History and Heritage
With history around every corner and its rich heritage and strong royal connections, South East England evokes historical passion and courtly love, an ideal backdrop for a fairytale romantic holiday. Here is a selection of ideas for historical attractions in South East England.
The Historic Dockyard Chatham
The Historic Dockyard Chatham in Kent played a vital supporting role to the Royal Navy for over 400 years. Today, The Historic Dockyard Chatham is a major tourist destination covering some 80 acres of land and featuring the highest concentration of scheduled ancient monuments in Kent, together with exciting naval and maritime exhibits.
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Rochester Castle
Rochester Castle in Kent has a chequered history having been subjected to siege three times and was partly demolished in 1215 by King John, who famously set fire to the pit props using the fat of 40 pigs. A Hollywood film 'Ironclad' is due to be released in 2011 based on the story of King John’s siege.
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Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
Trace the footsteps of those who have played their part in over 800 years of maritime history and who made Britain the leading naval power in the world. Learn about life on board three of the world’s most famous warships ever built, HMS Victory, HMS Warrior 1860 and the Mary Rose. Discover more about Admiral Lord Nelson, Henry VIII, World War veterans and Portsmouth dockyard workers. You can also see, touch and smell the history of the Royal Navy at The National Museum of the Royal Navy.
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Chichester Cathedral
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Chichester Cathedral in West Sussex is world famous. Walter Hussey’s commissions can be seen in situ in the stunning cathedral, which combines intimacy and majesty in a building that mixes the old with the new. Visitors can experience the wonderful atmosphere of the 900 year old cathedral and see the treasures within, such as the stunning Chagall window, a Piper tapestry and works by Feibusch, Sutherland and Skelton.
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Blenheim Palace
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Standing proud in the Oxfordshire Cotwolds, Blenheim Palace is considered to be one of the finest baroque houses in the country. The house is home to the 11th Duke of Marlborough, and is also famous for being the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. Surrounding the Palace are over 2,000 acres of beautiful ‘Capability Brown’ parkland, lakes, fountains and formal gardens.
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Stonehenge
Stonehenge in Wiltshire is one of the world's most famous prehistoric sites, and its status is well deserved. There's something magical about its unexpected presence on the vastness of Salisbury Plain. The grey-green stones, some of which were transported hundreds of miles from Pembrokeshire, link us with our ancestors in a way which no history book ever can.
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Oxford Castle Unlocked
Learn about Oxford Castle's turbulent past. Used as a prison from 1071 until the closure of the HM Prison in 1996, the castle has been home to many colourful inmates and has an 18th Century Debtor's tower, prison D-wing and a 900 underground crypt. Costumed guides tell the tales of murder, romance, betrayal, execution and escape. St George's Tower in the Saxon fort offers stunning 360° views over Oxford and the River Thames.
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Avebury
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Awe and mystery surround the great stone circle of Avebury in Wiltshire. Around 100 stones form a huge ring one-quarter of a mile across. Avebury is the focus of an amazing cluster of ancient monuments. Gaze across the fields and you'll see the giant mound of Silbury Hill, over 130ft high. Then follow the 'avenue' marked by stones to The Sanctuary, another enigmatic prehistoric monument, or visit (delete the) West Kennet Long Barrow, one of Britain's largest Stone Age burial tombs.
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Canterbury Tales
Step into medieval Canterbury in Kent and accompany Geoffrey Chaucer’s colourful characters on their magical pilgrimage from London to the shrine of St Thomas Becket in Canterbury Cathedral. Along the way, their stories of love, romance, jealousy and trickery are vividly re-created with all the fun and excitement of Chaucer’s famous tales. Steeped in the rich history of this medieval city, at The Canterbury Tales you really can visit another world.
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Windsor Castle
Along the River Thames, Windsor Castle is one of the country’s top attractions and the world’s largest inhabited castle. The Castle's dramatic site encapsulates 900 years of British history. It is also one of the official residences of Her Majesty the Queen. Be sure to see the magnificent State Apartments, filled with treasures from the Royal Collection, and St George's Chapel, burial place of ten monarchs.
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Hampton Court Palace
One of the UK's most popular tourist attractions, Hampton Court Palace in Surrey is a mix of Tudor and Baroque architecture and ranks alongside some of the great palaces of the country. Lived in by King Henry VIII, the palace also offers fantastic gardens including the famous Hampton Court Maze. Hampton Court can be easily reached along the River Thames.
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Isle of Wight historical buildings
The Isle of Wight is blessed with an abundance of unique and fantastically preserved historical buildings for visitors to admire. From Osborne House, the former home of Queen Victoria, to watermills, windmills and castles, there is plenty for all tastes to explore.
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More history and heritage ideas
This selection of historical and heritage attractions has been selected by Tourism South East, the official South East England Tourist Board, to appeal to couples and those wishing to spend quality time together. Visit our Visit South East England website for more ideas for short breaks, days out and things to do across the region. Alternatively, visit our Fun Family Days Out website for ideas for families.
