FANCY a great day trip or long weekend to somewhere new, but sick of wading through TripAdvisor for advice?
Here are our Sun readers’ best tips for underrated places to visit in the South East of England.
As part of our Best of British travel series, we asked readers which towns, cities, villages and attractions in the south east are really worth visiting?
From medieval towns to remote beaches, there’s something for everyone.
Sun reader Charlotte Hall said: “Tenterden is filled with amazing country walks, a wealth of maritime history and quaint buildings and oast houses. It’s the Jewel of Kent!”
A trip to the quaint town of Tenterden really feels like you’re on the set of a retro tv show, thanks to its well-preserved medieval centre and stunning white clapboard properties.
There’s plenty to fill a long weekend, thanks to the beautiful surrounding countryside and its location near to the Kent and Sussex coast.
Nowadays, one of its biggest claims to fame is Chapel Down vineyard – easily one of the country’s best known English wine producers.
The vineyard and winery is just a seven-minute drive from Tenterden town centre, with daily tours and tastings, a shop with its wine available to buy, and The Swan restaurant where you can enjoy lunch and dinner.
Other quintessentially English activities include taking a trip on the Kent and East Sussex Railway to Bodiam Castle, a visit to the independent antique shops and boutiques in Lower High Street, and the National Trust’s Smallhythe Place.
Location: Tenterden Town High Street, Tenterden, TN30 6HN
Sun reader Steve Lambert said: “Rocken End Beach is a strong contender for the most beautiful, and rarely visited, of all the island’s beaches.”
Rocken End Beach, at the southern tip of the Isle of Wight has a wild appearance with crystal clear water and stunning orange shingle.
Thanks to its steep scramble down from a small car park on Old Blackgang Road to reach the shore, it’s often pretty empty – even in the busy summer months.
Fans rave about how remote it is, which also means there are no facilities like a cafe or toilets – so to take all you need.
Location: Blackgang, Ventnor, PO38 2HW
Sun reader Cath Tyrell said: “Milton Keynes has a reputation for being all concrete but is really 70 per cent greenery. Willen Lake is a great example of the area’s natural beauty.”
Milton Keynes might be famous for its 130 roundabouts, but far more impressive is its 6,000 acres of parkland, with rivers, lakes, woodland and trails all there to be enjoyed.
Willen Lake is one of Milton Keynes’ most popular parks, with a cafe and a range of activities, including paddle sports and sailing.
Campbell Park and Ouzell Valley Park are also hugely popular with locals.
Location: Willen Lake, V10 Brickhill Street, Milton Keynes, MK15 0DS
Sun reader Kathryn Harrington said: “Kinsgate Bay Beach is one of the best beaches in Kent in my opinion – it’s the perfect place for a family day out and it’s quieter than beaches nearby.”
Kingsgate Bay Beach is a sheltered sandy cove backed by those famous white Kent cliffs.
It’s a popular beach with families as it’s quieter than neighbouring beaches Joss Bay and Botany Bay, and is best known for its sea caves.
The shape of the bay means that the waves are smaller than neighbouring beaches, so better for kids to enjoy a paddle.
The beach is exposed at high tide, although it does get cut off by the sea at both ends so it’s worth checking tide times. The bay’s also dog-friendly year round.
Location: Whiteness Rd, Broadstairs CT10 3QL
Sun reader Jane Harrell said: “One of my favourite walks is the Centurion Way. It’s a great walk with plenty to see, including the sculptures by David Kemp.”
The Centurion Way is a 6.8 mile cycling and walking path between Chichester, Lavant and West Dean.
The path follows the old dismantled Chichester to Midhurst railway line, which was fully closed by 1991.
The mostly flat route is suitable for all ages, with highlights including West Dean Gardens, Weald and Downland Open Air Museum, Fishbourne Roman palace.
Location: Centurion Way, Erith, DA18 4AE
Sun reader Rebecca James said: “Hastings Old Town in East Sussex has such lovely history and you can see the traditional fishing boats down the beach.”
The quaint and quirky Hastings Old Town has seen a surge in popularity in recent years, thanks to its independent cafes, restaurants and shops, as well as its shingle beach called the Stade.
Make your way to Stade – the old word for landing place – to find Hastings’ working fishing boats, the net shops and the Fisherman’s Museum.
For the iconic bird’s-eye view of the Old Town, climb the steps towards Hastings Country Park or if you’re feeling brave, join the locals for a morning dip in the sea.
