Beyond London: South East England

Just a short trip away from London, you'll find the fashionable seaside resorts, Georgian spa towns and tranquil gardens of South East England.

In the bohemian seaside city of Brighton, you can wander around quirky independent shops in the North Laines, admire the spectacular Brighton Pavilion, and have a drink in one of the lively seafront bars. Check out the Brighton Festival, which takes place every summer.

Nearby, the 160km South Downs Way is shared by walkers, cyclists and horse riders. The National Trail passes Winchester Cathedral, Bronze and Iron Age monuments, and scenic areas like Devil's Dyke and Beachy Head.

The South East has a rich history, and you can visit pretty cathedral towns like Winchester, Chichester and Canterbury. The 12th-century Leeds Castle near Maidstone is also well worth a visit. The picturesque castle is surrounded by a moat and 500 acres of parkland.

In the maritime city of Portsmouth, you can visit Nelson’s flagship, HMS Victory, and see the remains of Henry VIII’s favourite ship, the Mary Rose. Along the coast in Southampton, visit the Southampton Maritime Museum, explore the waterfront, or take a ferry over to the Isle of Wight.

www.visitsoutheastengland.com