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.

Eagle Heights Wildlife Centre

Get up close with over 150 species of birds of prey, reptiles, and exotic animals at Eagle Heights Wildlife Centre in the Kent countryside... Keep reading

WWT Arundel Wetland Centre

A wetland nature reserve where nature soothes, wildlife thrives, and calm waters meet open skies. Visitors can enjoy boat safaris through beautiful wetland habitats,... Keep reading

Barleylands Farm Park

A brilliant day out for all the family, Barleylands Farm Park in Essex offers hands-on animal encounters, tractor rides, and plenty of outdoor fun... Keep reading

Beaver Water World

Get up close with otters, meerkats, and of course beavers at this charming small animal park in the heart of the Kent/Surrey countryside. A... Keep reading

Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens

A wildlife park featuring a diverse collection of animals including giraffes, lions, rhinos, penguins, meerkats, and many other species. The park includes gardens, a... Keep reading

Hobbledown

A wild and magical adventure farm near Epsom, Hobbledown blends a mythical storyline with animals, play zones, and outdoor discovery — perfect for curious... Keep reading

Buttercups Sanctuary for Goats

The UK's first registered charity solely dedicated to goat welfare, founded in 1989. Home to over 140 goats at the sanctuary and caring for... Keep reading

Foxburrows Children's Zoo

A charming small zoo in the heart of Essex where little ones can get up close with a wonderful variety of animals. Perfect for... Keep reading

WWT London Wetland Centre

A wetland oasis in London featuring colourful water birds, Asian short-clawed otters, and diverse wildlife across lakes, pools and gardens. The centre offers adventure... Keep reading

London Aquarium

Dive into an underwater world right in the heart of London! Sea Life London Aquarium on the South Bank is home to thousands of... Keep reading

The Wildheart Animal Sanctuary

A rescue-focused animal sanctuary on the Isle of Wight where families can meet big cats, primates, reptiles and more — all while supporting genuine... Keep reading

Imperial Birds of Prey Academy

Get up close with magnificent hawks, falcons, owls and eagles at the Imperial Birds of Prey Academy — a thrilling falconry experience perfect for... Keep reading

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

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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