Things to see and do Southeast

The UK's largest university library contains more than 9 million books. Many personalities have studied within its walls: 5 kings, 40 Nobel Prize winners and 25 English Prime Ministers, and writers Oscar Wilde, C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien. Sir Thomas Bodley built the first wing in 1602. To see, The Old Schools Quadrangle, square square at the entrance, The Divinity School, The Medieval Duke's Humfrey's Library, used for the films Harry Potter, The Radcliffe Camera, first rotunda library built in Britain.

This iconic monument to the city and the English coast as a whole first opened in 1899. Its West Pier counterpart may have burned to the ground, leaving only a frail, blackened skeleton, but this behemoth still stands against the English Channel skyline, and remains one of the region's most photographed monuments for its Victorian architecture. It is even said to be the country's most visited attraction outside London... Its old-fashioned charm still makes for pleasant strolls and impressive views over the whole city.

This charred skeleton abandoned 50 m from the beach is none other than West Pier. Built in 1866, it was a popular spot for strollers, and later became home to a theater and concert hall. Closed in 1975 for safety reasons, it gradually fell into disrepair and was finally destroyed in 2002 by a storm and two successive fires. Its restoration was abandoned for lack of sufficient funds. In 2014 a new project was launched to breathe new life into Brighton's historic West Pier, the British Airways i360 tower, which opened in August 2016.

This abbey, now in ruins, was built in 598 by St Augustine to celebrate the success of the evangelisation of England. The building was for a long time the exclusive domain of the monks, before being used as a royal residence after Henry VIII had created his own religion and ordered the destruction of religious monuments. It contains the tomb of St Augustine and the burial places of various Saxon kings. The kings of Kent and the archbishops of Canterbury are also buried here. The site has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1988.

The white cliffs of Dover are one of the great symbols of England, perhaps even more so for the French because of their proximity to our coastline. They remain the first landscape encountered by many travellers arriving by ferry, and for centuries they have welcomed Britons returning home, particularly after the various wars. Dazzling in their immaculate whiteness, they alone justify a trip to Kent, and the long walks to their heights (110 m) remain an exceptional part of a trip to the South of England. Don't hesitate to ask for a map at the Visitor Centre. Birdwatchers will also find plenty to do here (don't forget binoculars), and history buffs can visit the Fan Bay Deep Shelter, a tunnel dug during the Second World War, which can now be visited from Friday to Monday from the end of March to the end of October. To find out about forthcoming visits and purchase a ticket, contact the White Cliffs Visitor Centre. A lighthouse managed by the National Trust is also on site:

South Foreland Lighthouse : this Victorian lighthouse on the cliffs offers fine views over the English Channel and features a small exhibition on its purpose, its men and its past. A 4 km walk along the top of the cliff offers superb views. On a clear day, you can see all the way to France.

It is the tourism office for the entire Thanet region (Margate, Ramsgate, Broadstairs).

The tourist office is located on the ground floor of the Beany House of Art & Knowledge. The staff were very friendly and helpful.

From the time of Henri VIII, she went down in 1545 during a Franco-English battle with 700 men on board. Its shimmering oak hull was restored, and the wharf in 1545 is reconstituted: everyday objects, canons…

Now in ruins, Canterbury Castle was built by William the Conqueror's Normans from 1070 onwards, and in the ^13th century served as a prison for the entire region. It also served as a warehouse for a gas company during its long history. Little now remains of the building, but it still offers a fine view of the surrounding area from the top of its stairs. Informative panels describe the building's past, allowing visitors to step back in time and imagine what it was like. An interesting visit, but not essential.

This plot faces the entrance of the cathedral. We can admire old, apparent-beam houses of the Tudor era.

Established in 1860, the museum was the center for scientific studies at Oxford University. The building itself is well worth a visit, with its Gothic style and superb entrance hall. The Earth Collections feature exhibits from the Palaeontological section, with 30,000 rocks and minerals and dinosaur skeletons. The Life Collections, meanwhile, are of great zoological interest, with no fewer than 250,000 specimens of stuffed animals of all kinds.

