London and the South East

From sprawling countryside and bracing coastline, to ancient castles and stately homes, the South East has it all.

Places to visit

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Visitors walking through a garden in spring

Latest visiting update 

Our gardens, parks, cafés, shops and countryside locations are open. Many houses are also open to visit. Advance booking for visits helps us keep everyone safe and socially distanced. At quieter times such as weekdays, booking shouldn't be necessary, but to guarantee entry we recommend booking in advance, especially at weekends and bank holidays.

More details on what's open
The white garden at Sissinghurst, Kent

Top summer gardens in the South East 

Many gardens in the South East are at their best over the summer. Why not explore one of ‘Capability' Brown’s masterpieces at Petworth in West Sussex, or breathe in the sweet scent of roses at Polesden Lacey in Surrey?

Explore summer gardens in the South East
Walkers exploring the chalk downland at Ashridge Estate

Summer walks 

From wildflower meadows, ancient woodland and hilltop trails with a view, there is a summer walking adventure for everyone to enjoy. Make new discoveries on your favourite National Trust walk.

Summertime strolls
Visitors enjoying a picnic by the lake at Sheffield Park

Perfect picnic spots in the South East 

Gather up your family and friends, pack your favourite summer lunch and seek out the perfect spot to unroll your picnic blanket on a visit to our countryside and gardens in the South East.

Find your perfect summer picnic spot

What's near you?

Autumn reflections over the moat at Scotney Castle

Kent 

From the homes of great politicians to romantic castle gardens and strolls over green hills, welcome to Kent, the Garden of England.

Bluebells at Winkworth Arboretum, Surrey

Surrey 

Visit our places in Surrey and you can enjoy the gardens of an Edwardian party house, the Surrey Hills or a beautiful arboretum.

Apple blossom in spring

London 

Visit Ham House or Osterley Park for a little slice of garden or countryside heaven in the capital.

Water Garden in Spring

In and around Berkshire 

Visit grand gardens or walk around the grounds of country mansions surrounded by rolling parkland.

A golden arch sits in the background with bright yellow buttercups in spring at Stowe

In and around Buckinghamshire 

Where will you visit today? The rolling Chiltern hills? A magical garden? The garden of a Victorian prime minister?

The Forecourt garden in May

West Sussex 

Flourishing gardens and South Downs countyside await you in West Sussex.

An autumn view from the quarry garden to the east front of Bateman's in East Sussex

In and around East Sussex 

Stroll around the grounds of fairytale castles and the gardens of famous authors in and around East Sussex.

Close up of blossom with Hinton Ampner in background

In and around Hampshire 

Take in gardens and estate walks at Hinton Ampner, Mottisfont, and Th Vyne in Hampshire.

Autumn sunlight illuminates two walkers below the mass of Gore Cliff on the southern tip of the Isle of Wight

Isle of Wight 

Whether it's walking, cycling, family fun, wildlife or history that interests you, you can find it all on the Isle of Wight.

The cherry garden in spring

Oxfordshire 

Unusual houses and countryside to walk through are yours to enjoy in Oxfordshire.

Green hills and blue sea entice the walkers on Ventonr Downs

Coast and countryside 

There's coast, downland, grassland, hills to climb, rivers and more for you to enjoy on a day out in the countryside in the South East.

Coast and countryside in London and the South East

Social media in the South East

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