South East England
Explore the South East and experience quintessential England . Head into Kent for impressive castles and gardens , drive past sandy coastlines and towering cliffs to the pebble beaches of Brighton . Sussex and Hampshire delight with a mix of preserved historic villages and unspoilt countryside .
Hastings Castle
7 days / 6 nights Suggested Self-Drive
Oxford
Day 1 : London – Canterbury ( 97km ) Journey east to Canterbury and its famous Cathedral . Wander through the meandering alleyways and historic city walls . History abounds in this county - Leeds Castle is 1000 years old and sits romantically on an island . Hever Castle , Anne Boleyn ’ s childhood home is picture-perfect . |
LONDON
Sissinghurst Tenterden
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Canterbury
Kent Downs Elham
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Margate
Dover
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Day 2 : Canterbury Day trip out to ‘ The Original Seaside ’ Margate , one of Britain ’ s most iconic landmarks , The White Cliffs of Dover , or Elham in Kent Downs Area of Outstanding National Beauty .
Day 3 : Canterbury – Rye – Hastings ( 72km ) Explore the ‘ Garden of England ’ as you head along country roads through cute places like Hawkhurst , Cranbrook and explore Sissinghurst Castle Gardens and Tenterden . Winchelsea is an idyllic place of green valleys , wooded hills and coastal views . Hastings coast and countryside is littered with relics and ruins from the Norman invasion .
Day 4 : Hastings – Eastbourne – Brighton ( 68km ) Eastbourne is a traditional seaside resort boasting unspoilt beaches , palm tree-lined promenades and is a gateway to the South Downs Way .
Day 5-6 : Brighton – Chichester – Winchester ( 120km ) Winchester is a fascinating mix of legend , myth and heritage – think King Arthur and the Round Table , Winchester Cathedral dating back to 1070 and the grave of Jane Austen .
Day 7 : Winchester – Oxford ( 90km ) History echoes in every street in the University town of Oxford . Try punting along the Cherwell , book a cruise along a stretch of the River Thames or climb Carfax Tower in the University for great views over the city .
Head back to London or continue with the Cotswold itinerary .
Rental car : Hertz ( Group B ) from $ 34 per day
Our favourite places to stay :
• The Retro B & B , Canterbury
• Chatsworth Hotel , Hastings
• The Charm Brighton Boutique Hotel , Brighton
• Mercure Wessex Winchester Hotel , Winchester
Winchester
Isle of Wight
South Downs Way
Chichester
Brighton
Lewes
Alfriston
Battle Rye
Winchelsea Hastings
Pevensey Bay
Eastbourne Beachy Head
Seven Sisters
Highlights worth seeing along the way
Birling Gap – Part of the Seven Sisters dramatic chalk cliffs and a point of entry for delightful walks along the undulating coastline .
Battle – Site of the famous Battle of Hastings 1066 and built around the abbey . This thriving market town features Georgian and medieval cottages , shops , historic pubs and tearooms and is the centre of the 1066 Country walk between Pevensey Castle and Rye .
Rye – Explore cobbled alleys lined with historic buildings in this relaxed little town , clustered around a hillside overlooking the meandering river .
Pevensey – Explore Pevensey Castle and its Mint House and the little often missed Tudor Court House .
South Down Way – Walk or cycle part of the National Trail which weaves from Eastbourne to Winchester through picturesque countryside and villages . Alfriston on the banks of the Cuckmere River is a gorgeous stop for afternoon tea with stunning views of the downs .
Firle – Narrow streets of flint knapped cottages do not seem to have changed for centuries . There are lovely walks from the village to Charleston Farmhouse and up to Firle Beacon .
Brighton – This lively location offers something for everyone ; a classic seaside pier , Regency architecture , a maze of narrow lanes filled with boutiques , Royal Pavillion , eateries and lively nightlife .
Sissinghurst Caslte Brighton Pier
Mermaid Street © Visit Britain
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The price guide shown is per car hire based on 6-13 day hire rate . Price shown does not include Earlybird or other discounted offers . Specials and surcharges may apply depending on travel date