This small, independent museum is housed in a former St. Nicholas fishermen's church. Opened in 1956, it focuses on the maritime and fishing history of Hastings, with photographs, paintings and period objects. Models, nets, ropes and explanations bring to life this key activity of the region. The small gift store is packed with fascinating objects such as fossils and precious stones, as well as books on local history to dig a little deeper.

In 1765, General John Guise bequeathed his collection of early artists, more than 200 paintings and 2,000 drawings, to the University of Christ Church, his former college. Oxford can thus introduce art into its courses, thus avoiding students having to go as far as Italy. The collection was then enriched by other donations. Today it has 300 paintings and many paintings of Italian art from the 14th to the 18th century with artists such as Tintoretto and Veronese.

Founded in 1621, this botanical garden is the oldest "teaching garden" in the UK, located in the country's oldest university. Plants of medicinal and scientific value were studied here. The Rose Garden is dedicated to the researchers and discoverers of penicillin. Today, over 6,000 different plants are on display. A true oasis in the heart of Oxford. It also boasts 7 greenhouses housing plants from all over the world. The first was built over 300 years ago. Guided tours available.

To the south-east of Tunbridge Wells, the tiny market town of Lamberhurst is home to this superb estate, with its Victorian mansion, small ^14th-century moated fort and picturesque 315-hectare gardens, which are a delight to explore in autumn or spring, when they're in full bloom. It's an ideal family outing, offering pleasant strolls among the rhododendrons and beautiful interiors. Guided walks are also available. A truly enchanting visit.

Reaching 153 metres above sea level, Beachy Head is the highest chalk cliff in England. It offers a superb view of the sea and the surrounding area. A pub, a store and a small information centre are located on the site.

The Common extends north of Southampton. The inhabitants are walking there, cycling or simply enjoying this huge green oasis 15 minutes from the city centre. 

Sea life Brighton, with its Victorian architecture, opened its doors in 1872 and claims to be the oldest aquarium still in operation today. At the time, it was the largest in the world, and today you can still come and meet some 3,500 marine creatures, from the most colorful fish to sea turtles, sharks, octopuses and many more. Awe-inspiring! A must-see attraction for families and when the weather's not on your side. Which is often the case in England.

Wooden house of the th century. You can't visit the inside, but the outside is worth a look.

Don't make a detour, but if you pass through it, it's a square tower built in the th century, originally as the governor's fortified residence and then as a gun powder warehouse. Massive and not very elegant.

Discovered in 1835, this cave, divided into several rooms, houses mosaics of shells (oysters, cockles, mussels) probably more than 2,000 years old. In all, more than 4.6 million shells. It is a mysterious place, made of small underground passages and different spaces that will fascinate lovers of history and unusual places. Its origins and use are still more or less unknown, but its charm is real and the magic works easily, it is a must in Margate!

The West Hill funicular leaves from Albion Lane, at the junction with George Street, and climbs through a tunnel to St Clement's Caves and Hastings Castle. The East Hill one leaves from Rock-a-Nore Road, at the Fishermen's Museum, and climbs up the outside of the hill, offering spectacular views. In fact, it's the steepest funicular railway in England. It's a not-to-be-missed landmark of the city, with its old Victorian-style carriages, a little old-fashioned but charming. Once at the top, you're treated to spectacular views over the region.

It is one of the most famous Hop Gardens in Kent, a hop plantation. You will see entire fields of climbing plants, organized around the Oast Houses, or hop dryers in Molière's language. The Whitbread Hop Farm ones have been developed. It is the largest collection of Victorian houses in the world. This place was one of the main suppliers of hops to London breweries in the 19th and 20th centuries. Beer making will no longer have any secrets for you after this fun and original visit.

