While England is home to some pretty impressive cities like London, Liverpool and Birmingham to name a few, there are many other places to visit that holds its own kind of charm.
To experience unspoilt villages, rolling hills and history-saturated towns, a visit to Southern England is a must! Whether you’re visiting for a weekend, a week or more, these are 7 places you need to visit in southern England:
Lymington
Surrounded by the beautiful countryside of the New Forest and situated in between Southampton and Bournemouth is the Georgian market town of Lymington. Famous for its sailing history, there are two large marinas which are filled with fishing boats and yachts. The High Street is lined with boutiques and shops and the village hosts a local market every Saturday which dates back to the 13th Century. Outside of the main areas, the narrow streets are lined with pretty cottages, as well as plenty of pubs and restaurants.
Isle of Wight
Known for its beaches and seafront promenades, the Isle of Wight is an island off the south coast of England. A popular holiday destination for British families, there’s plenty of activities on offer that the whole family can enjoy. From walking along one of the many glorious beaches to petting alpacas and dining at one of the many fresh seafood restaurants, all while absorbing a whole lot of history.
Plymouth
Home to breathtaking views, plentiful activities and lots of fresh sea air, Plymouth, Britain’s Ocean City is a fascinating place to spend a day or two. One of Britain’s largest seaports and naval bases, Plymouth ranks as the most historically important, as it was just off the coast that the British defeated the Spanish Armada, and ultimately marked the beginning of the country’s rise as a world power. It comes with little surprise that this city comes steeped in history; wander the old streets, enjoy a meal at a pub, sail along the coast or sample locally-distilled gin.
Glastonbury
While it may be small in size, the Somerset town of Glastonbury is a centre for New Age culture, is rumoured to be the final resting place of King Arthur and is, of course, home to the famous Glastonbury Festival. While visiting this charming town, be sure to take in the 360degree landscape views from Glastonbury Tor, visit the Chalice Well and Gardens and pay a visit to the Glastonbury Experience Courtyard.
Widecombe-in-the-Moor
To experience Old England like no other, a visit to Widecombe-in-the-Moor is a must! Well known for its annual extravaganza, the Fair, Widecombe is a popular village to visit for experiencing traditional tea rooms, shops, pubs and gorgeous surrounding scenery, where wild ponies, sheep and cattle meander on the greens.
Southampton
Whether you’re interested in the vibrant nightlife, beautiful woodland walks, the Titanic or Craig David, there’s something to lure everyone to the city of Southampton. Within the city itself, there are many shopping facilities, green spaces and cultural events; with plenty to be explored beyond the city as well, including the New Forest and the Isle of Wight.
St Ives
Cornwall’s St Ives is a sought after beach holiday location for many Brits. The boundless ocean, rugged cliffs, cosy bays, old buildings, art galleries and snug restaurants are what St Ives is all about. Spend your days wandering through the maze of narrow cobbled streets, boutique shops, fisherman’s cottages or surfing the blue flag-rated Porthmeor beach.
Interested in discovering England beyond London? Check out our Globus Britain tours to see what tickles your fancy!
