12 Jaw-Dropping Destinations in the South of England to Visit This Year

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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

• 📍 Location: West Sussex, England, 1.5 hours south of London and 20 minutes inland from the English Channel
• 🏆 Best For: Castle enthusiasts 🏰, antique hunters 🛍️, nature lovers 🌳
• 📸 Top Experiences: Exploring Arundel Castle, visiting WWT Arundel wetland centre, browsing antique shops
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: May-June for tulip festival 🌷, September for heritage festival 🎭
• 🏨 Where to Stay: The Norfolk Arms Hotel – Historic coaching inn in the town centre

Picture a hilltop castle straight from a fairy tale, and you’ve found Arundel. This charming town earns its fame from Arundel Castle, home to the Duke of Norfolk since 1067. Medieval streets wind past timber-framed shops and galleries where I always discover unique treasures.

Beyond the castle walls, WWT Arundel brings bird lovers face to face with over 200 species along the River Arun. The wetland center offers kayaking adventures downstream toward the coast. Hungry visitors shouldn’t miss the town’s restaurants, where local Sussex produce shines.

2. Bournemouth

• 📍 Location: Dorset, England, on the south coast between Christchurch and Poole
• 🏆 Best For: Beach lovers 🏖️, nightlife seekers 🌃, garden enthusiasts 🌺
• 📸 Top Experiences: Relaxing on award-winning beaches, visiting Lower Gardens, exploring Oceanarium
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: June-August for beach weather ☀️, October for food festival 🍽️
• 🏨 Where to Stay: The Cumberland Hotel – Newly renovated boutique hotel near the beach

Seven miles of golden beaches make Bournemouth the UK’s ultimate seaside haven. Unlike other British resorts, this town’s microclimate keeps beaches comfortable year-round. The Lower Gardens stretch from town to sea, packed with subtropical plants and outdoor concerts.

Modern amenities blend with Victorian charm along the waterfront. RockReef climbing wall offers thrilling sea views, while Boscombe Beach attracts surfing enthusiasts daily. After sunset, the town transforms into one of England’s liveliest party destinations.

3. Exeter

• 📍 Location: Devon, England, 45 minutes from the coast and 2 hours west of Bristol
• 🏆 Best For: History enthusiasts 📚, cathedral admirers ⛪, foodie explorers 🍴
• 📸 Top Experiences: Touring Exeter Cathedral, exploring Roman ruins, walking medieval passages
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: September for festivals 🎪, December for Christmas market 🎄
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Hotel du Vin – Converted eye hospital with award-winning restaurant

Stand beneath the world’s longest medieval vaulted ceiling at Exeter Cathedral, where history spans two millennia. The city’s underground passages reveal medieval engineering marvels that surprise me every visit. Roman walls circle the historic core, protecting modern boutique shops and cafes.

University energy keeps this ancient city young and vibrant. The Quayside transforms into a dining destination come evening, with converted warehouses housing restaurants and bars. Independent bookshops and galleries line narrow streets, making exploration endlessly rewarding.

4. Penzance

• 📍 Location: Cornwall, England, at the westernmost tip of the mainland near Land’s End
• 🏆 Best For: Cornwall explorers 🗺️, art enthusiasts 🎨, island hoppers ⛵
• 📸 Top Experiences: Taking ferry to Isles of Scilly, visiting St Michael’s Mount, exploring Newlyn Art Gallery
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: June-August for mild weather ☀️, October-November for Golowan Festival 🎭
• 🏨 Where to Stay: The Queen’s Hotel – Historic harbour-front hotel with sea views

Cornwall’s western gateway, Penzance, serves up magic both on land and sea. Walk across to St. Michael’s Mount at low tide, reaching a castle that seems to float above the waves. The ferry to the Isles of Scilly awaits adventurers seeking Caribbean-like waters.

Back on shore, the Jubilee Pool lets you swim in naturally heated seawater while watching spectacular sunsets. Local art thrives at Newlyn Gallery, where I’ve found stunning coastal scenes. The harbor buzzes with fishing boats and fresh seafood markets daily.

5. Plymouth

• 📍 Location: Devon, England, on the southwest coast between Exeter and Cornwall
• 🏆 Best For: Maritime history buffs ⚓, ocean pioneers 🌊, seafood enthusiasts 🦞
• 📸 Top Experiences: Taking Mayflower Steps tour, exploring The Hoe waterfront, visiting National Marine Aquarium
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: August for British Fireworks Championship 🎆, May for sailing week ⛵
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Crowne Plaza Plymouth – Modern hotel with harbour views

Where Drake finished his famous game of bowls, Plymouth launches maritime adventures. The Mayflower Steps mark America’s beginning, while HMS Victory shares tales of naval glory. The National Marine Aquarium showcases Britain’s deepest tank and mesmerizing jellyfish displays.

