Dramatic coastlines, sweeping landscapes and chocolate box towns all makeup Southern England’s makeup. But when it comes to unmissable adventures, this corner of Britain has it all. From water sports to fossil hunting, prehistoric sites and unique experiences, you won’t struggle to make lasting memories.
No matter the weather, there is plenty to see and do. But to help you decide where to go, we’ve rounded up some of our favourite sites and attractions to get you inspired:
Explore the Jurassic Coast
Nothing is as quintessentially British nor ancient as the South of England’s Jurassic Coast. Found between Exmouth, Devon and Old Harry Rocks near Swanage, Dorset, the stretch of coast takes you on a journey that spans millions of years to the modern day.
Nestled along the 95-mile stretch, you’ll find the quaint seaside towns of Lyme Regis and Charmouth. Famed for its connections to literary hero Jane Austen, it is perhaps revered palaeontologist Mary Anning that really put Lyme on the map.
200 years ago, Anning discovered impossible finds that changed the shape of the world forever. She found monsters of the deep and skies: Icythysaurs, pterosaurs and plesiosaurs. Today, visitors in their thousands visit the same Church Beach that she walked and find prehistoric fossils of their own. So grab your trowel and get searching!
Play the detective
Southampton’s favourite escape room, Exciting Escapes, is a revolutionary, fully immersive experience that will leave you wanting more! With sixty minutes on the clock, you and your team will solve puzzles, crack codes and attempt the seemingly impossible: to make your escape!
If you’re looking for adrenaline-pumping fun that makes lasting memories, this is a must-stop. Uncover top secrets from the WWII-based Silence is a Virtue. Thwart enemy agents in the 1950s inspired A Hidden Past. Or travel to the future and board the SS Great Britain in Spies in Space!
And the adventure doesn’t stop there. Have a rummage in the dress-up box, don your best Sherlock impression and take on the thrilling adventure of a lifetime! Do you think you have what it takes to make your escape?
Come face to face with a formidable Tudor warship
Henry VIII’s prize vessel, the Mary Rose, is the only Tudor warship of its kind left in existence. She and her crew went head to head with the French navy several times during her career until a freak accident during the Battle of the Solent in 1545 made her sink to the depths where she would lie for nearly 500 years.
During the 1980s, the Mary Rose was salvaged in the most extensive marine archaeological excavation of all time. After decades of research and treatment methods, she now stands in her final resting place at the Mary Rose Museum in Portsmouth.
You can get up close and personal to her formidable hull and discover thousands of impossible artefacts such as well-preserved peppercorns and artillery. You can step through the airlock chamber, and breathe in the smells of the ship and learn more about the remarkable crew who lost their lives all those years ago.
Whether you’re a history buff or simply like one-of-a-kind experiences, the Mary Rose is an unmissable attraction.
Soak in a Roman Bath
Bath offers one of the most comprehensive looks into Britain’s Roman past. And its main attraction is, of course, the incredible, well-preserved Roman Baths. You can breathe in the same delicious scents that the Romans did from the natural spring waters that fed the baths back in the day.
Walk around the Roman Baths and learn about how the ancient locals got a bit of R&R. Afterwards, have a dip in Thermae Bath Spa and get a taste of the restorative waters that have washed the locals for thousands of years.
While you’re in town, make sure you check out one of the fantastic cafes and indulge in a sensational Afternoon Tea. The Mad Hatter’s Tea Party and the Georgian Tearooms are well worth a look!
Punt along the River Cam
Cambridge really does have something for everyone. Whether you’re a culture lover, history buff or outdoor enthusiast, you won’t struggle to find your groove in this atmospheric city.
But, nothing screams Cambridge adventure more than having a go at punting along the River Cam. You can even book yourself in for a guided punting tour to give you an in-depth look at the culture of the town.
Once you’re done, explore the historical university and stop by the King’s College Chapel for a unique view of the inner workings of the past and present. Later, reconnect with nature at the beautiful Botanic Gardens before heading to The Eagle for a well-earned pint.
Unleash your inner Neolithic
Stonehenge is a famous world heritage site. Its history has fascinated locals, archaeologists and writers alike for millennia. But what is it about this atmospheric site that keeps people hooked?
Whether you want to experience Summer Solstice and step within touching distance of the stones, find out more about how the Neolithic people worked and lived or connect with the past, Stonehenge is an unmissable place.
A must-see monument, Stonehenge is a powerful testament to human creativity, ingenuity and imagination. And the world-class exhibition is a celebration of everything that made this place such a captivating and unusual site over the years.
Explore the monuments and mysteries of the wider Stonehenge and Salisbury Plain landscape and discover the secrets of this unforgettable place!
Marvel at geological wonders
The Isle of Wight is the jewel of the Solent. With its remarkable Needles making it stand out in the glittering waters to the vintage beach huts and fairground rides, it’s well worth the 22-minute trip from Portsmouth.
Take to the waters and enjoy various water sports, from kayaking to paddleboarding. Venture along Blackgang Chine, meet unusual creatures at Monkey Haven and experience the island’s sights and sounds from the ramparts at Carisbrooke Castle.
Southern England has it all. Whether you’re a history buff, love to connect with nature or experience something new and unique, you won’t struggle to find your next adventure! What will you do first?
