My family (my husband, plus three teens) and I are looking to take a trip to the southern part of England (including London, Sussex, Wiltshire, Dorset, Devon, Cornwall, Somerset, Gloucestershire, Oxford, Buckinghamshire, and Berkshire) this June (2017) for two weeks, and we were wondering what some of the locals' favorite sites are including stately homes, castles, museums, gardens, parks, beaches, pubs, hiking/walking trails, and anything else. We would love to visit some quaint and picturesque villages that aren't too crowded with tourists. We'd prefer to spend less time at the "touristy" places, and spend more time exploring the best bits southern England has to offer. Also, if there are any special events on during the month of June and into July, we'd love to know about them! And if you know that some places are worth skipping in this area (at least for our family's first trip to the UK), please don't hesitate to mention them. Thank you!
Posted by
2599 posts
Are you planning to hire a car or use public transport?
Posted by
Camano Island, WA, usa
1526 posts
Look up the National Trust UK online site...it has just what you are looking for such as stately homes and etc. These are all genuine places; some off the typical tourist trail. The different sites listed mention events such that take place there. They also include scenic walks. They have a family Touring Pass available for 2 weeks for 66 pounds. Or you can become a supporting member. We really enjoyed using it ourselves because it lead us to some really unique and interesting places. The Fenton House is my favorite in London. Some of the Great Estate "Treasure Houses" are also on their list.
Posted by
Ohio
171 posts
My favorite "gardens", or perhaps I should say landscaped property, is Stourhead in Wiltshire. Stourhead's stately home was not particularly impressive but the lake and follies were beautiful. It is a National Trust property.
If you decide to visit several National Trust properties you may want to join the Royal Oak Foundation. Membership in the Royal Oak allows you to visit National Trust Properties for one year. I believe that a one year Family Membership costs $115 and is tax deductible if you are a US taxpayer.
Posted by
Monroe, NC
26 posts
Take a look at The Jurassic Coast; I spent a lovely few hours re-reading Persuasion among families enjoying the Cobb in Lyme Regis (www.lymeregis.org) while my husband went on a guided fossil walk. You are allowed to keep your finds. The town has a charming small museum, lots of shops selling fantastic fossils, and plenty of atmosphere. A bit commercialized, but also a bit off the beaten track of American tourists.
Posted by
Kingston, Surrey
239 posts
This is almost too big an area to give a response to, and having said that I recommend widening it to include the High Weald which is partly in Kent. There you can find pretty towns like Tenderden, gardens like Scotney Castle and terrific scenery. Bodium Castle in Sussex is a good one and for proper rural villages work your way along the South Downs. I'll jump a few counties (though Hampshire, Dorset and Somerset have their fair share of scenery) and recommend Dartmoor. Both wild and rural at the same time.