I never thought England would leave me speechless until I stood on the chalk cliffs at Durdle Door. That massive limestone arch rising from the turquoise sea looked more like something you’d find in the Mediterranean than Britain. And the moment I saw it, I knew all those stereotypes about England being gray and gloomy were completely wrong.
From the Roman spa city of Bath glowing golden in the sunset to the wild ponies roaming the New Forest, these are the most beautiful places in the South of England that blew my mind. Let me share my 12 favorite spots that proved England can be just as dramatic and stunning as anywhere else in Europe. Trust me, this isn’t the England you see in London postcards.
Top Sights to See in the South of England
Looking for the coolest things to do in the South of England? Explore the historic charm of Arundel, enjoy the coastal beauty of Bournemouth, and visit the stunning cathedral in Exeter. Discover the seaside allure of Penzance and the maritime heritage of Plymouth. Whether you’re into history, nature, or culture, here are the top attractions to visit in the South of England.
1. Arundel
Arundel Castle is honestly way more impressive than I expected when I first visited. The 2025 season runs April 1st to November 2nd (closed Mondays except bank holidays and August), and at around £28 for adults, it’s pricey but absolutely worth it. I spent a whole day here and didn’t see everything.
The castle’s been home to the Duke of Norfolk since 1067, and you can actually feel that history when you walk through those state rooms. The library is incredible – like something straight out of a movie. The gardens are stunning too, especially in May when thousands of alliums bloom into purple pom-poms everywhere. They’ve just opened a new dipping pond in 2025 that’s perfect for families.
Here’s what really impressed me: the place is spotless. I’ve never seen a tourist attraction kept so clean with that many visitors trampling through daily. The guides are fantastic, especially if you can catch one of the special character tours during school holidays.
Pro tip: book online to save £2, and if you’re visiting in May, don’t miss the Allium Extravaganza. The tulip festival in early April is pretty special too. Arundel town itself is gorgeous for wandering after the castle, with loads of antique shops and decent pubs. The WWT Arundel wetland center nearby is great if you’re into birds or want to try kayaking down the River Arun.
2. Bournemouth
Bournemouth gets a lot of stick from some people, but honestly, it’s got some of the best beaches in England. Seven miles of golden sand that was voted the UK’s number one beach on TripAdvisor in 2024 – and I totally get why.
The beach is properly clean, the water’s surprisingly clear, and there’s loads to do. Bournemouth Pier has all the classic seaside stuff plus a zip line that actually looks terrifying (in a good way). The Lower Gardens stretch right from town to the sea and are perfect for a stroll, especially when they’ve got live concerts on.
I love that they’ve got free electric BBQs on the beach (first come, first served) and the cliff lifts save your legs if you’re staying up on the cliffs. Boscombe Beach is where the surfers hang out, and it’s got a much more relaxed vibe than the main beach.
The nightlife here is mental if you’re into that – loads of bars and clubs. But even if you’re not, the waterfront restaurants are decent, and you can’t beat fish and chips on the pier. RockReef climbing center has some pretty amazing sea views if you fancy something different.
Just heads up – it gets absolutely rammed in summer, especially with younger crowds. Visit in shoulder season if you want it a bit quieter. The Bournemouth Air Festival in late August/early September is spectacular if you time it right.
3. Exeter
Exeter Cathedral has the longest medieval vaulted ceiling in the world, and standing underneath it is properly impressive. The city’s got this cool blend of ancient history and university energy that works really well.
The underground passages are fascinating – medieval engineering that most people don’t know exists. You can actually walk through tunnels that supplied water to the cathedral 600 years ago. The Roman walls are still standing in places, which is pretty amazing when you think about it.
The Quayside area has transformed into a brilliant dining spot. Converted warehouses along the River Exe house some excellent restaurants, and it’s got a proper buzzy atmosphere in the evenings. The independent bookshops and galleries in the narrow streets are worth exploring too.
I always enjoy wandering around here because it feels like a proper English city but without being touristy or pretentious. The University of Exeter keeps things lively, and there are loads of good pubs where students and locals actually mix.
Best time to visit is September when they’ve got festivals on, or December for the Christmas market. The Royal Albert Memorial Museum is worth a look if the weather’s rubbish, and it’s free entry. Exeter makes a great base for exploring Dartmoor or the Devon coast too.
4. Penzance
Penzance is your gateway to Cornwall’s wildest bits, and I love how it feels like the edge of the world. St Michael’s Mount is the big draw – you can walk across at low tide to this castle that literally sits on a rock in the bay. It’s magical, especially at sunset.
The ferry to the Isles of Scilly leaves from here, and those islands have some of the most Caribbean-looking water you’ll find in Britain. Seriously, the blues and greens are unreal. If you can swing the day trip (or better yet, stay overnight), it’s incredible.
