Category: SOUTHEAST ENGLAND

You won’t need a ferry or a wetsuit to reach this island, which was swallowed by the mainland during the first millennium as the Watsun Channel dried up. It now forms a perky peninsula jutting out to sea at the far eastern tip of the country. But in its island days, Thanet was the springboard to several epoch-making episodes of English history. It was here that the Romans kicked off their invasion in the first century AD, and where Augustine landed in AD 597 to begin his conversion of the pagans. These days, Thanet’s pretty coastline is home to a string of Victorian resorts that are only invaded by the summer bathing-suit brigade. Walkers can also look to conquer the Thanet Coastal Path, a 20-mile trail that hugs the shore from Margate to Pegwell Bay via Broadstairs and Ramsgate.

The ancient, wistful and often eye-wateringly lovely cathedral city of Winchester is a must for all visitors to the region. A capital of Saxon kings and power-base of bishops, the city’s rich history is reflected in heroic statues, handsome Elizabethan and Regency buildings, narrow winding streets and above all, the wondrous cathedral that marks its centre. Thanks to its moist location, nestled in a valley of the River Itchen, there are also charming waterside trails to explore, and as walkers will be well aware, the city marks the beginning of the beautiful South Downs Way.

Windsor and the adjacent college town of Eton are two of the most visited destinations in the country, and with good reason. Windsor Castle, with its romantic architecture, superb state rooms and traditional changing of the guard, is an absolute must-see. It’s so prominent, you’d be hard pressed to visit Windsor and avoid it. Over the water, Eton is a quieter town with England’s most famous public school and a clutch of endearing antique shops. Not forgetting the Thames itself, which flows attractively between the two towns and is just asking for a boat trip.

Sitting demurely in London’s backyard, Kent is justly described the garden of England. This neatly manicured landscape of lush farmland, cultivated country estates, fruitful orchards, and carefully nurtured tourist attractions seems to mirror its own glorious public gardens on a grand scale. It’s also the beer garden of England, producing the world-renowned Kent hops and some of the country’s finest ales. Here too are long coastal stretches dotted with old-fashioned beach resorts, spellbinding Canterbury crowned by its fascinating cathedral, and the port of Dover which is close enough to France to smell the garlic or hop over on a day trip to taste it.

The bustling little harbour town of Lymington has several strings to its tourism bow, being not only a popular yachting base with two marinas freckled with fibreglass floaters, but also a handy base for the New Forest and a jumping-off point to the Isle of Wight. It’s a pleasing Georgian town with a few cobbled streets and a range of quirky bookshops, inns and nautical stores.

Home to royals and prime ministers, posh and prosperous Berkshire is and has long been the home county of many of England’s most important figures. The top toff of the lot, the Queen, regularly stops in to spend time at her favourite castle. But aside from the impressive fortress at Windsor, the county is full of exquisitely maintained villages and fabulous countryside.