Our guide to the best days out in South East

Posh royal pads. Seaside party towns. There’s tons to see in the South East.

Howletts

Home to one of the world's most important gorilla colonies, Howletts Wild Animal Park near Canterbury offers an unforgettable close-up wildlife experience for the... Keep reading

Bournemouth Oceanarium

Dive into an underwater world at Bournemouth Oceanarium, where sharks, rays, sea turtles and tropical fish bring the ocean to life for the whole... Keep reading

Battersea Dogs & Cats Home

Battersea offers love and expert care to dogs and cats who need them by rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming animals at their centres. They also... Keep reading

Liberty's Owl, Raptor and Reptile Centre

Get up close with owls, hawks, falcons, and exotic reptiles at this brilliant family-run centre in the heart of the New Forest. Flying displays,... Keep reading

The Aspinall Foundation

Get up close to some of the world's most endangered animals at Port Lympne Wild Animal Park — a stunning 600-acre reserve in the... Keep reading

The Fenn Bell Conservation Project

Get up close to a wonderful array of rescued and exotic animals at The Fenn Bell Conservation Project in Rochester — a hidden gem... Keep reading

Theden Animal Park

Get up close with a wonderful array of animals at Theden Animal Park — a brilliant day out for families, animal lovers, and curious... Keep reading

Blue Reef Aquarium Portsmouth

Blue Reef Aquarium Portsmouth showcases thousands of marine animals across immersive exhibits. Perfect for all ages, it combines education with wonder, making it a... Keep reading

Crocodiles of the World

Get up close to the world's most fearsome reptiles at the UK's only crocodilian zoo, home to over 100 crocodiles, caimans, alligators, and gharials... Keep reading

Battersea Park Children's Zoo

A charming small-scale zoo tucked inside Battersea Park, home to meerkats, lemurs, otters and more — perfect for little ones discovering wildlife for the... Keep reading

Brighton Aquarium

Dive into the deep at one of the world's oldest operating aquariums, right on Brighton's famous seafront. A brilliant all-weather family day out packed... Keep reading

Wingham Wildlife Park

Wingham Wildlife Park is home to the widest variety of animals in Kent. The park covers an area of 26 acres and offers informative... Keep reading

The Big Cat Sanctuary

Set in Smarden at the heart of the Kent countryside, The Big Cat Sanctuary is a globally recognised centre dedicated to the conservation and... Keep reading

Hastings Aquarium

An aquarium featuring ocean exhibits with an underwater tunnel, jungle encounters, and various marine life including archer fish. The attraction offers daily talks and... Keep reading

Howletts Wild Animal Park

Kent's original wildlife park and animal conservation charity, home to over 390 rare and endangered animals including the largest herd of African elephants in... Keep reading

Bede's Zoo

Discover a wonderful world of animals at Bede's Zoo in the heart of the East Sussex countryside — a brilliant day out for families... Keep reading

Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve

Visit Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve for an unforgettable safari experience set against hundreds of acres of stunning Kentish savannah. Home to over 900... Keep reading

The Living Rain Forest

Step into a warm, lush tropical rainforest teeming with exotic plants and free-roaming animals — right in the heart of Berkshire. A unique and... Keep reading

Hawk Conservancy Trust

The Hawk Conservancy Trust is a bird of prey wildlife centre dedicated to conservation and research. Set within 22 acres of countryside, visitors can... Keep reading

Haven Falconry Bird of Prey Centre

Get up close with magnificent birds of prey at Haven Falconry on the Isle of Wight — an unforgettable wildlife encounter for the whole... Keep reading

Marwell Zoo

Marwell Zoo is a 140-acre wildlife park in Hampshire featuring hundreds of animals including giraffes, tigers, leopards, meerkats, and penguins. A great family day... Keep reading

Tintagel Castle

Tintagel is like a treasure chest waiting to be opened. From the Great Hall to Merlin's Cave, every corner holds a piece of history... Keep reading

Dover Castle

Perched atop the iconic White Cliffs of Dover, overlooking the English Channel, Dover Castle in Kent, UK, stands as a testament to centuries of... Keep reading

Days out in South East

See how the other half live (and shop like them), at Berkshire’s Windsor Castle or London’s Knightsbridge. Oxfordshire has a certain uni city worth checking out and the Duke of Marlborough’s Blenheim Palace is pretty eye-popping.

For a laid-back afternoon, chill out by the river at Kingston-upon-Thames. Or for something livelier, head to East Sussex for a day (and night) by Brighton beach. Tell Fatboy Slim we said hi.

You’ll also find hills, gardens and vineyards (honest) in Surrey - with vintage shops and nice views in Epsom, Guildford and Farnham.

Want something to keep the kids busy too? Try Legoland or the London Dungeon.

With so much cool stuff to do from London to the coast, you’re sorted.

For super easy parking in the South East try JustPark to find available spots (or even reserve the spot in advance!).

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A little nugget about the South East

The South East is home to the angriest road users in the UK apparently. Largely down to the traffic jams on the M40 we believe.

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