Explore more in London & the South East

Inspirational Ideas for Breaks in London & South East England

From historic towns and the dazzling attractions of the UK's capital to dramatic chalk cliffs and the rolling countryside of The Downs, the South East has so much to see and do. Covering Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Surrey, Sussex, Oxfordshire and Kent, it has everything from meandering rivers and exquisite parks to offbeat museums and vineyards...

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Live it up with an oyster picnic in Whitstable

Oyster Picnic in Whitstable

This bohemian seaside town is well known for its thriving oyster trade. Grab a pot from a fresh fish bar in the harbour, along with a bottle of fizz, and spread out with a luxury picnic on the town’s glorious beach next to colourful beach huts.

Nearest hotel: Best Western Abbots Barton Hotel, Canterbury

Raise a glass at Ridgeview vineyard, Sussex

Ridgeview Vineyard 

Wine buffs won’t want to miss a tour of this vineyard in Ditchling in the sprawling South Downs countryside. It specialises in sparkling wines made from the classic champagne grapes of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier.

Nearest hotel: Best Western Princes Marine Hotel, Hove

Go potty for Teapot Island, Maidstone

Teapot Island

Love a proper brew? Showcasing more than 7,000 teapots from around the world, this family-run museum holds two Guinness World Records for the largest teapot collection. You can also paint your own teapot.

Nearest hotel: Best Western Rose and Crown Hotel, Tonbridge

Look out to sea at Birling Gap, Eastbourne

Birling Gap

The Seven Sisters white cliffs are a big draw, but less visited is the beach below. A vast expanse of chalk rock pools and narrow strip of shingle and sand leads out to the sea. If you’re basking here, don’t get caught out by the tide.

Nearest hotel: Best Western Lansdowne Hotel, Eastbourne

Explore Hellfire Caves, Buckinghamshire

Hellfire Caves

Hidden beneath a church in the Chiltern Hills lies a network of winding tunnels with a mysterious past. It was here that political figures of the 18th-century known as the Hellfire Club used to gather to practice occult rituals. Go deep underground to explore the caves – and watch out for ghosts!

Nearest hotel: Best Western Moore Place Hotel

Smell the flowers at Kyoto Garden, London

Kyoto Garden

This beautiful Japanese garden is a hidden gem within Holland Park – itself tucked away in Kensington. If the weather’s warm enough, you can while away a few hours with a good book as you sit by the  burbling waterfalls and koi carp pond.

Nearest hotel: Best Western Boltons Hotel London Kensington

Escape the crowds at Camley Street Natural Park, London

Camley Street Natural Park

An oasis of calm in London? Yes, really. This unlikely beauty spot is only a short walk from the sprawling transport hub that is King’s Cross station. It offers two acres of tranquil parkland along the banks of Regent’s Canal, and is home to birds, butterflies and bats.

Nearest hotel: Best Western Swiss Cottage Hotel, London

Try clay-pigeon shooting at Reload, Reading

Clay Pigeon Shooting

Test your reaction speeds in a relaxed atmosphere at the Reload Laser Clay Shooting Centre. The guns fire harmless infrared beams so no live ammunition is used.

Nearest hotel: Sure Hotel by Best Western Reading

Book direct with us for our lowest rates

There’s no need to hunt around for deals because you will always get the lowest price exclusively when you book direct** on the Best Western website, via our call centre or direct at one of our hotels thanks to our brand new  ‘Rewards Rates’ which offer you a discount off the same rates found anywhere else.

To benefit from the very lowest rates around, you need to be a Best Western Rewards member, but don’t worry – if you’re not already a member, you can join today. Simply join for free during the booking process.