The Best Sights to See on Your Visit to The South of England

The South of England is full of amazing sights to experience with you and your close ones. From lavender fields in the East of England to beautiful natural landscapes like Durdle Door in the west and phenomena such as Stonehenge in between, you’ll be spoilt for choice.

There really are endless options just a short drive away, whether you’re staying in Cornwall, Dorset or Norfolk. Here are Staycations UK top picks for your visit to the south.

 

Watermouth Castle

Location: Ilfracombe, Devon

Fun fact: The harbour opposite the castle was once home to a labyrinth of smugglers’ tunnels

Every member of the group will be delighted with a trip to Watermouth Castle. A Victorian castle brimming with eclectic treasures, interesting displays and a family theme park, this is a fun-filled day out indeed.

Pit stop nearby: Refuel with a cappuccino and a slice of carrot cake at Annie and the Flint located on Ilfracombe’s bustling high street.

 

Stonehenge

Location: Salisbury, Wiltshire

Fun fact(s): To this day, nobody knows how the 22 tonne stones were transported to the site, originally located  225km away in Wales! Stonehenge was also used as a cemetery, experts estimate that about 200 people are buried on the grounds

Stonehenge is a prehistoric monument and Unesco World Heritage site. For hundreds of years arcThe South of England is full of amazing sights to experience with you and your close ones. From lavender fields in the East of England to beautiful natural landscapes like Durdle Door in the west and phenomena such as Stonehenge in between, you’ll be spoilt for choice. 

Pit stop nearby: If you love a traditional British cafe, then you’ll find it hard to find a better cafe in Wiltshire than Stones Cafe. A 9-minute drive from the car park at Stonehenge, the cafe has a punchy 4.7 star rating on Google at the time of writing (August 2021).

 

Underground Passages

Location: Exeter, Devon

Fun fact: Exeter is the only city in the UK to have this type of underground passage

Discover the incredible network of Underground Passages beneath the city’s streets. Built in the 14th century, these medieval structures were originally built to bring clean drinking water into the city from countryside springs. 

Pit stop nearby: Families and dog owners alike will love a trip to the bustling Boston Tea Party cafe. A longstanding local favourite, this quirky spot offers a warm welcome to all.

 

Durdle Door

Location: Lulworth, Dorset

Fun fact: The caves here have been carved out by the sea

Spend a day at one of Dorset’s most iconic landmarks, Durdle Door. Part of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage site, visitors flock from all over to picture the natural beauty. With parking, cafes and a holiday park close by too, it’s no wonder that it’s such a popular spot. A 20-minute walk and over 140 steps down to the beach mean it’s not suitable for everyone though. 

Pit stop nearby: The Boat Shed Cafe offers incredible food and even better views.

 

Corfe Castle

Location: Warehem, Dorset 

Fun fact: The castle is over 1,000 years old

Explore the ruins of Corfe Castle, discover its rich history and take in the incredible views of Purbeck. Children and adults alike will love uncovering the ‘murder holes’ as well as spotting the wildlife and nature that now call these fallen walls home. Afterwards, why not refuel in the on-site tearoom before heading back to your holiday home? 

Pit stop nearby:  The Tearoom at Corfe Castle is the perfect place to refuel after a day exploring.

 

Sandringham Estate

Location: Sandringham, Norfolk 

Fun fact: Four generations of The Royals have lived here 

Discover how the other half live and take a visit to Sandringham Estate – the private residence of Elizabeth II, whose father and grandfather also lived here. Boasting an impressive 20,000 acre estate, the house is situated in the Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. 

Pit stop nearby: Sandringham Restaurant offers sweet treats and savoury bites, good enough for the Queen. 

 

Norfolk Lavender

Location: Heacham, Norfolk

Fun fact: It’s believed that the Romans first brought lavender to Britain 

Visit the beautiful Norfolk Lavender farm and adventure through 100 acres of the lilac flowers. Renowned all over the world, tourists flock here to take pictures of the delightful plants, invest in the selfmade products and even taste the dried lavender in the restaurants. 

Pit stop nearby: The Lavender Lounge Tea Room will give you a chance to taste some of the floral goods. 

 

Cheddar Gorge

Location: Cheddar, Somerset

Fun fact: The body of the Cheddar Man was found here in 1903

Cheddar Gorge is a limestone gorge near the village of Cheddar. Legend has it that the oldest human skeleton was found here in 1903, and was thought to have been around 9,000 years old. With plenty of walking trails and a few places for picnics dotted around, you can really make a day of it too. 

Pit stop nearby: Award-winning Cafe Gorge serves up gorgeous food and inspiring views.

Wookey Hole Caves 

Location: Wells, Somerset

Fun fact: The bones of tropical and Ice Age animals were found here 

The spooky yet inspiring Wookey Hole Caves have astounded visitors for years. As the largest and most impressive caves of their kind in England, you can take a trip through each one and discover a few interesting tales as you go. 

Pit stop nearby: After an adventurous morning, there’s no better place to head than Captain Jack’s Restaurant

 

Fairytale Farm

Location: Chipping Norton, Cotswolds

Fun fact: Fairytale Farm was opened by David Cameron, the Prime Minister at the time, on the 21st June 2013

Another excellent spot for animal lovers, Fairytale Farm offers an interactive day out for all children, especially those with disabilities. Designed to be completely accessible, the site is split into six imaginative sections: Huff and Puff, Enchanted Walk, Alfie and Friends, Jack’s Yard, Wilderness Walk and Fairy Dell. 

Pit stop nearby: Indulge in a traditional English cream tea at The Tea Set in Chipping Norton. Serving lavish afterno

 

Birdland Park & Gardens

Location: Bourton-on-the-Water, Cotswolds

Fun fact: You can meet England’s only breeding group of King Penguins at Birdland

Nestled amidst nine acres of woodland and gardens, Birdland Park & Gardens is an utter haven for nature lovers. Home to a whopping 500 birds, you’ll glimpse everything from flamingos and pelicans to cranes and waterfowl. 

Pit stop nearby: Stop by Bakery on the Water for a well-earned pick-me-up. This family-run artisan bakery and cafe serves up an array of tasty breads and cakes – perfect for an energy fix.