I find I have 8 days to fill in-between commitments next fall and have never explored the southeastern part of England. What would be your top 5 or 6 recommendations for must-see sites between Canterbury and Portsmouth? (Not Dover - I'll be there earlier in the summer).
I use only public transportation and would love, if possible, to stay in once place for multiple nights. Any recommendations for hub towns?
Thanks, in advance, for your thoughts.
Dear Judy: There are so many historic sights in the SE that I suggest that you preview the many historic sites on www.nationaltrust.org.uk. There are scenic train routes throughout the area. You could stay in Portsmouth as there are many interesting things to do there; including a tour to the Isle of Wight House and Victoria's Osbourne House which is an English Heritage listing and must have reservations in advance. Check with a local tour company to make arrangements. Look up the Treasure Houses of England if you are interested in the fully furnished great estates. Bon Voyage and may Covid not be a problem by next fall.
You're right. There are a lot of sites - that's why I'm trying to whittle it down to just a half dozen or so. Portsmouth is my final stop before I head to the Isle of Wight for four days of downtime - so that's not factored into the time available. I'll check out the National Trust sites between Canterbury and Portsmouth, as you suggest, but would love to know of any favorites. So much to see it the UK.
A few years ago I stayed several nights in Brighton, seeing that town and day-tripping to Lewes and Arundel (on separate days). I enjoyed all of those places. Edited to add: I used public transportation.
you could do worse than Rye.
According to Rome2Rio you can take direct trains from Portsmouth to Brighton (1h 30m):
Brighton to Beachy Head (1h)
Beachy Head to Rye (1h 15m)
And a train from Rye to Canterbury that requires a connection (1h).
Whitsable, Historic Dockyard Chatham and Margate.
Beachy Head requires local buses.
Arundel and its castle, Hastings/Battle, and another vote for the dockyards in Portsmouth. Leeds castle is nice too. No idea how easy it is using public transportation to get those places.
Thank you, everyone, for your thoughts. I love the idea of staying in Rye - the photos of the town look amazing. So I think I will plan to do 4 nights in Rye, 2 nights in Brighton and 2 nights in Portsmouth.
Thanks also for the "site" recommendations. I will check them all out.
