South East England car itinerary

Distance:
215½ miles (347.3km)
Airport:
Gatwick

Plan your route: VisitBritain Journey Planner

This ambitious 4-day excursion offers a delightful insight into the relaxed, cheerful character of South East England. Exquisite gardens, spectacular chalk cliffs and traditional seaside resorts, with a taste of island life thrown in.

Day 1: Ardingly - Lamberhurst

Ardingly - Lamberhurst: 29½ miles (47.8 km)
Totals for Day: 29½ miles (47.8 km)

Ardingly

From Gatwick head south to Ardingly. First stop, Wakehurst Place Gardens - 'Kew in the Country' and home to the Millennium Seedbank. You'll find another fantastic garden at Groombridge Place, just outside the elegant spa town of Tunbridge Wells - a great place to stop for lunch.

Must see & do:

Wakehurst Place Gardens | Groombridge Place

Lamberhurst

A short hop takes you to Lamberhurst, where you can visit a ruined abbey and try the wines at one of Britain's largest vineyards. From here it is not far to Sissinghurst, once home to the famously-eccentric and aristocratic Vita Sackville-West, renowned poet, novelist and gardener.

Must see & do:

Bayham Abbey | Lamberhurst Vineyard

Day 2: Lamberhurst - Eastbourne - Chichester

Lamberhurst - Eastbourne: 37 miles (59.5 km)
Eastbourne - Chichester: 53½ miles (85.8 km)
Totals for Day: 90½ miles (145.3km)

Eastbourne

Eastbourne maintains all the charm and hedonistic spirit of a traditional British seaside resort. Stroll along the impressive five-mile promenade, dodge the rollerbladers and absorb the cheerful atmosphere. And with numerous indoor attractions including the famous Wish Tower, Eastbourne is great fun whatever the weather.

Must see & do:

Beachy Head Countryside Centre | Eastbourne Pier | Allchorn Pleasure Boats

Chichester

Marvel at Chichester’s splendid Norman cathedral, fine Georgian architecture and enormous natural harbour complete with bobbing yachts and abundant wildlife. The area boasts historic houses, Roman heritage, beautiful scenery and a glorious coastline that stretches as far as the eye can see.

Must see & do:

Goodwood House | Petworth House and Park | Weald and Downland Open Air Museum | Chichester Harbour Water Tours | West Dean Gardens | Chichester Cathedral | Fishbourne Roman Palace | Chichester District Museum | Uppark | Stansted House

Day 3: Chichester - Portsmouth - Isle of Wight

Chichester - Portsmouth: 17½ miles (28.3 km)
Portsmouth - Isle of Wight: 11 miles (17.5 km)
Totals for Day: 28½ miles (45.8km)

Portsmouth

This ancient port town is absolutely teeming with maritime attractions. At the heart of the city is the historic dockyard where you can see Henry Vlll’s Mary Rose and visit the Royal Naval Museum. Portsmouth also has its own resort area – Southsea, offering four miles of beach.

Must see & do:

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard | Charles Dickens' Birthplace | D-Day Museum and Overlord Embroidery | Royal Marines Museum | Southsea Castle | Gunwharf Quays | Portsmouth Cathedral | City Museum and Record Office

Isle of Wight

Next, hop on a ferry over to the Isle of Wight. The island boasts 60 miles of spectacular ;coastline, picturesque coves and beautiful bays of golden sand. The long, hot days of summer are perfect for swimming, sailing or simply enjoying a traditional seaside holiday.

Must see & do:

Needles Park | Dinosaur Isle | Ventnor Botanic Garden and Visitor Centre | Carisbrooke Castle | Isle of Wight Pearl | Blackgang Chine Fantasy Park | Fort Victoria Country Park | Isle of Wight Steam Railway

Day 4: Isle of Wight - Winchester - Salisbury

Isle of Wight - Winchester: 40½ miles (65.3 km)
Winchester - Salisbury: 26½ miles (43.1 km)
Totals for Day: 67 miles (108.4km)

Winchester

Back on the mainland at Portsmouth, a short drive north takes you to Winchester – the former capital of England. The city still has two medieval gates intact, but is probably best known for its 11th-century cathedral and the Great Hall, which houses the mysterious Arthurian round table.

Must see & do:

Winchester Cathedral | The Great Hall | City Museum | The Westgate Museum | The City Mill | Hospital of St Cross | Intech Science & Discovery Centre

Salisbury

The last stop on your scenic tour is the medieval city of Salisbury, a delightfully relaxed city with a splendid 13th-century cathedral with the tallest spire in Britain (123m). Just 10 miles away you’ll find one the world’s best-known prehistoric artefacts – the famous stone circle of Stonehenge.

Must see & do:

Salisbury Cathedral | Stonehenge | Wilton House | Stourhead House and Gardens | Longleat House and Safari Park | Salisbury and South Wiltshire Museum