: Broadstairs, Kent
Enjoy beach sports on Brighton beach
Brighton beach is famously full of pebbles, but at Yellowave there is plenty of sand making it the place to go for all kinds of beach sports.
Location: Brighton & Hove, East Sussex
Get under the skin of Brighton & Hove with a free Greet
Whether you are on your first trip to Brighton & Hove or are a regular visitor, a Greet is a great way to see the city in a new light.
Location: Brighton & Hove, East Sussex
Go wildlife spotting at Hastings Country Park
Explore over 660 acres of countryside, and uncover the rare wildlife that inhabit the area all year round.
Location: Hastings, East Sussex
Cycle the Test Way and relax by the world-famous River Test
From the experienced cyclist to a family fun day out, this gentle ride is an excellent way to experience the tranquil Test Valley countryside.
Location: Test Valley, Hampshire
Enjoy a classic holiday by the seaside
When the sun shines there is only one place to be – beside the sea.
Location: Brighton & Hove, East Sussex
Go picnicing at Rye House Gatehouse
The medieval Rye House Gatehouse makes an imposing background to any picnic.
Location: Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire
Enjoy free, live music at Southsea Bandstand
Is there a better summer afternoon than a fantastic free programme of music and dance in a beautiful natural amphitheatre looking out to sea?
Location: Portsmouth, Hampshire
Investigate the origins of Sherlock Holmes at Portsmouth Museum
Discover more about the creator of the iconic detective Sherlock Holmes at Portsmouth Museum.
Location: Portsmouth, Hampshire
Picnic within the walls of Portchester Castle
Surround yourself with thousands of years of history as you enjoy a picnic in the grounds of Portchester Castle.
Location: Portsmouth, Hampshire
Uncover London’s industrial heritage at The Brunel Museum
Discover how the world's first underwater tunnel was built on a visit to the Brunel Museum.
Location: London, Greater London
Explore Nymans estate
Commanding great views from atop the rolling hills of Sussex, Nymans stands proud as one of Britain’s top gardens.
Location: Haywards Heath, Sussex
Retrace the footsteps of John Keats in Winchester
You don’t have to work up a sweat to follow in the footsteps of one of our greatest romantic poets – it’s actually a very pleasant walk!
Location: Winchester, Hampshire
Master the Greensand Ridge Walk
Follows a ridge of greensand through on a green path through Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Cambridgeshire.
Location: Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire
August events: Brighton Pride
At Brighton Pride you can enjoy a risqué drag act, dance till your heart’s content and eat fish ‘n’ chips by the sea all in the same day.
Location: Brighton & Hove, East Sussex
Rainy Day Activities: Explore Oxford's Museum of Natural History
Delve into Oxford University’s scientific archives, housed inside one of the city's most beautiful neo-Gothic buildings.
Location: Oxford, Oxfordshire