Back in town, the Jubilee Pool is this amazing art deco lido where you can swim in heated seawater while watching spectacular sunsets. I’ve had some brilliant evenings there. Newlyn next door is a proper working fishing village with an excellent art gallery.
The harbor area buzzes with fishing boats and has some cracking seafood restaurants. Penzance gets a bit rough around the edges, but that’s part of its charm – it’s not polished or fake. The weather’s milder than most of Cornwall thanks to the Gulf Stream, so even winter visits can be decent.
Land’s End is only 20 minutes away if you want to tick that box, though it’s pretty touristy. The coastal walks around here are phenomenal, especially the South West Coast Path.
5. Plymouth
Plymouth is where England’s maritime story really begins, and they don’t let you forget it. The Mayflower Steps mark where the Pilgrims left for America, though honestly it’s just some steps. The National Marine Aquarium is much more impressive – Britain’s deepest tank with some seriously impressive sea life.
The Hoe waterfront is the star here. The views across Plymouth Sound are brilliant, and Smeaton’s Tower lighthouse is worth climbing for the panorama. Tinside Pool is this gorgeous art deco lido right on the rocks that’s perfect for a swim if you’re brave enough.
HMS Victory and the naval history stuff is fascinating if you’re into that. I found the stories of Drake finishing his bowls game while the Spanish Armada approached pretty entertaining. The Royal William Yard has been converted into shops and restaurants, and it’s got a good atmosphere.
The Barbican old town area is lovely for wandering, with cobbled streets and decent pubs. Plymouth gets unfairly overlooked, but I think it’s got character and some brilliant coastal walks. The South West Coast Path heads off in both directions from here.
Best time to visit is August for the British Fireworks Championship or May for sailing week. The city’s been properly regenerated in recent years and feels vibrant without being pretentious.
6. Portsmouth
Portsmouth is Britain’s naval capital, and HMS Victory is the absolute must-see. Standing on Nelson’s flagship where he died at Trafalgar gives me goosebumps every time. The Mary Rose Museum is incredible – Henry VIII’s warship preserved after 400+ years underwater.
Spinnaker Tower has these glass floors that are genuinely terrifying when you look down 170 meters to the harbor below. The views are spectacular though, especially on clear days when you can see the Isle of Wight.
Gunwharf Quays is brilliant for shopping and eating, built in converted naval warehouses. I love that you can take the ferry to the Isle of Wight for a proper day out – Cowes and Ryde are both worth visiting.
Southsea Common stretches along the coast with Southsea Castle and decent beaches. The D-Day Story museum is moving if you’re interested in wartime history. Portsmouth gets busy during the summer naval festivals, but that’s when it’s at its most atmospheric.
The historic dockyard ticket is expensive but covers loads, and you need a full day to see everything properly. I always grab fish and chips from one of the harbourside places – the fish is genuinely fresh here. The Hard Interchange area can be a bit gritty, but the historic bits are fascinating.
7. Torquay
Palm trees on an English beach? That’s Torquay for you. The microclimate here creates this weird Mediterranean vibe that doesn’t feel quite real. The horseshoe harbor is gorgeous, with colorful fishing boats and waterfront restaurants serving proper fresh seafood.
Agatha Christie was born here, and you can follow the Agatha Christie Mile trail or take the ferry to Greenway House, her holiday home up the River Dart. Crime fans love it. The English Riviera Wheel gives decent views over the bay.
Anstey’s Cove is this hidden gem with crystal-clear water that’s perfect for swimming – you have to walk down a steep path, but it’s worth it. Torre Abbey has beautiful gardens and interesting local history if the weather turns.
The beaches are properly sandy, and Torquay maintains that classic seaside resort feel without being too tacky. Babbacombe Model Village is surprisingly entertaining, and the cliff railway down to Babbacombe Beach is fun.
I love finishing evenings at The Caves – drinking in actual prehistoric caves is pretty unique. The nightlife can get lively, especially in summer with all the holidaymakers. Paignton Zoo is nearby if you’re traveling with kids, and the Dartmouth Steam Railway runs beautiful trips through South Devon.
8. Weymouth
Weymouth‘s three-mile golden beach is properly lovely – shallow water that’s safe for swimming and loads of space even when it’s busy. The Georgian seafront is elegant, and Weymouth Harbour is still a working fishing port with character.
Portland Harbour hosted the 2012 Olympics sailing, and it’s massive – great for water sports if you’re into that. The Fleet Lagoon behind Chesil Beach is fascinating from a geology perspective. Nothe Fort has brilliant views and interesting military history.
The beach huts are colorful and Instagram-worthy, and you can actually rent them for the day. The pier is good for fishing, and there are decent amusement arcades if you want that classic seaside experience. Brewers Quay has restaurants in converted Victorian warehouses.
