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
Discover the mystery of the Rosetta Stone
Visit the British Museum for free and see the famous Rosetta Stone. Dating back to ancient Egypt, the stone was key in the deciphering of hieroglyphs.
Location: London, Greater London
Learn about Jack the Ripper at City of London Police Museum
This museum offers a fascinating insight into the lives of the men, women and animals who have guarded the City since 1839.
Location: London, Greater London
Rainy Day Activities: Explore history at Winchester’s Military Museums
Broaden your knowledge of the British Army and the various battles fought throughout history at Winchester’s six Military Museums.
Location: Winchester, Hampshire
Explore Brighton's Cultural Quarter
Find an exotic Royal palace, classical concerts, West End shows and fine art all within a moment’s walk of each other.
Location: Brighton & Hove, East Sussex
Investigate the origins of Sherlock Holmes at Portsmouth Museum
Discover more about the creator of the iconic detective Sherlock Holmes at Portsmouth Museum.
Location: Portsmouth, Hampshire
Meet Normandy veterans at The D-Day Story
Visit The D-Day Story in Portsmouth and you may be able to meet some of the men and women who took part in the Normandy Landings.
Location: Portsmouth, Hampshire
Experience the life of a Royal Marine
Train yourself to the peak of physical fitness at an outdoor assault course and see if you've got what it takes, at the Royal Marines Museum.
Location: Portsmouth, Hampshire
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
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
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
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
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
