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, Kent

England's greatest fortress

1066 Battle Abbey, East Sussex

England’s most famous battlefield

Osborne, Isle of Wight

Victoria and Albert's seaside palace

Highlights from the South East

From beautiful gardens to exciting castles, there's something for everyone in the South East. 

 Place(s) To Stay

Key:

  • Multiple places
  • Place
Men in chanmail and helmets ride horses during a battle re-enactment

Upcoming events in the South East

We have events for visitors of all ages throughout the year. Book your tickets in advance and you can save up to 15% on your admission.

Discover 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 castle gatehouse with a large castle beyond

Stay in the South East

Make your holiday historic by staying in one of our holiday cottages. As well as sleeping where history actually happened, you get exclusive out of hours access to the site. Our cottages also make the perfect base to explore the surrounding area. 

We have holiday cottages at Battle Abbey, Carisbrooke Castle, Dover Castle, Osborne and Walmer Castle and Gardens.  

Find a holiday cottage
Two children wearing sunglasses and sun hates smile as they sit on the grass with wooden deckchairs in the background.

Enjoy a Great British Summer

Celebrate a classic Great British Summer at our sites across the country.

Enjoy the fairground activities, pick up new tricks at the circus skills station and dive in to some puppet antics. Kick back in a deck chair with a delicious ice cream and soak up the summer.

Plus, kids can grab a souvenir passport and collect special stamps to complete their summer adventure.

Plan your summer days out
Two people approach a wooden building beyond lots of colourful flowers

History never looked so good

Experience spectacular colours in our historic gardens or discover a world of unbelievable stories that fire up your imagination.

Start a summer adventure and explore England’s past.

Start exploring
Two adults sat on a wooden bench in front of Dover Castle watch two children run away from them smiling.

Join English Heritage

Become a member today and enjoy a year of unforgettable days out.

Enjoy a host of benefits including free unlimited entry for you and up to six kids to over 400 historic sites including Stonehenge, Dover Castle and Hadrian's Wall.

Join today