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 Witterings on a coastal break
Spot multi-coloured sailing boats, follow your nose in fudge shops and snuggle down in cosy pubs on a visit to The Witterings.
Location: Witterings, West Sussex
Visit the Diamond Isle
Enjoy a 10 min trip on the Needles Park Chairlift and go dinosaur hunting.
Location: Isle of Wight
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
Action packed watersports at Camber Sands
Kite-flyers and windsurfers of all ages and abilities should head to Camber Sands - a dramatic sandy beach on the south coast, and the perfect spot to catch the waves.
Location: Camber Sands, East Sussex
Coast to countryside views from Arundel Castle
Explore Arundel’s rich history and heritage with re-enactments and family fun-days at Arundel Castle.
Location: Arundel, West Sussex
Have a great British seaside break at Butlin's Bognor Regis
Famous for long sunshine hours, royal visits and Billy Butlin, the seaside town of Bognor Regis, on the border of the South Downs National Park, is the perfect destination for a family-friendly short break.
Location: Bognor Regis, West Sussex
Kayak around The Needles rocks and lighthouse
How would you like to get up close and personal with one of the Isle of Wight’s most iconic landmarks?
Location: Freshwater, Isle of Wight
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
Get lost in Blackgang Chine’s world of imagination
Lose yourself in the Land of Imagination at Blackgang Chine…the UK’s oldest amusement park where you step out of the everyday and into a magical world where the only constraint is your own creativity.
Location: Blackgang, 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
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
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
Take a wind-whipped voyage of discovery with RIB Request
Sit back and feel the wind fly through your hair as you speed out to sea on a RIB Request boat trip.
Location: Ramsgate, Kent
June events: Step back in time at Broadstairs Dickens Festival
The usually quiet coastal town Broadstairs comes to life to celebrate the life of Dickens at this week-long, eclectic festival.
Location: Broadstairs, Kent
Get your fair share of thrills on Brighton Pier
From the traditional helter skelter to heart-racing thrills overlooking the sea, the iconic Brighton Pier is a seaside theme park for families of all ages.
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
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
Walk the Plank at Clarence Pier
Are you brave enough to tackle high wire bridges and navigate rope ladders whilst hovering 10 metres above the sea at Clarence Pier?
Location: Portsmouth, Hampshire
July events: Portsmouth International Kite Festival
Take a kite to Southsea Common and get involved in one of the world's biggest and best kite festivals.
Location: Portsmouth, Hampshire
Go fossil hunting in East Sussex
You never know what you might find on a fossil-hunting session on Peacehaven beach.
Location: East Sussex
Rise above it all with a stay at Chewton Glen’s treehouses
Escape to your very own luxury treehouse for panoramic views and nature at your fingertips at Chewton Glen.
Location: New Milton, Hampshire