The Hoe waterfront provides endless entertainment, from its art deco Tinside Pool to dramatic coastal walks. Converted naval yards at Royal William Yard now house boutique shops and restaurants. The city where ocean exploration began continues drawing modern adventurers to its shores.

6. Portsmouth

• 📍 Location: Hampshire, England, on the south coast between Brighton and Southampton
• 🏆 Best For: Naval history enthusiasts ⚓, maritime museums 🏛️, island adventures 🏝️
• 📸 Top Experiences: Aboard HMS Victory, exploring Mary Rose Museum, climbing Spinnaker Tower
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: June for D-Day anniversary 🌟, August for Victorious Festival 🎵
• 🏨 Where to Stay: No.4 Carlton Hotel – Boutique B&B near historic dockyard

Board HMS Victory, where Nelson commanded at Trafalgar, making Portsmouth England’s ultimate naval destination. The Mary Rose Museum reveals Henry VIII’s flagship after 437 years underwater, while Spinnaker Tower offers stomach-dropping views through glass floors high above the harbor.

Shopping thrives at Gunwharf Quays, where historic warehouses meet modern retail therapy. Even better, I can take the ferry to the Isle of Wight for island escapes. Southsea Common stretches along the coast with castles and beaches perfect for afternoon strolls.

7. Torquay

• 📍 Location: South Devon, England, 20 miles south of Exeter and 1.5 hours from Bristol
• 🏆 Best For: Beach lovers 🏖️, history enthusiasts 🏛️, foodies 🍽️
• 📸 Top Experiences: Exploring the harbor, visiting Agatha Christie’s birthplace, relaxing on sandy beaches
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: May-September for warm weather and beach activities, spring for fewer crowds 🌞
• 🏨 Where to Stay: The Grand Hotel – Victorian elegance overlooking the bay

Palm trees swaying on the English coast. That’s your first glimpse of Torquay, the “Queen of the English Riviera.” This South Devon gem defies British weather stereotypes with its unique microclimate, creating Mediterranean vibes miles from France.

I fell in love with the horseshoe-shaped harbor, where colorful fishing boats dock alongside waterfront restaurants serving the day’s catch. Mystery lovers should explore the Agatha Christie Mile trail or ferry across to Greenway House, her former holiday retreat. For pure relaxation, head to Anstey’s Cove, a hidden gem with crystal waters perfect for swimming.

Finish your evening with drinks inside prehistoric caves at The Caves. From sandy beaches to Victorian charm, Torquay has an unexpectedly sunny escape.

8. Weymouth

• 📍 Location: Dorset Coast, 2 hours southwest of Southampton
• 🏆 Best For: Families 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦, sailors ⛵, water sports enthusiasts 🏄‍♂️
• 📸 Top Experiences: Walking the harbor, visiting Nothe Fort, playing on the award-winning beach
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: June-August for swimming and festivals, autumn for peaceful coastal walks 🌊
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Hotel Prince Regent – Elegant seafront location with sea views

Three miles of golden sand stretch before you. That’s Weymouth, where traditional seaside charm meets Olympic sailing heritage. This Georgian port town welcomes everyone from families seeking donkey rides to adrenaline junkies chasing kitesurfing thrills.

The beach rocks shallow waters perfect for safe swimming, while Portland Harbour challenges sailors with deep channels. Explore historic Brewers Quay with its Victorian warehouses turned restaurants and museums. For sweeping views, climb White Horse Hill to see the giant chalk figure carved into the hillside.

As evening falls, the harbor springs to life with fishing boats unloading fresh catches. Waterfront restaurants serve the day’s catch within hours of landing, proving Weymouth masters the art of seaside living.

9. Bath

• 📍 Location: Somerset, 1.5 hours west of London and 15 miles southeast of Bristol
• 🏆 Best For: History lovers 🏛️, architecture enthusiasts 🏢, spa seekers 💆‍♀️
• 📸 Top Experiences: Visiting the Roman Baths, touring the Jane Austen Centre, shopping in the Circus
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: April-June or September-October for pleasant weather and fewer crowds 🌸
• 🏨 Where to Stay: The Abbey Hotel – Historic building overlooking the Abbey

Steam rises from ancient waters. Welcome to Bath, where 2,000 years of history meets modern luxury. This golden city contains more historic buildings than anywhere else in Britain, all glowing warm in native limestone.

Start at the Roman Baths, Britain’s finest Roman spa complex. Continue the relaxation at Thermae Bath Spa, where rooftop pools offer views across Georgian spires and slate roofs. Architecture fans won’t miss the perfect symmetry of Royal Crescent or the shopping buzz around The Circus.

