Some Advice
I highly recommend traveling by car to explore Southern England. It’s the most convenient way to reach different cities and natural sites, which are often remote and spaced apart.
The great advantage of taking the ferry is that you can bring your car aboard, and the journey takes only 1.5 hours, often much cheaper than using the tunnel. Departure is from Calais and arrival at Dover, a town in southeastern England.
Canterbury
Canterbury is a charming town of nearly 50,000 inhabitants, one of the oldest in the country, and worth spending at least half a day exploring. Its main draw is the Cathedral, attracting over 900,000 visitors annually.
Its cobbled streets and timber-framed houses host a mix of traditional and hipster shops. Interestingly, despite stereotypes, I was impressed by the number of vegetarian and organic restaurants. It defies the cliché that English cuisine is lacking!
Rye
Rye was a powerful fishing port in the Middle Ages, although the sea has receded over time. While the port is gone, its typical cobbled streets and cottages remain. Mermaid Street, in particular, dubbed by the Telegraph as “England’s prettiest street,” stands as a testament to its charm.
Brighton
Brighton came highly recommended countless times when I announced my trip to Southern England on social media. The city is renowned for its youthful and vibrant atmosphere, and it boasts a superb quality of life, ranking as England’s third happiest city (the top city is further down in the article). I went to see for myself, and despite the weather, Brighton pleasantly surprised me.
I started with a visit to the splendid Brighton Pavilion, an erstwhile royal residence built in the 19th century that exudes beauty and tranquility. I recommend strolling through its gardens to appreciate it fully before exploring inside.
If you visit Brighton, don’t miss getting lost in The Lanes. To me, it epitomizes the city’s vibe perfectly: narrow alleys teeming with pubs, graffiti-adorned walls, colorful houses, banners, and eclectic shops galore – plenty to keep you entertained!
Lastly, make sure to enjoy the seaside (especially if the weather is good). Take a stroll past the vibrant beach huts, and stop to enjoy some traditional fish and chips. Wrap up your day by visiting the Pier, a platform over the water hosting a year-round amusement park and slot machines.
Seven Sisters
After exploring some villages, it’s time to feast your eyes on a spectacular site: the Seven Sisters. These stunning cliffs on the east coast of Brighton are easily accessible by car. The road runs close to the cliff edge, and you can park at several viewpoints to admire the landscape.
I recommend two in particular: Beachy Head Lighthouse, where you can marvel at a beautiful lighthouse, and Birling Gap, where you can descend to the beach to catch the last rays of the sun.
Arundel
With its invasions, constant wars, and kingdom rivalries, England has seen countless castles rise and fall throughout its history. For this reason, you can visit numerous castles, some more intact than others.
But if there’s one you must visit, it’s Arundel Castle in my opinion. Built in the 11th century, it has been damaged multiple times but extensively restored in the 18th and 19th centuries. Today, it stands as one of the best-preserved castles I’ve ever seen, offering a true journey through time.
But if there’s one castle you absolutely must visit in my opinion, it’s Arundel Castle. Built in the 11th century, it has suffered damage multiple times but underwent extensive restoration in the 18th and 19th centuries. Today, it stands as one of the best-preserved castles I’ve ever seen. Visiting it truly feels like stepping back in time.
New Age Forest
New Age Forest is a national park, much like many others across the country, with one distinct feature: over 3000 horses roam freely within its boundaries.
Visitors can stroll through the park and encounter numerous horses that are completely unafraid, spending their days peacefully grazing on the surrounding grass. I never thought such a sight was possible in Europe! So, if you love animals and aren’t particularly fond of zoos (like myself), it’s definitely worth a visit.
Jurassic Coast
Despite its somewhat fanciful name, the Jurassic Coast is a real place located along the south/southwest coast of England. This designation encompasses a series of impressive natural sites along the seaside.
I recommend two particularly stunning locations: Durdle Door, a beach framed by a natural limestone arch that reminded me of landscapes I’ve seen in Norway, and Old Harry Rocks, a series of chalk cliffs thousands of years old with striking white walls.
Both are easily accessible. Durdle Door has a parking lot at the entrance of the site. For Old Harry Rocks, you’ll need to walk along a hiking trail for about 20 to 30 minutes after parking your vehicle at South Beach Car Park.
Exploring New Age Forest and the Jurassic Coast offers a glimpse into the diverse and captivating landscapes of Southern England. From the tranquil presence of wild horses roaming freely in New Age Forest to the dramatic coastal formations of Durdle Door and Old Harry Rocks along the Jurassic Coast, these destinations showcase nature’s splendor in its rawest form.
Whether you’re captivated by the serenity of encountering horses in their natural habitat or mesmerized by the geological wonders of ancient cliffs and rock formations, Southern England promises unforgettable experiences for nature enthusiasts and adventurers alike.
Embrace the opportunity to immerse yourself in these natural wonders, where each encounter reveals a new facet of England’s rich and diverse landscape. Whether you’re drawn to wildlife, geology, or simply the beauty of the outdoors, New Age Forest and the Jurassic Coast await, ready to leave a lasting impression on your journey through Southern England’s hidden treasures.
