Southern England has some of the most picturesque landscapes in the country. There are also oodles of things to do, no matter the weather. Having grown up in South Oxfordshire, I know this area really well and thought that I would compile a list of things to do if you find yourself in the need of inspiration. Here are my top ideas for days out in Southern England; enjoy.
Days Out in Southern England | Your Inspiration for 2025
Walks in the Countryside
Even if you live in the city, there are plenty of nearby places where you can get out with nature. One of my favourite walks in Southern England is the Thames Path. We have now walked the entire length of the Thames Path and have been able to see some beautiful scenery along the way. Another nearby walking challenge would be the Ridgeway National Trail in the Chilterns.
There are also more famous walking ventures within Southern England. One of my all-time favourites is a hike in the New Forest National Park, where you will be able to immerse yourself into a world of wildlife. I have seen red deer, cuckoos and owls on my visits here in the past. You could also combine this with trips to nearby quiet villages such as the witching village of Burley or the scenic village of Lyndhurst.
A Trip to the Coast
There are so many different places to list along the southern coast, ranging from Cornwall to Dover. That being said, Saint Michael’s Mount in Marizion, Cornwall has to be a top-contender. The thrill of crossing the causeway during low tide is exhilarating and the smell of the Cornish seaside is enough to make anybody want a second visit. Some of the best places for a day out can be found in Dorset or Devon. You of course have the small towns of Lyme Regis and Sherborne, both of which make for fantastic days out. Lastly, why not head down towards Exmoor and see the incredible scenery. In 2023, we used Torquay as a base to do this and it was fantastic.
Gardens
Southern England is a hotspot for country gardens just waiting for you to discover them. Obviously, I have to mention the National Trust who offer a huge variety of days out in Southern England and give you some cultural insights too. Some of my favourite National Trust properties in our area include Greys Court, a stone-throw away from Henley-on-Thames, which actually served as the backdrop for a Downton Abbey episode or two. The famous Cliveden House also is not too far away.
Both of these places have superb gardens that you can really take your time in exploring, making them perfect for days out. The National Trust operates all over the country and has a variety of different gardens and locations to choose from, ranging from classical Tudor Gardens to more modern and vibrant designs. If you want to go further afield, try out the Lost Gardens of Heligan in Cornwall.
Lastly, some of the best open spaces can be found at zoos and safari parks, with Marwell Zoo, Cotswold Wildlife Park and Longleat Safari Park boasting some of the most splendid collections of plants and animals.
Historical Sites
One of my favourite day trips as a child was to Arundel Castle, which is a great day out for anybody interested in Medieval history. Other castles in the South of England, such as Carisbrooke or Rochester are a great alternative. There are also some lesser-known castles that are well-worth a trip. About half and hour from us is Wallingford Castle which is a great example of a castle garden, where you can soak in the historic importance of the site and enjoy the scenery.
History doesn’t always have to come in the form of castles and in the past year we have made some great trips to some other historical destinations. It goes without saying that Stonehenge is a great day out and gives you a glimpse into Britain’s mysterious past. Other alternatives include famous battlefields, such as Hastings or Edington which, whilst not as obvious as a castle, give you a chance to step back in time and could serve as a base for exploring a specific area.
Other Suggestions
Days out in Southern England need not be the norm and the possibilities are literally endless. The south coast boasts some of the best surfing waters in Europe and it is never too late to learn! You could also mix this in with a camping trip in Devon or Cornwall and spend some time in the great outdoors. You could also try other watersports such as kayaking or paddle boarding, both of which offer a fantastic alternative to being abroad. Other ideas for an adventurous day include exploring the treetops of Go-Ape or gliding across nature at the Eden Project.
If you are looking for further inspiration, check out my Cornish Road Trip itinerary, which covers much of the South West.
Final Thoughts | Days Out in Southern England
I’ve only scratched the surface when it comes to days out in Southern England; the list could literally go on forever. I hope that you found this post useful but, if you want further inspiration, check out my other posts and itineraries from around the country. One way or another, I have you sorted for your next trip idea.
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Other posts that may help you:
- What’s on my UK Bucket List?
- Drinks from Around the World
- What to do during May Bank Holiday at Home
- A Trip to the 3 Counties | Part 1: Exploring Gloucestershire
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I really hope you enjoyed reading my post and I’d love to hear any thoughts or suggestions that you might have so that I can add them to my post. How have you spent your summer this year? Have you also taken the opportunity to explore your own local area or country? Do let me know in the comments below!
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Love Victoria X
