The South East of England offers range of areas of interest for the visitor. Surrey so close to London, yet so different, dotted with picturesque villages and historic towns, miles of footpaths, cycle routes and acres of woodland this really is a beautiful part of the country
Why not visit Guildford Castle, built during the reign of Henry II, and set in glorious grounds, or visit Loseley Park, an Elizabethan mansion with a walled garden and moat walk. Whatever you are looking for, Surrey has it all to offer, whether it is the latest thrilling ride at a theme park (both Chessington World of Adventures and Great Thorpe Park are in this area), a peaceful stroll back in time, a day at the racing in Epsom, or a cruise on the River Thames or River Wey, the scenery is superb. If you have never visited this rural county before, you will be surprised at how rural this area really is.
The counties of Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire have many pretty little villages waiting to be explored; the Chiltern Hills in particular are very picturesque. Why not visit the Didicot Railway Centre, or just to the east is Waddlesdon Manor where the Rothschild Collection is housed. Further south in Hampshire you could spend some time visiting the ancient New Forest where you can visit the National Motor Museum in Beaulieu or take one of the forest trails.
The 'Garden of England', Kent boasts lush countryside, fruit picking, orchards, hops and more gardens open to the public than any other county in England. The cathedral cities of Canterbury and Rochester are in this area and the spa town of Royal Tunbridge Wells. The landscape of Kent provides setting for some of the country's best loved castles and stately homes. Tonbridge Castle dates back to medieval times as does Leeds Castle with its magnificent lake and parkland. Also in this area is Hever Castle the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, with its fine furniture, paintings, gardens and grounds makes this really worth a visit.
Following the coast in a westerly direction you will find Margate, Ramsgate and Broadstairs. Margate is a family resort. Ramsgate is more quiet and picturesque with an historic harbour, Georgian houses and maritime museum. Broadstairs is a pretty little seaside town where Charles Dickens wrote some of his novels. Further along the coast are Dover and Folkestone, these are the busiest ports in Europe for passenger travel and makes a day trip to France a fun addition to staying in this area.
The four main towns of Kent are Maidstone, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Sevenoaks and Tonbridge. Maidstone with excellent shopping and sports and leisure facilities has an abundance of restaurants, cafes and nightclubs. You can still see the towns' history in the architecture when walking around the centre and there are a number of museums and art galleries
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The 17th century spa town of Royal Tunbridge Wells has been popular with aristocracy and royalty for hundreds of years. This elegant town, reminiscent of a bygone era has some beautiful Georgian architecture as well as an art gallery and museum. This is a good base for exploring the Kentish countryside, with its rural landscapes and villages.
Sevenoaks dates back to Saxon times, and there are many reminders of its historic past, including England's largest private house, Knole set in a 1000 acre deer park which is close to the town centre. Also has 16th century architecture in the town centre. The High Street is browser's paradise with speciality shops offering antiques, books and paintings.
Tonbridge was first settled during the Iron Age when a fort was built to defend an important crossing on the River Medway. The Normans later chose a site beside the river for their splendid castle, which dominates the town to this day. Surrounded by 14 acres of lawns and gardens, its mighty gatehouse now invites you to travel back over 700 years. The Tonbridge Waterways are very picturesque and you can enjoy a trip on a boat or walk along the riverbank.
Throughout the Heart of Kent there are leisure facilities to suit all ages and tastes. Why not explore on horseback or watch the countryside roll by as you enjoy a ride in a magnificent Victorian steam train of the Kent & East Sussex Railway. Golfers will appreciate the wide choice of excellent courses in the area. Flyfishing is also popular at many different locations including Bewl Water, which offers a range of water sports.
East Sussex is an area with a diverse range of attractions and beauty spots with something for everyone. Good sunshine, clean beaches and stunning countryside ensure that visitors keep returning year after year to this part of England. Areas of outstanding natural beauty, peaceful countryside, woodland and stunning views of the sea are all in this area of South East England. The seaside towns to visit in this area are: the elegant, unspoilt town of Eastbourne, with wide promenades, beaches, pier and beautiful gardens, attractions for the family make a visit to this town reminiscent of times of a bygone era.
Pevensey and Pevensey Bay including the famous castle, is a quieter resort with a good choice of antique shops. Bexhill-on-Sea with the famous art deco De La Warr Pavilion, the peaceful fishing town of Hastings where you can visit Battle the famous battle site of 1066. The vibrant city of Brighton is a shopper's paradise and holds various festival events throughout the year. If you love exploring bookshops why not visit Lewes and also worth a visit is the famous Bluebell Railway.
West Sussex is an area with so much to offer the visitor. An abundance of National Trust properties and gardens, golf courses and vineyards, sailing, nature reserves and country parks. If you are interested in history the Bignor Roman Villa at Pilborough is a must see. Featuring the finest mosaic pavement outside Italy and Arundel Castle this is an impressive Norman stronghold set in extensive grounds with a Barons Hall armoury and restored Victorian kitchen garden.
If you are a lover of the outdoors there are many beautiful gardens West Sussex can offer; Highdown Gardens in Worthing is a 9-acre chalk pit garden with plants thriving on lime soil, and Leonardslee at Lower Beeding Nr Horsham is a 240-acre valley garden with 7 stunning lakes.