Place of major cultural events in the city that regularly organises exhibitions of contemporary art.

Butterflies fly in the greenhouse in which you walk…

Marwell Wildlife is a zoo and protection centre with rare and endangered species. The jungle tigers, savanna giraffes, desert foxes or tropical frogs, live in a great area, pleasant to travel for a whole day.

103 of these small towers were built between 1805 and 1812 to protect themselves from potential invasions of the French led by Napoleon. It is located in the east of Folkestone on the cliff edge.

The New Forest Wildlife Park is a center for the protection and rescue of animals such as foxes, badgers, lynxes, fallow deer, wolves, owls, among many others... Meet them all here, just outside Southampton at the entrance to the New Forest National Park. The park's specialty is Britain's native wildlife, as well as otters and owls from all over the world, with over a dozen species. It's a great idea for a day out with the kids before heading off to hike in the National Park.

Visit of a former Roman villa and discovered the crafts of the time through manual activities.

West of Freshwater Bay and Alum Bay on the B 3322. This fort was built in 1860 to protect England from the threat of a French invasion: two cannons point to the sea. From here, an underground tunnel leads to a spectacular view of "needles". A little lower, there is a shopping centre with tea and coffee salon.

Towards St Laurence, the walk along the coast and thus along the cliffs is very pleasant, it also allows to reach the botanical garden.

Park for the Protection of Endangered Species: tigers, Atlas lions, gorillas, black rhino, Asian elephants…

A factory and a shop of barley sugar for the gourmands. There is plenty to visit and eat.

Leisure centre with swimming pools, football fields, badminton, tennis, coffee…

On the other side of the A 35, you will be able to take a picnic in the well-established places and then walk in the woods on marked trails.

From the lighthouse, it is possible to walk along the cliffs; follow the Coastal Path signs.

Set in the house of the Victorian photographer Julia Margaret Cameron, the museum recounts the life and career of the artist, one of the pioneers of photography in the th century. Temporary exhibitions are also organized.

In the vicinity of Freshwater, bathers will enjoy the beautiful sandy beaches.

Visit of a mill, whose wheel is located under the house, and which works thanks to the tide. It is one of the few in Europe in a state of walking and capable of grinding according to traditional methods. Guided tour possible.

We can see the workshops of artisans in activity: turners on wood, potters, goldsmiths and trainers.

Mill built in 1845, still active.

This pleasant promenade along the sea runs 6 km and allows you to reach the towns of Sandgate and Hythe. When it's nice it's really nice to walk on foot or by bike that distance, only the by the noise of the waves. Leas Cliff Lift makes it easier for you to go up the cliffs.

Nelson admiral of Nelson restored as it was in 1805. Nelson's bed curtains were embroidered by his mistress, Emma Hamilton! HMS Victory had 800 men on his side when he won against the Fearsome. Three hours after victory, Nelson died, hit by a cannon.

74 metres of embroidery tell you 81 events in the history of England, from 1066 to 1966! Fascinating and informative.

Very beautiful beach with rocks cut through erosion.

The house where Charles Dickens wrote David Copperfield. The pieces are decorated as they would have been in the th century.

Tour organized from June to October every day with guides to discover connections between the city and the authors of literature who lived there or went there. Information at the Tourist Office.

In this typical cottage you can buy typical souvenirs and discover a small museum dedicated to the village.

24 bourgeois residences as well as a set of shops with colonnades in the arc of circle.

Currently managed by Lord Mountbatten's grandson, the character who décolonisa the British Empire of India. The property of Broadlands will remind you all the statesmen who stayed there. It was designed and realized by Capability Brown, and the Yellow Dining Room or "Wedgwood" Blue Room will surprise you… The Mountbatten exhibition outlines the three careers of this man: the sailor, the statesman and the commander. A very classic visit, but in the sense of the word. Trout and salmon fishing in the Test River.

A park crossing in Land Rover shows for 30 minutes several species of wild animals left here on day parole.