I always end my Bath days at Sally Lunn’s in England’s oldest house for their famous buns. Jane Austen fans can trace her footsteps through familiar streets before catching evening concerts at stunning Bath Abbey.

• Read Next: Unique Restaurants in Bath, England

10. Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door

• 📍 Location: Dorset Coast, 40 minutes west of Weymouth
• 🏆 Best For: Photographers 📸, hikers 🥾, geology enthusiasts 🗿
• 📸 Top Experiences: Capturing Durdle Door at sunset, hiking the coastal path, exploring Man O’ War Beach
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon for best photography light, September-October for fewer crowds 🌅
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Durdle Door Holiday Park – Camping and caravans with direct coastal access

Nature’s masterpiece carved from stone. Lulworth Cove creates a perfect circle where limestone cliffs embrace calm waters ideal for swimming. Just beyond, Durdle Door stands proud as centuries of waves sculpted this massive limestone arch into coastal fame.

Photography lovers arrive early to catch golden light transforming these landmarks into pure magic. Adventurous souls brave steep steps down to Man O’ War Beach, a secluded cove rewarding the climb with crystal waters. The challenging coastal path connects both spots, offering infinite viewpoints along the way.

I recommend timing sunset at Durdle Door for unforgettable colors painting the Jurassic Coast. These million-year-old formations prove patience creates the most stunning art.

11. Burrow Farm Gardens

• 📍 Location: Near Axminster, Devon, 30 minutes east of Exeter
• 🏆 Best For: Garden enthusiasts 🌸, families 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦, animal lovers 🦆
• 📸 Top Experiences: Exploring themed gardens, feeding animals, solving the maze
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: May-June for spring blooms, August-September for summer displays 🌺
• 🏨 Where to Stay: The George Hotel, Axminster – Historic coaching inn nearby

Thirteen acres of pure horticultural joy. Burrow Farm Gardens delights visitors from the first spring crocus to the last autumn chrysanthemum. Each themed area tells its own story, from Japanese water gardens to sensory herb plots bursting with fragrance.

Summer brings the Somerset Maze, where corn stalks create ever-changing puzzles. Children adore the guinea pig villages, while parents savor cream teas with local clotted cream. The glasshouse becomes a tropical paradise filled with exotic butterflies throughout colder months.

I always pack a picnic to enjoy among the blooms. Whether hunting pumpkins in autumn or catching Christmas lights displays, this family-run gem offers new discoveries every season.

12. English Riviera

• 📍 Location: South Devon coast, centered around Torquay, Paignton, and Brixham
• 🏆 Best For: Coastal explorers 🏖️, food lovers 🍴, yacht enthusiasts ⛵
• 📸 Top Experiences: Coastal train journey, visiting historic fishing harbors, exploring seaside towns
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: May-early September for warmest weather, April for spring flowers 🌷
• 🏨 Where to Stay: The Imperial Torquay – Iconic cliff-top hotel overlooking the bay

Palm trees line seafronts where England mimics the Mediterranean. The English Riviera spans three distinct coastal gems: elegant Torquay with Victorian splendor, family-friendly Paignton featuring pier entertainment, and authentic fishing port Brixham, where daily auctions sell the freshest catch.

Take the coastal steam train for spectacular cliff-hugging views only accessible by rail. Charter boats from Torquay Marina explore secret coves unreachable by land. Fresh seafood stars at every waterfront restaurant, often caught mere hours before reaching your plate.

I love watching fishing boats return at sunset while sipping wine at harborside cafes. This corner of Devon proves you needn’t cross the English Channel for Continental charm.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Visiting the Beautiful Places in the South of England  

Looking to expand your knowledge about the most scenic spots in the South of England? Here are some common questions I get a lot about the best Southern England attractions.

What is the most beautiful area in the south of England?

Determining the most beautiful area in the South of England is subjective as the region is abundant with natural beauty and charming locales. However, many might argue that areas like the English Riviera and Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door represent the pinnacle of the region’s beauty, offering stunning landscapes, serene beaches, and picturesque settings. The blend of historical richness and natural splendor in these areas provides a diverse and enchanting experience for visitors, making every moment spent a treasure of visual delight.

Is visiting the south of England expensive?

