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
Adventure boat trips to Beachy Head
Jump aboard an adrenaline filled boat trip for a close up view of the stunning South Downs National Park coastline and Beachy Head lighthouse.
Location: Eastbourne, East Sussex
Go shopping in Little Chelsea
Explore the Victorian shopping streets of Little Chelsea in Eastbourne for contemporary homewares, art galleries and restored antiques.
Location: Eastbourne, East Sussex
Alfresco Shakespeare in Eastbourne’s pretty Italian Gardens
Discover one of the South Coast’s best kept secrets, with hidden gardens, secluded walkways, outdoor Shakespeare and rock pooling.
Location: Eastbourne, East Sussex
Nightly summer bandstand concerts and weekly fireworks
The UK’s busiest bandstand on Eastbourne’s seafront offers nightly concerts from pop to rock throughout summer, with a weekly firework crescendo.
Location: Eastbourne, East Sussex
Take an inspiring trip through Shanklin Chine
This leafy gorge on the Isle of Wight is lined with rare plants, wildlife and waterfalls, making for a magical walk day or night.
Location: Shanklin, Isle of Wight
Bask in the traditional charm of Shanklin Seafront
Shanklin Seafront is one of the Isle of Wight's most popular seaside resorts, with loads to keep the kids quiet and plenty of places for adults to take it easy.
Location: Shanklin, Isle of Wight
Discover a foodie’s heaven on the quayside
Enjoy fine dining, traditional pubs and a long history of oyster fishing in Emsworth, near Portsmouth.
Location: Emsworth, Hampshire
Get your vintage chic on at Dreamland Margate
Indulge in an 'old fashioned yet oh so fashionable' break in the UK's trendiest seaside resort
Location: Margate, Kent
Travel the Solent Way
Get your boots on, pick up some treats and strike out on The Solent Way.
Location: Lymington, Hampshire
July events: Whitstable Oyster Festival
One of the biggest events in Kent’s calendar, the annual oyster festival in trendy Whitstable is far more than a foodie’s fiesta.
Location: Whitstable, Kent
Harwich Maritime Heritage Trail
Take a voyage of discovery around the old port of Harwich and discover a wealth of maritime history.
Location: Harwich, Essex
Go in search of Sherlock, smugglers and Legless Rambler
Discover the hidden secrets of East Dean at this pretty village, set in the South Downs National Park, just outside of Eastbourne.
Location: Eastbourne, East Sussex
Join a ghost tour of England’s spookiest fortress
Join a spooky twilight tour at Eastbourne’s Redoubt Fortress this October for a fun and frightful tour around the creepy cobwebbed corridors.
Location: Eastbourne, East Sussex
Meet the mysterious Long Man of Wilmington
Take a trip to discover this incredible figure situated on the South Downs, near Eastbourne.
Location: Eastbourne, East Sussex
Cycle and canoe in the iconic Seven Sisters Country Park
Explore the South Downs Way, near Eastbourne, discovering Seven Sisters Country Park by bicycle and the Cuckmere Valley by canoe.
Location: Eastbourne, East Sussex
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
Go on the Taste Round the Island Cycle Route
Enjoy a three to four night cycle tour on quiet country lanes right around the Island, whilst stopping at top quality food and drink “taste locations” on route.
Location: Isle Of Wight
Channel your inner artist in the South Downs
Create your own artistic masterpiece at one of the South Downs’ most scenic locations, with stunning views of the Seven Sisters and Cuckmere Valley.
Location: Eastbourne, East 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
Go on a ‘legless ramble’ through East Sussex’s countryside
Escape to the English countryside and explore Beachy Head in East Sussex, first on a brewery tour and then on foot.
Location: Eastbourne, East Sussex
Soar above England’s highest chalk sea cliff
Work up the courage for a unique, exhilarating way to take in the iconic scenery of East Sussex’s famous Beachy Head, near Eastbourne.
Location: Eastbourne, East Sussex