The South Coast staycation explores the treasures of the south of England, from heritage castles and breath-taking national parks to top destinations such as Brighton and the Isle of Wight. This staycation is perfect for those looking for beach, beauty, heritage and country charm all in one!
Brighton is a real British treasure that offers visitors a city bursting with exciting things to do and a nightlife that is often considered unrivalled. With Brighton Station situated in the centre and offering links out to London and beyond, this city is the number one stop for beauty, culture, heritage, and of course, seaside fun! Explore the Brighton Fishing Museum or Ambience Gallery, discover the Royal Pavilion, walk Madeira Drive, catch a show at Theatre Royal Brighton, dine at Fishy Fishy Seafood Brasserie, or peruse Churchill Square shopping centre - browse more attractions at: https://www.jurysinns.com/hotels/brighton/city-guide
Brighton's famous pier includes an array of fun activities for all. Whether you love arcade games, enjoy thrill rides (Super Booster and the Booster), or simply want to get stuck in with dodgems, the pier is the perfect day out by the sea. Brighton Pier also offers a range of bustling bars and takeaways, as well as the Palm Court restaurant for a sit down meal.
Bursting with charm, natural beauty and picturesque architecture, the Royal Tunbridge Wells is a UK gem. Soak up the culture, admire the historic and famous colonnaded 'The Pantiles' walkway, and explore the rich woodlands and flora along a myriad of footpaths and parks of this quintessential English countryside town. Plan a visit at: http://www.visittunbridgewells.com/
The New Forest National Park is filled with quaint villages, an array of wildlife, tranquil countryside views, grazing ponies, nature walks, horse riding, and so much more. Plan a trip at: http://www.newforestnpa.gov.uk/
Paultons Family Theme Park, Home to Peppa Pig World, has over 60 wonderful rides and attractions set within 140 acres of beautiful parkland on the edge of the New Forest National Park. Plan a trip at: https://paultonspark.co.uk/
The most complete surviving Cistercian monastery in southern England, with almost all the walls of its 13th-century church still standing, Netley Abbey Ruins offers a historical discovery. Read more and plan a visit at: http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/netley-abbey/
Famous for its rare plants collections, the Sir Harold Hillier Gardens offers beautiful and tranquil gardens, woodland walks and breath-taking views - the perfect outing for all ages. Plan a visit at: https://www.hants.gov.uk/thingstodo/hilliergardens
Southampton Central station drops visitors in the centre of this historic city, just a stone's throw away from Southampton's key attractions. Peruse the City Art Gallery, catch a show at The Mayflower Theatre or O2 Guildhall Southampton (a multi-purpose venue as well as a stunning Grade II listed building), discover Hawthorns Urban Wildlife centre, curl up in The Chilworth Arms, or shop until you drop at the impressive WestQuay Shopping centre. A wander down to Old Town allows you to explore over 90 listed buildings and 30 ancient monuments, as well as the Old Town Walls, dating back to 1175. Explore more Southampton attractions at: https://www.jurysinns.com/hotels/southampton/city-guide
Nestled in the South Downs National Park, the Queen Elizabeth Country Park offers 1,400 acres of beautiful downlands, woodlands, play trails, walking trails, and more. Discover history and heritage, wildlife, an array of activities, and beautiful scenery for a southern staycation to remember! Find out more at: https://www.hants.gov.uk/thingstodo/countryparks/qecp/explore
The history of The Vyne spans the centuries, from its royal beginnings in Tudor times to its place today as a intriguing retreat for you to explore. The grounds, gardens and lake are perfect for a stroll or a picnic, while the woodlands offer a beautiful carpet bluebells in spring and crunchy leaves in autumn, perfect for a mini adventure. Plan a visit at: http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/vyne/
Best known for her role in the Battle of Trafalgar, the HMS Victory currently has a dual role as the Flagship of the First Sea Lord and as a living museum to the Georgian Navy. Explore the ship from the canons to the multiple decks and learn the fascinating history of this famous warship. Learn more and plan a visit at: http://www.hms-victory.com/
Quaint, picturesque and a little magical, Beaulieu is a New Forest village overflowing with Georgian cottages, country sweet shops, and natural beauty. With a range of attractions, such as the Motor Museum (including Chitty Chitty Bang Bang), Beaulieu Abbey, and the Palace House, Beaulieu is a treasure to be discovered on any southern staycation. Find out more at: http://www.beaulieu.co.uk/
One of the most impressive Gothic cathedrals in England and home to one of the four original Magna Carta documents, Salisbury Cathedral is a staycation 'must'. Read more about the history, events, and exhibitions at: http://www.salisburycathedral.org.uk/
Walk in the footsteps of your Neolithic ancestors at Stonehenge – one of the wonders of the world and the best-known prehistoric monument in Europe. Explore the ancient landscape on foot, step inside the Neolithic Houses, and visit the world-class exhibition and visitor centre. Learn more about what's on offer at: http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/stonehenge
