Travel inspiration - the beautiful south

The south of England is full of delights. We've detailed some of our favourite attractions in the areas of Hampshire and Kent below.
Click here to see all our available campsites in the southeast of England.

HAMPSHIRE

Portsmouth
Experience unforgettable views from Portsmouth’s stunning 170 metre-high, spectacular Spinnaker Tower. Those with a head for heights can cross the glass Sky Walk and see the ground below – and then, perhaps enjoy coffee and cake and The Clouds, 105 metres above the harbour.

Historians should head for Portsmouth Historic Dockyard to see the HMS Victory, Nelson’s flagship, HMS Warrior, Britain’s first iron-hulled, armoured battleship, built in 1860, and the Mary Rose, Henry VIII’s preserved warship that sank, close to Portsmouth. The dockyard is an awesome attraction, worth many a revisit.

There's also the Natural History Museum which is a free-to-enter place featuring many exhibits including an A-to-Z of Natural History. A further two minutes up the road, you will find Canoe Lake, featuring swan pedalos, a kids’ play area and a café. Clarence Pier is also a few minutes’ drive away and here you could spend an hour or so reliving happy memories on the 2-pence slot machines.

The New Forest Wildlife Park
A network of paths weaves its way around the site, with something to see at every turn. Many of the enclosures feature small observation windows cut into them at the animals’ level - perfect for young eyes. You can also hear the keepers explain a little about the animals during feeding time, too.

Eling Tide Mill Experience at Totton
After three years of development this Grade II listed mill (c.1785) forms the centrepiece of the Experience (which comprises the mill itself, a very informative visitor centre, a café and even a two-mile walk around Eling). You can see the mill in action as it still produces flour, powered by the tide.

Beaulieu
Home of the renowned National Motor Museum, this is a definite must-visit. You can spend a good couple of hours exploring the vast range of vehicles on show followed by a wander around the grounds, taking in Palace House and gardens.

Royal Armouries, Fort Nelson
Located in Fareham with free admission, there are 19 acres of ramparts, outer fortifications, underground tunnels and ammunition bunkers to explore.

Hayling Island
Situated between Portsmouth and Chichester harbour, and linked to the mainland by road bridge and ferry, Hayling Island combines a traditional seaside resort with miles of unspoilt coastline and countryside. At the southern side of the island is Hayling Seaside Railway, which is perfect for visitors of all ages. Running 52 weeks a year, it offers a gentle one-mile journey from the funfair at Beachlands, ending at Eaststoke Corner, travelling alongside one of Hayling’s Blue Flag beaches. The Funland Amusement Park is great for families and you can even bring your dog, too. It features both indoor and outdoor attractions and includes roller coasters, dodgems, slot machines and even a crazy golf course.

     
Above left image: ©Thanet District Council

KENT

The coast
With golden sands and stunning white cliffs, Kent’s coast can boast some of the UK’s best beaches. Whitstable, is a traditional town with maritime history, noted for its oysters that can be enjoyed at the local restaurant or bought from the fresh fish market at the harbour. Over recent years Folkestone has seen lots of development and regeneration and boasts a popular sandy beach with harbour nearby. Margate, Ramsgate and Broadstairs are all located along Kent’s northeastern coastline. All great locations for traditional family days by the sea, with sandy beaches, plus history and heritage galore. If you’re looking for the picture-postcard beach, a long stretch of sand backed by beach huts, then Minnis Bay is the place to be. 

The castles
Having protected Kent’s shores for centuries, the mighty Dover Castle is the crowning glory of the White Cliffs. Venture deep underground into the secret wartime tunnels, climb the Great Tower and explore the medieval interiors. On the east coast, and only a mile and a half from each other are Deal and Walmer Castles. Deal was built by order of King Henry VIII and is among the earliest and most elaborate of a chain of coastal forts running all the way to Cornwall. Walmer Castle was also built during Henry VIII’s reign and has award-winning gardens and woodland. If you enjoy cycling then there is a cycle path that links Deal and Walmer Castles along the beachfront.

Top things to do
For a day in the city head to Canterbury with its ancient walls, cobbled streets and timber-framed houses. There’s also the historic cathedral and St Augustine’s Abbey to explore. With over 700 rare and endangered animals Port Lymphne Hotel & Reserve is a family adventure like no other. With authentic safari experiences you are transported to Africa and Asia to see animals roaming freely over 600 acres. History buffs should head for the Battle of Britain Memorial. Set atop the famous white cliffs, the memorial is open throughout the year and free to enter. For something a little different and for a trip to remember, take the Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch steam railway to Dungeness. The vast shingle landscape of Dungeness and its looming nuclear power station has a post-apocalyptic feel that needs to be experienced.

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