Weymouth keeps it real – it’s a proper English seaside town without too much gentrification. The Jurassic Coast starts here, so you’re perfectly placed for fossil hunting. Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove are both doable day trips.
Best bet is visiting May through September for swimming weather, though I actually enjoy it in autumn when it’s quieter and the coastal walks are brilliant. The seafood is excellent – caught locally and served fresh.
9. Bath
Bath glows golden in the sunlight, and that’s not just romantic nonsense – the Bath stone actually does that. The Roman Baths are the main event, and they’re genuinely impressive. At around £20+ for adults (book online to save £2), it’s pricey but worth doing once.
The Georgian architecture is stunning – Royal Crescent and The Circus are perfect examples. I love that the whole city center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site but still feels alive rather than museumified. Pulteney Bridge is gorgeous, especially with the River Avon flowing underneath.
Thermae Bath Spa lets you soak in natural thermal waters with rooftop views over the city. It’s relaxing but not cheap. Bath Abbey has incredible fan vaulting and regular concerts. The shopping in Bath is excellent – loads of independent boutiques mixed with bigger names.
Sally Lunn’s historic bakery does famous buns in England’s oldest house. I always end up there for afternoon tea. The Jane Austen Centre is decent if you’re a fan, though it can feel a bit kitschy.
Bath works year-round, but I prefer April-June or September-October when it’s not too crowded. The Christmas market is magical but mental busy. Parking is a nightmare – use Park & Ride or come by train. The Two Tunnels Greenway is brilliant for cycling.
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10. Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door
This is why people call the Jurassic Coast spectacular. Lulworth Cove is this perfectly circular bay carved by the sea, with calm water that’s brilliant for swimming. Durdle Door next door is that famous limestone arch you’ve seen in every England tourism photo.
The walk between them is challenging but incredible – proper cliff-top paths with jaw-dropping views. Man O’ War Beach below Durdle Door is worth the steep scramble down if you’re fit enough. The water there is crystal clear.
I always time sunset at Durdle Door for the best photos. The golden hour light on that limestone is unreal. Early morning is good too for avoiding crowds and getting the best light. The South West Coast Path continues in both directions with more stunning scenery.
Lulworth Castle nearby isn’t actually a castle but a 17th-century hunting lodge that’s worth a look. The Fossil Forest is fascinating if you’re into geology – fossilized tree stumps from 150 million years ago.
Parking fills up fast in summer, so arrive early or visit off-season. The Durdle Door Holiday Park is convenient if you’re camping. The coastal walks here are some of England’s best, but they’re quite challenging – proper walking boots and fitness required.
11. Burrow Farm Gardens
Thirteen acres of pure garden porn near Axminster. Burrow Farm Gardens changes throughout the seasons, and I’ve enjoyed it every time I’ve visited. The spring bulbs are incredible – masses of daffodils and tulips that create this carpet of color.
The Japanese water garden is peaceful, and the Somerset Maze made from corn is fun in summer. Kids love the guinea pig villages, and the glasshouse has exotic butterflies year-round. The cream teas use proper local clotted cream, and you can picnic among the flowers.
Each themed garden tells its own story – there’s a Mediterranean section, herb gardens that smell amazing, and a stumpery that’s surprisingly beautiful. The autumn colors are spectacular, and they do Christmas light displays that are magical.
It’s family-run and feels personal rather than commercial. The owners clearly love what they do, and it shows in every plant. I always buy plants from their nursery – they know their stuff and everything I’ve bought has thrived.
Open roughly March to October, but check their website as they add extra opening days. It’s not huge, but you can easily spend half a day here, especially if you bring a picnic. Axminster itself is a pleasant market town worth exploring.
12. English Riviera
The English Riviera officially includes Torquay, Paignton, and Brixham, and each has its own character. Torquay is elegant and Christie-focused, Paignton is family-friendly with a proper pier, and Brixham is a working fishing port with brilliant seafood.
The coastal railway between them offers stunning cliff-hugging views you can’t see from roads. I love taking boats from Torquay Marina to explore hidden coves only accessible by sea. Berry Head near Brixham has spectacular views and puffins if you time it right.
Brixham Fish Market has daily auctions where restaurants buy their catch. The harbor here feels authentic – proper fishing boats and none of the tourist tat. Golden Hind replica ship is moored here most of the time.
The Torbay Express steam train runs scenic trips along the coast in summer. Paignton Pier has classic amusements and decent fish and chips. Cockington Village is almost too picturesque to be real, with thatched cottages and craft shops.
The palm trees aren’t fake – the Gulf Stream creates this genuinely mild microclimate. I’ve had brilliant February days here when the rest of England was freezing. The coastal path connects all three towns with incredible sea views throughout.
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