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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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
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
See aviation history come alive at RAF Manston
Manston, Kent is home to not one but two museums dedicated to aviation history and one of the few remaining wartime Spitfires
Location: Manston, near Ramsgate, Kent
Explore Alexander Fleming's Laboratory
Discover the story of the father of penicillin in his lab in Paddington.
Location: Paddington, London
Fly with The Red Arrows aerial team at the RAF Museum
Take a ride on The Red Arrow flight simulators or go on a low-flying mission through valleys in a Tornado Jet at London’s Royal Air Force Museum.
Location: Barnet, Greater London
Rainy Day Activities: Step into history in the Churchill War Rooms
Delve underground into Churchill’s War Cabinet Rooms and uncover the secret location which housed the Prime Minister during WWII.
Location: Westminster, London
Uncover the mysterious world of Sherlock Holmes
Spend a day on the trail in London of the world’s most famous fictional detective, Sherlock Holmes, and his sidekick, Dr Watson.
Location: London
Try traditional trades at the Weald and Downland Open Air Museum
The Weald & Downland Open Air Museum, home to over 50 historic building exhibits, demonstrates how barley and hops are transformed into ale and beer.
Location: Singleton, Nr Chichester, West Sussex
Follow Sussex’s Coastal Culture Trail
Discover contemporary art at three leading coastal galleries, all linked by a scenic and historic cycle route though Hastings, Bexhill and Eastbourne.
Location: Eastbourne, East Sussex
Have a close encounter with Daleks and medieval peasants in Essex
Choose to travel back in time to medieval England in 1066, the toys of your childhood or even WWII (though chances are you’ll want to do all three).
Location: Stansted Mountfitchet, Essex
Enjoy a Brighton budget break with free attractions and more
It’s easy to enjoy a cheap weekend break in Brighton and Hove, with cheap hostel accommodation and plenty of low cost museums and art galleries.
Location: Brighton & Hove, East Sussex
Step on board HMS M.33, a small ship with a big history
Visit Portsmouth’s Historic Dockyard this summer and you'll find a new addition to its amazing maritime collection.
Location: Portsmouth, Hampshire
Discover stories for all ages at The Story Museum
Explore the power of your own imagination with exhibitions, installations, events and activities for all ages at Oxford's newest museum.
Location: Oxford, Oxfordshire
Explore the sleepy fishing village of Brighthelmstone
Before Brighton became the cosmopolitan city it is today it was a quiet fishing village, but the city has never forgotten its origins.
Location: Brighton & Hove, East Sussex
Rainy Day Activities: Explore the spectacular Science Museum
Known around the world for its historic collections and inspirational exhibitions, London's Science Museum is a treat for all the family.
Location: South Kensington, London
Rainy Day Activities: Get hands on at the Natural History Museum
See hundreds of exciting, interactive exhibits in one of London’s most beautiful landmark buildings.
Location: South Kensington, London
Celebrate 200 years of John Keats's poetry at Keats House
Enjoy a varied programme of events from guided walks, tours and poetry readings to family days and music recitals in the peaceful setting of Keats House.
Location: Hampstead, London
