Idyllic sweeping countryside, historic cities, awe-inspiring coastlines and more await you in the South of England. Whether you want to unleash your inner sea captain, follow the steps of Kings and Queens or soak up some of the most quintessential spots the UK has to offer, you’re in for a wild and sometimes tranquil ride!

No matter if you’re travelling solo or with family or friends, there is plenty to see in this majestic corner of Britain. 

So buckle up! Here are 6 must-see sights and attractions you simply can’t miss on your South of England road trip:

Follow in the steps of Mary Anning

Stretching from East Devon’s Exmouth to Old Harry Rocks near Swanage, Dorset, you will find the country’s only natural UNESCO World Heritage Site in Britain, the Jurassic Coast. 

While many flock to the sandy beaches and crystal blue waters, Lyme Regis and Charmouth have become a go-to spot for fossil hunters, big adventurers and little explorers alike! Home to the celebrated and groundbreaking palaeontologist Mary Anning, you too can follow in her footsteps and make some extraordinary discoveries of your own. 

Ammonites, belemnites and the odd Ichthyosaur (a find of a lifetime, mind!) are all within reach. With a bit of patience and pure luck, you may walk home with your own prehistoric treasure along the way! 

But don’t get too carried away! Make sure you follow all the fossil hunting rules signposted on Church Beach, Monmouth Beach and Charmouth Beach to ensure you can enjoy all of the Jurassic Coasts bounties responsibly. 

Party like the Neolithic! 

Salisbury Plain is home to some of the most extraordinary archaeological finds ever found in Britain and, of course, one of the country’s best-known landmarks, Stonehenge. Standing for 5,000 years, this site has been perplexing scientists, researchers and archaeologists since the Middle Ages. 

But that’s not all. Beneath your feet are thousands of years of UK history, including Roman coins, Late Bronze Age pottery, Neolithic flints and more. 

Further down the road from Stonehenge, there is plenty to discover. You will find Iron Age hillforts such as Scratchbury Camp and Battelsbury Camp and visible Roman roads towards Old Sarum, the spectacular Knowlton Circles as Avesbury and evidence of the Anglo-Saxons from the place names alone. 

For those wanting to get up close and personal to Stonehenge, visit the site’s refreshing exhibit and keep an eye out for events around the Winter and Summer Solstice, as well as the Spring Equinox!

Step back in time and solve the mystery

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to uncover dark secrets or save the damsel in distress? Or perhaps you want to pull off the greatest heist of all time or interrogate a Cold War spy?

Well, you’re in luck!

Not only can you become an explorer, detective or Peaky Blinder for the day, but Exciting Escapes is one of Hampshire’s top-rated escape room experiences. 

With four locations, including escape rooms in Portsmouth, Southampton, Basingstoke and Croydon, and 21 unique and fully immersive games to choose from, you’re in for the most memorable experience of your life! 

Think Crystal Maze meets Big Brother in an epic showdown, and you’re not far off! Are you up for the challenge? 

Unleash your curiosity and get inspired

Bristol is one of the UK’s most buzzing cities, bursting with art, culture and it’s arguably one of the best foodie spots in the land. 

Tucked into the city’s historic Harbourside, you will find the family-friendly We The Curious. This educational charity has created a remarkable space that not only challenges your thinking but lets you and your little ones explore the fantastical aspects of this universe and beyond through a range of interactive exhibits and hands-on activities. 

Make sure you check out the daily Planetarium shows and their immense range of activities for the whole family to enjoy. See their website for more details. 

A few steps away, you will discover Brunel’s SS Great Britain, the M Shed and a whole range of eateries. With the glorious theatre, the Hippodrome nearby, Park Street and the enchanting St Nicholas’ Market in Corn Street, there is plenty to do along the way.

Big boats and high towers

Portsmouth needs to be on your radar when planning your South of England trip. Not only can you explore the Historic Dockyard, but you can take in all the best views of the city, the Solent and the Isle of Wight, from the jaw-dropping Spinnaker Tower. 

Standing at an impressive 170 metres tall, there’s nothing else quite like glimpsing the city from the clouds! While there, indulge in a mouthwatering High Tea or abseil down the side of the tower if you dare! 

Henry VIII’s prize vessel, the Mary Rose, Nelson’s legendary warship HMS Victory and more await you in the Dockyard. From discovering centuries of Britain’s naval past, finding out more about the marmite King to modern-day seafaring techniques, this is a true celebration of the city and those who have lived there and passed through its walls over the years. 

Make sure you check out the site’s upcoming exhibitions and activities ahead of your trip to get the most out of your time there! It’s well worth a look. 

Get lost in nature

The New Forest is one of the South of England’s most beautiful spots. You can amble through woodland lanes, paddle down bubbling streams and take a break and grab a cheeky pint at one of the homely village pubs or thatch-roofed tea rooms. 

But it is the ample wildlife fleeting through the wilderness that makes this National Park so special. Take in the sights and watch as deer dart through the trees; the native ponies hold up traffic and even spot a grass snake slithering through the marshes. 

Dotted throughout the New Forest, you can also explore some of Hampshire’s breathtaking villages and market towns which are home to medieval churches, flour mills and jam factories. Then, grab your abseiling kit, your canoe or go on a pony trek to see the park in a whole different light. 

Wherever your wanderlust takes you on your next road trip, make sure you soak up the hidden gems of the South of England. Have any of our favourites made your must-see list?