The south of England is bursting with historical and pre-historical sites, spectacular sweeping coastlines and gorgeous scenery. You can hike, kayak, climb, wander, explore and discover to your heart’s content – all in this stunning slice of Britain.
But what is it about the south of England that keeps locals and visitors coming back again and again? From making wonderful family memories to experiencing something new for the first time – here’s why we think you need to visit our favourite top sites and attractions in the area:
The Jurassic coast is pure magic
Stretching from the sandy beaches of Exmouth, Devon, to the rugged Old Harry Rocks, near Swanage, Dorset, the Jurassic Coast covers an impressive 95 miles. What’s more, it is England’s only natural UNESCO World Heritage Site!
Rewind to 19th century Lyme Regis, and you would find the game-changing palaeontologist Mary Anning searching the beaches and cliffs of Church Beach. There she made several discoveries that would change our understanding of pre-historic life forever, including ichthyosaurs, plesiosaurs and pterosaurs.
Today, Anning has been immortalised in an iconic statue facing the beach where she found those impressive fossils all those years ago. So grab your novice chisel and bucket and get looking!
Little explorers and big adventurers will love rambling over the rocks and making some amazing discoveries of their own. From ammonites and belemnites to perhaps discovering an ichthyosaur of your own!
Make sure you follow all fossil hunting guidelines, like don’t hammer directly into the cliff and pop into the local museum and Charmouth Discovery Centre just down the road for more information and advice.
Get close to iconic British ships
Portsmouth is the only island city in the UK. It has a fascinating maritime heritage that spans centuries – the best part? You and the whole family get to explore and discover what made this remarkable city what it is today and the impact it has had on the rest of the world.
Pop over to Portsmouth Historic Dockyard and come face to face with the country’s three most formidable warships: Henry VIIIs prized vessel, the Mary Rose, Admiral Nelson’s HMS Victory and the ironclad beast, HMS Warrior.
Make sure you check out the When the World Ended immersive exhibition at the Mary Rose Museum to see the events that led to her sinking to the bottom of the Solent in 1545 as Henry VIII watched on from Southsea Castle.
Next stop Portsmouth’s favourite escape room, Exciting Escapes. Kids (above 10 years old) and grownups will get transported to a different era as soon as they step over the Games Masters’ threshold!
In a race against the clock, you will need to solve a series of fun and challenging puzzles, piece all the evidence together and make your escape. What could be thrilling that overthrowing a corrupt government science facility, uncovering state secrets or preventing a dastardly plot!
You can party like a Roman
Bath is hands down one of the most beautiful cities in the South of England. While many will be captivated by the UNESCO-protected skyline brimming with opulent Georgian buildings, the city’s links to Britain’s Roman past draw the crowds.
A must-visit for all ages has to be the Roman Baths. Children will be swept up in the adventure with the wonderful costumed characters and audio guides to help get them fully immersed in Roman life. After, grownups will want to book a spot in the UK’s only natural thermal spa at the rooftop pool, Thermae Bath Spa.
Soak in the city’s atmosphere, immerse yourself in the fantastic museums and blow off some steam at the tremendous Royal Victoria Park play area.
Cheese, caves and witches
Cheddar Gorge is one of the UK’s most spectacular landmarks. On the surface, the Gorge slices through the earth to create awe-inspiring cliffs and below, extraordinary subterranean stalactite lines the mysterious caves.
Hidden in this mesmerising landscape are fascinating secrets about our prehistoric ancestors. It is also home to an international centre for caving and rock climbing. Explore the astounding Gough’s Cave and get lost in wonder in the unmissable Museum of Prehistory, and see the world-famous Cheddar Man for yourself.
Make sure you sample the locally made Cheddar cheese straight from the source. The adventure continues just down the road at Wookey Hole, where the whole family can get swept up in the fascinating legends born out of these ancient caves and hills.
You can get lost in wonder
Bristol is a vibrant, cutting edge city that perfectly balances history with the modern-day. While you can’t avoid the city’s maritime heritage, this is a place that likes to think outside the box!
We the Curious is a must-stop for families. At its heart, the organisation believes that “science is collaborative, living and a vital part of culture,” and when you step through their doors, you’ll see why. All the boundaries between science, art and people are removed as you interact with larger than life experiments and exhibits.
You are encouraged to play, young and old! Adventure through space and time in the marvellous planetarium. Get hands-on in the Kitchen and Greenhouse before getting stuck into the spectacular What If project. From walking through a tornado to Tinkering in Space, you’ll want to come back again and again!
Discover otherworldly experiences
The south of England is littered with spectacular stone circles and monuments steeped in myth and legend. From the supposed resting place of King Arthur at Tintagel to the atmospheric, vast landscape of Dartmoor, there is a lot to explore.
Watching the summer or winter solstice at Stonehenge is a must. Standing on the ancient site as the sun kisses the stones is an experience like no other. Kids will love exploring the interactive displays at the nearby museum and getting transported back to the Neolithic!
A few miles down the road, you’ll find the even older and often overshadowed Avebury stones. With its intertwining rectangle and diamond-shaped stones, Avebury is a jaw-dropping sight.
The south of England is the perfect destination for families, groups and those who like to fly solo! Where will your next adventure take you?