There are pagan vibes in these parts too, with Jack on the Green festival ushering in the summer with incredible costumes, dancing and music paraded through the streets before a huge puppet is set alight on the West Hill.
Continue into Hastings Country Park and you can enjoy stunning coastal views and try to find the Exmoor Ponies.
Location: Hastings Old Town, Hastings, TN34 3AR
Sun reader Amanda Rankin said: “Folkestone’s Harbour Arm is a brilliant example of how to regenerate an area.
“The lighthouse at the end is a brilliant champagne bar, the old signal box serves delicious cake and the views across to the cliffs are fabulous.
“A very special place but just one of Folkestone’s many charms.”
Folkestone Harbour Arm is the place to be in the Kent seaside town when it comes to summertime, with the lengthy promenade out-at-sea featuring independent shops, restaurants and even a 12-hole adventure golf course.
It gets especially buzzy when they host football match screenings and live music.
It’s open for promenading daily, but worth checking traders’ opening hours throughout the week.
Location: Harbour Approach Rd, Folkestone, CT20 1QH
Daniel Collins: “Worthing is a little more peaceful than Brighton, you’re more likely to find a spot on the beach, it’s closer to wildlife, there’s cheapercost of living, and its food and drink scene is very underrated.”
If you’re drawn to Brighton’s seaside location on the south coast but put off by the crowds, especially in summer, then head half an hour west by car to Worthing.
Among the most-loved Worthing restaurants is Bungaroosh Cafe Bistro, a stone’s throw from the pier, which offers typical English breakfast favourites with a Middle Eastern twist.
Expect to see scrambled eggs on sourdough toast next to chicken shawarma on the menu, with one customer saying: “Bungaroosh is the best cafe in Worthing. I enjoyed the best breakfast I have ever eaten.”
On the neighbouring Marine Parade, Crudo is popular for its Mexican street food dishes, including soft-shell crab tacos, chicken burritos and three cheese and bean quesadillas.
And one street back from the seafront, Jonny’s serves up rump and brisket beef, veggie and vegan burgers alongside cocktail classics.
Activities include the award-winning Pier, a visit to Highdown Gardens and the stunning, old fashioned Dome Cinema – which first opened in 1911.
Location: Worthing Beach, Marine Parade, Worthing, BN11 3QA
Sun reader Flora Cain said: “Pretty Alfriston is the best place to start if you want to explore the South Downs Way. It has cute cafes, great pubs and it’s never very busy.”
Alfriston in East Sussex is a picture-perfect chocolate box village, with its pretty medieval houses and high street, set on the banks of the Cuckmere River.
Alongside quaint cafes, such as the Badger’s Tea House at the old village bakery, the English hotelier Alex Polizzi has The Star Inn, where you can enjoy a bite to eat or stay the night.
It’s also home to the Rathfinny Wine Estate and Vineyard, which does tours and tastings year round.
Situated in the South Downs National Park, walking the South Downs Way takes an hour and 40 minutes from Alfriston to Firle Beacon, wirth far-reaching views across the Downs to the sea.
Location: Alfriston High Street, Alfriston, Polegate, BN26 5UF
Sun reader Clara Barton said: “Hayling Island in Hampshire is the perfect combination of traditional seaside holiday, sporting and leisure facilities, peace and tranquillity.”
Hayling Island is just offshore between Portsmouth and Chichester harbour, linked to the mainland by bridge and ferry.
Its miles of unspoiled coastline, outdoor activities and kid-friendly attractions make it very popular with families, but it never feels too busy.
For children and the young at heart, there’s Funland Amusement Park, and Staunton Country Park is just outside of Havant, with beautiful gardens and an ornamental farm with ponies, llamas, ferrets and reptiles.
Location: Hayling Island, PO11 9HP
Sun reader Alexis Goodwin said: “Dungeness is a weird and wonderful place that everyone has to experience.”
There’s nothing quite like Dungeness, a unique stretch of coastline in East Sussex with one of the largest areas of shingle in Europe, that was once classified by the Met Office as Britain’s only desert.
Whether it’s a cold winter’s day or blue skies in mid-summer, the stark landscape is always striking.
Explore the Dungeness National Nature Reserve, visit the Old Lighthouse for stunning panoramic views over the English channel and admire Prospect Cottage, formerly owned by the film director and artist, Derek Jarman.
Take a trip on the miniature Romney Hythe & Dymchurch Railway too.