Nestled beneath a magnificent cliff line, the Bournemouth Beach enjoys its own micro-climate, some of the warmest sea temperatures in the UK, and stunning views of the Isle of Wight and the Purbecks. Whatever you want from a day at the beach, you’ll find it all here. Find out more at: http://bournemouth.co.uk/beach/
Explore the UK's highest chalk sea cliffs of Beachy Head. With breath-taking views and exhilarating walks, Beach Head is one of the most unique natural attractions in the south. Find out more at: https://www.visiteastbourne.com/explore/south-downs-national-park/beachy-head
Open throughout the year, Wakehurst is the country estate of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. A feast for the senses, Wakehurst features natural woodland, lakes, formal gardens, an Elizabethan house (five unfurnished rooms), and the 21st-century architecture of Kew's Millennium Seed Bank. Learn more and plan a visit at: http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/wakehurst-place/
Set high on a hill in West Sussex, Arundel Castle commands the landscape with magnificent views across the South Downs and the River Arun. Explore the ancient castle, Fitzalan Chapel, beautiful gardens and grounds, and more for an awe-inspiring, historic, and fun day out. Plan a trip at: http://www.arundelcastle.org/
From rolling hills to bustling market towns, the South Downs National Park’s landscapes cover 1,600km2 of breath-taking views and hidden gems. A rich tapestry of wildlife, landscapes, tranquillity and visitor attractions, weave together a story of people and place in harmony. Read more at: http://southdowns.gov.uk/
Stand at the centre of where England’s future was fought and imagine the 1066 battle of Hastings as you follow in the footsteps of King Harold and William the Conqueror. Explore the abbey ruins and iconic battlefield, and uncover the stories of the day, all vividly brought to life in the exhibition and audio tour. Find out more at: http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/1066-battle-of-hastings-abbey-and-battlefield/
Herstmonceux Castle is a 300 acre estate of woodland, formal themed gardens, and of course, a 15th century moated castle. Made from red brick the castle is one of the earliest examples of a brick built building in England, and embodies the history of medieval England and the romance of renaissance Europe. Learn more and plan a visit at: http://www.herstmonceux-castle.com/
Situated just off England's South coast and less than 2 hours from London via Ferry, the Isle of Wight is the perfect destination at any time of year. Whether exploring the beaches, festivals, beautiful landscapes or charming towns, this island is bursting with things to see, do and explore. Plan a visit at: http://www.visitisleofwight.co.uk/
Set in the heart of an historic landscape, with spiral staircases, battlements and a portcullis, 14th century Bodiam Castle is one of Britain's most picturesque and romantic ancient monuments. Plan a visit at: http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/bodiam-castle/
Our Southampton and Brighton hotels sit central to many of the attractions in The South Coast staycation, providing two convenient bases to explore all the locations on offer. Prepare your perfect staycation by browsing the below distances and approximate travel times to each attraction from the closest city centre. We’ve also included a rough guide on how much time you might expect to spend at each location to make planning your trip that little bit easier!
| Attractions | Aprx Time Southampton/Brighton* | Aprx Distance Southampton/Brighton | Attraction Duration (excl travel time) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brighton City | 1.5/0 hrs | 67/0 miles | 1 day |
| Southampton City | 0/1.5 hrs | 0/67 miles | 1 day |
| Brighton Pier | 1.5/up to 0.5 hrs | 67/2 miles | 2 hours |
| Royal Tunbridge Wells | 2/1 hrs | 107/34 miles | 1/2 day |
| New Forest National Park | up to 0.5/1.5 hrs | 6/77 miles | 1 day |
| Netley Abbey Ruins | up to 0.5/1.5 hrs | 5/61 miles | 2 hours |
| Sir Harold Hillier Gardens | up to 0.5/1.5 hrs | 9/74 miles | 2 hours |
| Queen Elizabeth Country Park | 0.5-1/1 hrs | 31/52 miles | 3 hours |
| Paultons Park (Peppa Pig) | 0.5/1.5 hrs | 12/72 miles | 1/2 day |
| HMS Victory | 0.5/1 hrs | 23/50 miles | 2 hours |
| Beaulieu | 0.5/1.5 hrs | 13/82 miles | 1/2 day |
| The Vyne | 0.5-1/2 hrs | 36/78 miles | 2 hours |
| Salisbury Cathedral | 0.5-1/2 hrs | 26/86 miles | 1 hour |
| Stonehenge | 1/2 hrs | 46/96 miles | 2 hours |
| Bournemouth Beach | 0.5-1/2 hrs | 36/96 miles | 1/2 day |
| Isle of Wight | 2/2.5 hrs | 13/58 miles | 1 day |
| Beachy Head | 2/1 hrs | 90/27 miles | 1/2 day |
| Wakehurst Place | 2/0.5 hrs | 96/23 miles | 2 hours |
| Arundel Castle | 1/0.5 hrs | 46/21 miles | 2 hours |
| Herstmonceux Castle | 2/0.5-1 hrs | 93/29 miles | 2 hours |
| South Downs National Park | 1 hrs | 49/34 miles | 1 day |
| 1066, Abbey & Battlefield | 2/1 hrs | 99/36 miles | 3 hours |
| Bodiam Castle | 2.5/1hrs | 122/38 miles | 2 hours |
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Brighton City
Brighton Pier
New Forest National Park
Netley Abbey Ruins
Times & Distances