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
Visit the Diamond Isle
Enjoy a 10 min trip on the Needles Park Chairlift and go dinosaur hunting.
Location: Isle of Wight
Explore Dungeness
Dungeness attracts both visionary artists and nature lovers.
Location: Dungeness, Kent
Go walking with dinosaurs
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to walk alongside the dinosaurs that once roamed the earth? Well now you can…
Location: Sandown, Isle of Wight
July events: Open Studios Isle of Wight
It’s a rare opportunity to be invited into an artist’s creative space, but in the Isle of Wight, they’re happy to fling open their doors every July for you to come and take a look.
Location: Newport, Isle of Wight
Discover dinosaur footprints on the beach
Everyone who has been to the beach has seen footprints left in the sand, but have you ever seen ones that have been left by a dinosaur?
Location: Brook, Isle of Wight
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
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
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
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
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
Cycle country and coast along the Crab and Winkle Way to Whitstable
With 7 miles of almost traffic-free cycling, the Crab and Winkle Way trails between Kent’s historical heart, Canterbury, and Whitstable on the north Kent coast.
Location: Canterbury, Kent
Embark on a beginners cycle tour on The Red Squirrel Trail
Looking for your first car free, overnight cycle tour on a beginner’s route? The Red Squirrel Trail is the perfect multi day family cycle adventure, and is mostly on car free rail trail.
Location: Isle Of Wight
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
Find fabulous free fun by the sea in Portsmouth
If you're looking for a great break that won’t break the bank this summer then Portsmouth is the place to be.
Location: Portsmouth, Hampshire
Discover the UK’s largest Bronze Age causeway
Explore the ground-breaking discovery of Britain’s Biggest Bronze Age Causeway in new exhibition Making Tracks: Eastbourne’s Bronze Age Mystery.
Location: Eastbourne, East Sussex
Fun and free on Kent’s coastline
Who says you need to break the bank to have a great day out with so much available for free on the coast of Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate?
Location: Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate, Kent
Stylish budget accommodation by the sea
Travelling on a budget doesn't mean you have to cut back on style; enjoy a relaxing break in one of Brighton’s chic and cosy hotels and hostels.
Location: Brighton & Hove, East Sussex
December events: Join the biggest Christmas Day party in Britain
Wake up on Christmas morning and head down to Eastbourne's Bandstand for a festive live concert you won't forget.
Location: Eastbourne, East Sussex
Vintage swimwear, Lewis Carroll’s desk and summer keepsakes
Step back in time and discover British seaside holidays through the ages in the new Summer Holiday Seaside exhibition on Eastbourne’s elegant seafront.
Location: Eastbourne, East Sussex