About a 17-minute drive away is the famous Camber Sands, which is known for being one of the only sandy beaches in East Sussex, and 2o minutes further along the coast is Rye, with its cobbled streets and medieval houses.
Just a 10-minute drive away you’ll find Tillingham Winery where you can try some natural wine and seasonal food and enjoy a stay in its stylish rooms.
Location: Dungeness National Nature Reserve, Romney Marsh, TN29 9NE
By Amy Nicholson - watch the video diary of her trip at the top of this article
There are many reasons to visit Dungeness. Not only is it a nature reserve, great for diverse wildlife and bird watching, it’s also one of the largest expanses of shingle in Europe.
It’s also home to two famous lighthouses – the operational lighthouse and the Old Lighthouse, which is now a tourist attraction. For the Old Lighthouse, you need to check which days it’s open, but you can go up and take in the views from top.
You can also enjoy the unique landscape of Dungeness by train, using the famous Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway. The train runs for 13.5 miles from Hythe to Dungeness and stops at the ‘End of the Line Restaurant’, which is very cute.
One more thing to look out for in Dungeness is Prospect Cottage, which was famously owned by the late filmmaker and artist Derek Jarman. The cottage is very striking and the garden absolutely stunning. Lines from John Donne’s poem, The Sun Rising, are inscribed on the side of the cottage.
Just 20 minutes down the road is Camber Sands, which is the only sandy beach in East Sussex, which is as beautiful as some of the most popular beaches in Cornwall or Devon.
Located in the village of Camber, it’s a huge beach that stretches approximately five miles along the coast, with stunning views of the English Channel and activities like kite surfing and windsurfing.
Also 20 minutes further along the coast is Rye, where you’ll find the famous Mermaid Street, full of little buildings and shops and The Mermaid Inn, rebuilt in 1420, and known for its ghost stories.
I went inside and checked it out and it was very impressive. There’s even a wall with famous celebrities that have been there.
After meandering around Rye, I had time to fit in a visit to Tillingham Winery – a wine estate with a shop and restaurant.
They have a wood fired oven and serve pizzas in their renovated barn (the pizza was incredible!) It’s a really beautiful way for visitors to come and enjoy the produce of the farm and the local area.
Sun reader Joy Greene said: “Ticehurst is a hidden gem in East Sussex. It’s a very small but pretty village that has a surprising amount of attractions to visit.”
Located in between Tunbridge Wells and Hastings is Ticehurst Village, with its pretty high street and quirky hotel and pub The Bell.
When you’re done admiring the beautiful grounds at Pashley Manor Gardens, enjoy water sports at Bewl Water resevoir, or get lost at Bedgebury National Pinetum & Forest, with its world-leading collection of conifers.
Only a 10-minute drive away, you’ll also find the home of world famous writer Rudyard Kipling, Bateman’s.
Location: Pashley Manor Gardens, Pashley Road, Ticehurst, Wadhurst, TN5 7HE
Sun reader Eloise Burton said: “Visiting Britain’s smallest town, Fordwich, is a fun day out. It’s lovely to walk around and the food at the Fordwich Arms is delicious.”
Fordwich is believed to be the smallest town in Britain, with around 300 inhabitants and it was first recorded in 675 AD..
Located on the River Stour, just a few miles from Canterbury, you can wander along the riverbank admiring the old timber-framed houses, before hiring a canoe to explore the river.
The town has two pubs, including the Michelin-starred Fordwich Arms, which serves refined British cuisine from its Arts and Crafts-style building and wisteria-lined riverfront terrace.
Location: Fordwich, Canterbury, CT2 0BU
Sun reader Damian Wise said: “If you’re a nature lover like me, I recommend Pagham in West Sussex, as it has one of the best nature reserves in the country.”
Day trips don’t get much more peaceful than at Pagham, famous for its harbour and a nature reserve which is a haven for birds and walkers.
And Pagham beach’s shallow waters make it an ideal spot for young paddlers.
When you’re ready for some more lively excitement, head two miles east to the popular resort of Bognor Regis.
Other popular attractions nearby include Harbour Park Amusements, Amberley Museum and East Head Beach, all half an hour’s drive away.
Location: Pagham Harbour Local Nature Reserve, Chichester, West Sussex, PO20 7NE
Sun reader Adam Roberts said: “Farnham is definitely underrated when it comes to places in Surrey.
“Bourne Wood and The Sculpture Park are some of my favourite places to visit.”
Surrey has become a popular place to visit after featuring in a host of blockbuster movies, including Four Weddings and a Funeral, The Holiday and James Bond films Casino Royale and Skyfall.
