South East

Visit - South East

From the most famous date in English history at Battle Abbey to Dover Castle's darkly atmospheric secret wartime tunnels, English Heritage in the South East offers so many great places to visit.

Dover Castle

The Key to England

1066 Battle Abbey

A date to remember

Osborne

Queen Victoria's family home

Portchester Castle on a wintry day

Portchester Castle

Climb the lofty medieval keep of Portchester Castle for breathtaking views across the Solent and into Portsmouth. The castle has a storied history — having been a Roman fortress, a Norman stronghold and a prioner of war camp during the Napoleonic wars. 

Visit Portchester Castle
A family walking on Palace Green outside Dover Castle

Dover Castle

Standing tall atop those iconic white cliffs, Dover Castle looks out over the English Channel. On a clear day, you can see all the way to France. Back on dry land, be sure to head underground into the secret wartime tunnels.

Visit Dover Castle
The bridge over the moat leading to Deal Castle

Deal Castle

Deal has everything you could want from a British seaside town. Kitsch arcades, fish & chips, and a Tudor fort at its heart. Head into the battlements at Deal Castle to learn how Henry VIII's turbulent reign shaped Britain's coast.

Visit Deal Castle

Osborne

Only one beach in Britain can claim to be Queen Victoria's private beach. Head to Osborne, to swim in the same place the legendary Victorian ruler went for dips — and see the special bathing machine she used when going for a swim.

Visit Osborne
Image supporting the Million and More appeal - shows a conservator examining a collection object

Million and More Appeal

More than 85% of our collections are protected within stores across the country, that's more than a million historic objects. Every piece in our collections tells a story about England's past and helps us to understand our present. We care for these objects to safeguard the stories that define who we are and to ensure they last for future generations. 

We urgently need your help to protect these stories and stop them being lost forever. 

Donate today

Upcoming Events

South East England Travel

  • A Weekend in Kent

    Home to some of the most impressive historic sites in the country, the 'Garden of England' offers award-winning beaches, seaside towns, ancient marshes and the famous white chalk cliffs. Perfect to explore on a short break.

  • Walking Guide: Dover to Deal via Walmer

    This 10 mile walk offers panoramic views of the English Channel. Three mighty coastal forts stand on the route, from the medieval "Key to England" at Dover to Henry VIII's defences of Walmer and Deal.

  • Spotlight On Osborne

    Open the doors to the once private world of Queen Victoria and her family at Osborne. Victoria’s holiday home remains largely untouched, providing intimate details of royal life during the 19th century.

A member of English Heritage staff speaks with a visitor

Join today for a whole year of adventures from just £42

Membership unlocks unlimited days out at over 400 amazing historic places along with loads of other benefits.

What's more, as a member, you'll be part of a charity that's on a mission to bring millions of people closer through heritage.

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