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Destination Guide to the South East of England

Rubbing shoulders with Europe, England’s South East has played a central role in the nation’s rich history making it the ideal destination for a cultural English vacation.

The south east of England shows off this great nation at its most traditional; mellow, pastoral landscapes are dotted with royal palaces, ancient castles and quintessential English townships. The region stretches from London and the city’s bordering “home counties” through the rolling hills of the Thames valley to the country’s most iconic coastline on the English Channel culminating at Dover’s famous white cliffs. Inland the region’s landscapes alternate from the natural untamed beauty of the national parks of the South Downs in West Sussex and the New Forest in Hampshire to some of England’s most famous cultivated gardens such as those at Sissinghurst in Kent and Wakehurst in West Sussex.Due to its geographical setting, situated between the epicentre of London and the English Channel, the South East has always been at the heart of England’s history whether bearing witness to invasions from continental Europe or as the stomping ground of monarchs, politicians and renowned English figures. Today the region is bustling with affluent towns spilling out from London home to rich commuters whilst the landscapes bear hallmarks of even wealthier historic inhabitants. Kent is home to two of England’s most iconic and glorious royal palaces at Hever Castle and Leeds Castle both with connections to the Tudor Dynasty and most notably Henry VIII and his wives. Nearby you’ll find one of many opulent manor at Churchill’s family home at Chartwell whilst further south you’ll find the site of England’s most infamous Battle at Hastings and Battle Abbey. A highlight not to be missed is the glorious Highclere Castle, peacefully set in the Hampshire countryside, this Victorian castle is better known as television’s Downton Abbey.

There are a wealth of historic towns and cities in the region. English cathedral city’s can be found at their most quintessential in Winchester, with connections to Jane Austen, and the Ecclesiastical capital of England itself in Canterbury, setting of Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales. The coastal towns here, however, contrast vividly from the fortified port and iconic white cliffs of Dover to the gloriously bohemian resort town of Brighton home of the opulent Royal Pavillion and the home of English maritime history at Portsmouth. Possibly the jewel in the crown however is the stunning town of Windsor, home to England’s most famous Royal Residence at Windsor Castle.

Home to cathedral cities, coastal towns and some of England’s most famous Castles, the unique history of the south east should be experienced on any tour of England.

Relevant Tours

Castle Tours - Blenheim Palace

A Britain Castle Tour - Indulge in the history and heritage of England, Scotland and Wales by day and see its character reflected in your unique and distinguished accommodation each night on this deluxe tour of Britain. With your overnight accommodation in quality castle or manor house hotels, your tour will take you through the elegant cities of York, Bath, Oxford and Edinburgh as well as the natural beauty of the Cotswolds, the Yorkshire Moors, the Scottish Lowlands and the mountains of Snowdonia.

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Britain Tours - Lake District

A Small Group Tour of England and Scotland – From the southernmost tip of the Cornish Peninsular to the remote wilderness of the Isle of Skye, enjoy an epic small-group journey through the diverse cultures and landscapes of England and Scotland. Discover the quaint fishing towns of Cornwall, the rolling hills of the Cotswolds, the rustic dales of Yorkshire and the barren moorlands of the Scottish Highlands. Along the way we’ll visit the heritage cities of Bath, York, Chester and Edinburgh and experience regional food, drink and hospitality. South Coast to Skye is the perfect way to immerse yourself in the culture and panoramas of England and Scotland.

Tours of England - Liverpool

A British Rail Tour – Get two countries for the price of one as you use the British rail network to explore the rails England and Wales. Your itinerary will include scenic rail rides through the scenic Welsh border Marches and over the Yorkshire Dales whilst overnight stops include the historic cities of Chester and York and the cosmopolitan Welsh capital city of Cardiff. In order to best explore the rural landscapes of Wales we’ve included two separate day tours to explore the South Wales countryside and the mountains of Snowdonia in the North Wales.

Gardens Tours England

An English Gardens Tour – This small-group journey allows you to enjoy the undoubted highlight of the British gardening year, the Chelsea Flower Show, exhibiting award-winning gardens and resplendent flower displays. With this event as its centrepiece, this tour explores the charming county of Kent, known as the “Garden of England” and celebrates some of the most iconic, creative and inspirational historic houses and gardens in England.

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England Tours - Hever Castle

An England Small Group Tour – Explore quintessential England on this six-day journey through the beautiful counties of the South East. Discover a wealth of historic and cultural attractions from Canterbury Cathedral and Dover’s White Cliffs to harbour town Whitstable, the “pearl of Kent”. On route sample award-winning English beers, wander some of England’s finest gardens and explore grandiose medieval castles and Royal Palaces.

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Chester, England

An England Rail Tour – Make use of England’s extensive and far-reaching rail network to explore the corners of this great nation.  From the capital city of London your journey will take you to England’s farthest reaches in on the Cornish Peninsula and the Lake District. Along the way you’ll visit a host of heritage cites including Plymouth, Bath, Oxford, Chester and York. You’ll take in scenic rail rides along the Cornish Coast and over the Yorkshire Dales and enjoy small-group day tours to reach those less accessible spots including Stonehenge, the Cotswolds and the dramatic scenery of the Lake District.

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