Less than an hour from London, Farnham is one of the more overlooked towns, despite being nestled within the Surrey Hills.
The ancient woodland of Bourne Wood offers impressive views over the surrounding pine forests, and is a popular filming location having previously featured in films like Napoleon and Harry Potter.
The Sculpture Park – with 600 sculptures in ann arboretum and wildlife water garden and the 900-year-old Farnham Castle are also popular attractions nearby.
Once you’ve worked up a thirst, drop into 18th century gastro pub The Mulberry Inn, in Chiddingford, which was once owned by tv presenter and radio DJ Chris Evans.
Location: Bourne Wood, Farnham, GU10 2BH
Sun reader Marcus Cole said: “If you’re looking for somewhere great to go with the whole family (including dogs) head to Exbury Gardens in Hampshire.”
With its large collection of rhododendrons, azaleas and camellias, a narrow-gauge steam railway that travels through the gardens, and a children’s play area, Exbury Gardens is a good spot to take the whole family.
Four-legged friends are welcome and can even ride the train, as well as enjoy a dog-friendly ice-cream in Mr Eddy’s Restaurant.
Visitors can pay on arrival or pre-book tickets online.
Location: Exbury, Southampton, SO45 1AF
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Emma Parker: “Aylesbury in Buckinghamshire is full of rural charm and just a stone’s throw away from the stunning Chiltern Hills.”
Ayelesbury is well known for having some of the tastiest duck in the country. But the market town also has a lot of other things to offer.
There’s the Discover Bucks Museum which features the Roald Dahl Children’s Gallery, Waddesdon Manor, a National Trust Renaissance-style chateau, and the Chiltern Hills are just a 20-minute drive away.
It’s also home to Buckinghamshire Railway Centre which has one of the UK’s largest collections of locomotives and railway memorabilia.
Location: Discover Bucks Museum, Church St, Aylesbury, HP20 2QP
Mark Burnett: “If Sonning is good enough for Hollywood royalty like George Clooney, it’s good enough for me. A beautiful village, with lots to be explored.”
The pretty village was described by author Jerome K. Jerome in his hit book Three Men In A Boat as the most ‘fairy-like little nook on the whole river’.
In fact, it’s so stunning that George and Amal Clooney bought a Grade II listed home there in 2016.
In terms of things to do, there’s Dinton Pastures Country Park with 335 acres of countryside and four lakes, where you can fish or hire a boat, canoe or pedalo during certain seasons.
Grey’s Court, a Tudor family home with a walled garden, is also a short drive away, and in summer you can head to Henley’s Royal Regatta.
Location: Dinton Pastures Country Park, Davis St, Hurst, Wokingham, RG10 0TH
Sun reader Michelle Brennan said: “My perfect day out is exploring nature and enjoying great wine. In Pulborough, you can do just that.”
About an hour north-west of Brighton and just over an hour south-west of London is the small town of Pulborough.
Set on the River Arun, it’s a good spot to explore when the weather‘s nice, with plenty of pubs to enjoy a pint and a bite to eat.
It’s also home to RSPB Pulborough Brooks Nature Reserve, with fun trails for kids and plenty of opportunities to meet its wildlife, with beautiful views across to the South Downs.
Just a 12-minute drive away from the nature reserve is Kinsbrook Vineyard, popular with both locals and tourists for breakfast, lunch and wine tastings.
Location: Pulborough Brooks Nature Reserve, Uppertons Barn Visitor Centre, Wiggonholt, Pulborough, RH20 2EL
Sun reader Andrew Wilson said: “If you want to visit somewhere a bit different head to Selborne in Hampshire.
“I recommend walking up the zig-zag path and visiting The Gilbert White Museum.”
Selborne is a pretty, unspoilt village in East Hampshire’s South Downs National Park, most famous for its link to the 18th century literary naturalist Gilbert White.
Take a circular walk fro the town up Selborne Hanger – one of the highest hills in Hampshire – with magnificent views of White’s house, The Wakes.
The house opened as a museum in 1955 under the title The Oates Memorial Library & Museum and The Gilbert White Museum and welcomes visitors year-round.
When you’re done adventuring there’s a pub, The Selborne Arms, a bar, The Jubilee Tap, and a couple of coffee shops, La Luna Coffee and White’s cafe. Winchester is also around a half an hour drive away.
Location: Gilbert White’s House & Gardens, The Wakes, High Street, Selborne, Alton, GU34 3JH