Visiting the South of England can be relatively expensive, especially when compared to other regions in the UK or Europe. Here are some aspects to consider:

1. Accommodation: Prices for hotels and rentals can be high, especially in popular cities like London, Oxford, and Bath. However, there are budget options available, including hostels, budget hotels, and Airbnb rentals.
2. Transportation: Train travel can be expensive, particularly if tickets are purchased on the day of travel. Booking in advance, using railcards, or opting for slower, regional services can reduce costs. Buses are generally cheaper and can be a cost-effective way to travel between cities.
3. Dining: Eating out, especially in tourist areas and major cities, can be pricey. However, there are many affordable options like pubs, food markets, and takeaway eateries. Buying food from supermarkets and preparing your own meals can also save money.
4. Attractions: Many of the South’s attractions, like museums and galleries in London, offer free admission. However, some popular sites, such as historic houses or special exhibitions, may have entrance fees.
5. Season: Traveling during the off-peak season (outside of school holidays and major events) can result in lower accommodation and attraction prices.
6. Location: Costs can vary within the region. London is typically the most expensive area, while smaller towns and rural areas might offer more affordable options.

What is the South of England known for?

The South of England is known for its rich history, stunning landscapes, picturesque coastline, and cultural heritage. Here are some key highlights:

1. Historical Significance: The South of England is steeped in history, with landmarks such as Stonehenge in Wiltshire, the Roman Baths in Bath, and the historic naval port of Portsmouth.
2. Cultural Heritage: This region is home to some of England’s most famous writers, including Jane Austen and Charles Dickens. The city of Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of William Shakespeare, is also in the southern part of the country.
3. Stunning Coastline: The South boasts beautiful coastlines, with popular destinations like the Jurassic Coast in Dorset, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its geological wonders and fossil finds. The seaside towns of Brighton, Bournemouth, and Cornwall are also famous for their beaches and vibrant cultural scenes.
4. Countryside and Natural Beauty: The South of England is characterized by picturesque countryside, including the rolling hills of the Cotswolds, the New Forest with its wild ponies, and the scenic South Downs National Park.
5. Architecture and Estates: The region is dotted with impressive estates and castles, such as Highclere Castle (famous as the filming location for “Downton Abbey”), Windsor Castle, and Blenheim Palace.
6. Universities: The South is home to some of the world’s most prestigious universities, including the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge.
7. Gastronomy: The South of England is also known for its culinary offerings, including fresh seafood from the coast, traditional cream teas in Devon and Cornwall, and a variety of local cheeses, ciders, and ales.

What is the most beautiful village in southern England?

Southern England is dotted with quaint and charming villages, each with its unique allure. Some might consider places like Arundel as the epitome of village charm with its historical castles and lush landscapes. The timeless appeal and the serene ambiance of such villages transport visitors to a world where every nook holds a tale, every street is a journey through time, providing a tranquil and enriching experience.

Where are the must-visit locations when traveling to the south of England?

The must-visit locations in the south of England include vibrant cities like Bath and Exeter, coastal gems like Bournemouth and Torquay, and picturesque locales like Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door. These places offer a mix of historical wonders, natural beauty, and cultural richness, creating a diverse and fascinating experience for travelers seeking the essence of southern England.

Which city offers the most stunning locations in the south of England?

Plymouth and Portsmouth, with their maritime heritage and coastal charm, are often considered cities with some of the most stunning locations in The South of England. They offer a vibrant blend of naval history, architectural marvels, and breathtaking sea views, making them ideal destinations for those seeking a multifaceted travel experience.

What makes the English Riviera one of the prettiest places in the south of England?

The English Riviera is often considered one of the prettiest places in the South of England due to its splendid coastal beauty, vibrant seaside towns, and sun-soaked beaches. The combination of azure waters, golden sands, and lush landscapes creates a scenic paradise that captivates every visitor with its natural charm and lively ambiance.

What can tourists expect when visiting the beautiful places in the south of England?

Tourists can expect a diverse array of experiences when visiting The South of England, ranging from exploring historical sites and enjoying stunning landscapes to experiencing cultural richness and coastal allure. The south of England offers a harmonious blend of the past and present, urban sophistication and rural charm, providing a myriad of opportunities to

Final Thoughts on Visiting Beautiful Places in the South of England

And there you have it, a curated list of gems that make the South of England a traveler’s paradise. From the tranquil beauty of Burrow Farm Gardens to the vibrant lifestyle of the English Riviera, this region offers a diverse range of experiences that cater to all kinds of wanderlust. It’s not just about the destinations; it’s about the journey, the stories, and the memories you’ll make along the way.

Each spot on this list is a testament to the South of England’s beautiful places, whether you’re into history, nature or looking for a great spot to unwind. These places capture the essence of what makes this region so special, making them must-see in South of England locations for any traveler.

So, pack your bags, grab your camera, fly to England, and explore these most beautiful places in the South of England. Trust us, each destination is a story waiting to be told, a memory waiting to be made. Happy travels!