Inside: 8 Unmissable Attractions in the South of England. Collaborative post.
The south of England is home to some of the UK’s most beautiful hot spots that are well worth exploring. From Alfred the Great’s monumental city Winchester to Brighton’s iconic pier, nestled between the historical sites to the sandy shores, you will find some of the country’s top attractions.
But what is it that draws in the crowds year after year? Whether you like to discover unique finds or make lasting memories with your loved ones, you will find that and more in the UK’s southern lands!
To make life easier for you, we’ve rounded up 8 unmissable attractions on England’s south coast:
Dover Castle
Often thought to be the “Gateway to England,” Dover Castle is the largest of its kind in the British Isles. With its rich blend of British royalty and military history, as well as it being a former WWII fort, it’s a worthwhile destination for the avid explorer to enjoy!
While you’re there, check out the Operation Dynamo and Underground Hospital tours to give you the fullest experience before heading down to the Fan Bay Deep Shelter – a series of WWII defence tunnels.
After donning your hard hat made complete by a head torch to light your way through the tunnels, make sure you take a stroll along the iconic White Cliffs of Dover. The majestic contrast from the crystal clear blue English Channel to the chalky cliffs and luscious green grasslands is well worth a look. You can even see all the way to France on a clear day!
Exciting Escapes
Are you prepared to crack the case wide open? Put your logic and creative thinking skills to the test? All while stepping back through time? Well, now yours chance!
Fully interactive, immersive and taking role-playing to the next level, Exciting Escapes offers one of the UK’s top-rated exciting escape rooms in Portsmouth, Southampton and Basingstoke! With 21 authentic escape rooms to choose from, including:
- The 1928 based art deco meets Peaky Blinders mission, Dark Deeds and Groceries
- A dastardly plot that blurs the lines between love and romance while you try to prevent an assassination, Murder at the Movies
- Uncover dark secrets in the silent 1980s hospital, The Voices We Hear
Whether you love playing video games, want a unique date night or want to reconnect with your loved ones, challenge yourselves to one of Exciting Escapes games! It’s an experience you’ll never forget!
Royal Pavillion, Brighton
Home to one of the most visited beaches in the UK, Brighton is bursting with all the cosmopolitan vibes you could dream of outside of London. While most visitors come for the beach and, of course, the iconic pier, it’s the Royal Pavillion that tips the scales.
Built as a seaside pleasure palace for King George IV, the remarkable Royal Pavillion has stood for over 200 years. Combining Regency grandeur with the opulent visual style of both India and China, this former WWI hospital and civic building has become a true icon of Brighton.
Winchester Cathedral
Winchester Cathedral is an extraordinary sight. Not only has it seen over fifteen centuries of English history within its walls, but it still remains one of the most pivotal places within the heart of historic Winchester.
From playing a pivotal role in Alfred the Great’s reign during the Anglo Saxon times to having the longest nave in Europe, you’ll struggle to find another site in the whole of the British Isles that is so well preserved to this day.
Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
Step abroad Nelson’s legendary warship, HMS Victory. Explore the depths in the only remaining WWII submarine, HMS Alliance. Or discover the remains of Henry VIII’s pride and joy, The Mary Rose.
Whether you’re into maritime history or simply want to find out more about the lives of the men and women who have served on some of the UK’s most famous vessels ever, take a trip down to Portsmouth’s Historic Dockyard.
There you can step back through nearly 600 years of history, witness the triumphs and defeats through interactive displays and see rare artefacts dating back to the Tudor age.
Spinnaker Tower
Whether you want to sit back, relax and indulge in decadent High Tea delights, abseil down the outside of this monumental 170-metre tall tower or take in the breathtaking scenery sweeping Portsmouth Harbour, the Solent to the Isle of White, then head down to Spinnaker Tower.
You can discover stories behind some of the surrounding sites through the tower’s informative touch screen displays, try “vertigo-inducing virtual reality”, Altitude or get wed all in Portsmouth’s unique and versatile venue.
Stonehenge
Atmospheric, mysterious and almost as old as time itself, Stonehenge is an absolute must see if you are planning a trip to southern England. A World Heritage Site and undeniably the most well known prehistoric monument in Europe, you will experience a world-class exhibition that will take you right back to the Neolithic Age.
While there you will discover how the Stonhenge builders wrecked to create the timeless standing stones we still see today, and walk amongst Neolithic houses to experience how they lived.
Whether you want to soak up the summer Soltice and get close to the circle itself, or take a stroll around the exhibits and more, you won’t find another site as imposing and remarkable as this!
Solent Sky Museum
Nestled in the heart of Southampton, you will find the unmissable Solent Sky Museum. Within its walls, you will discover how Southampton became “Spitfire City” and how it was the world’s epicentre for aircraft experimentation and development in the early to mid 20th century.
Showcasing some of the world’s greatest aircraft, including the legendary Spitfire, a Supermarine S6a (N248) and 4 cockpit sections for you to explore for yourself, you won’t find a more in-depth look into the iconic aircraft that helped shape aviation history.
Come rain or shine you will discover some of the country’s best unmissable attractions right in the heart of southern England. Where will you visit first?