The South East of England covers an area including a part of Wessex and The Weald. The counties that are featured in this cottage holiday guide are Surry, Kent, West Sussex, East Sussex (The Weald), Hampshire and the Isle of Wight (Wessex).
The South East region is extremely picturesque the area of the New Forest in Hampshire being some of the most glorious countryside in England. Surrey is just a stones throw away from London and boasts a stunning landscape.
This area is famous for the White Cliffs of Dover in Eastbourne and costal resorts in East Sussex. Kent is fondly know as the ‘Garden Of England’. West Sussex is largely unspoilt and rich in history and heritage. The Isle of Wight has award winning beaches and half the island is an area of outstanding natural beauty.
The South East enjoys some of the best weather in England making this region a great place to discover glorious gardens, historical houses and castles. The beautiful south is a great place to have a cottage holiday.
ECL will cover these counties listed below in more detail. Each county guide will include local attractions, picturesque towns and villages, Inns and pubs, restaurants, farmers, local food, festivals, artisans and cottage architecture.
Hampshire
Surrey
Kent
West Sussex
East Sussex
Isle Of Wight
Areas of outstanding natural beauty in the South East region: AONB. There are thirty-three areas of outstanding natural beauty in England, the South-East have six AONB listed below. These areas have been protected because they are an area of distinctive character and natural beauty and have been protected for the nation to enjoy. They all have something unique either history, culture, fauna, flora and are all gorgeous and well worth a visit.
Chichester Harbour: A haven for wildlife this is one of the few undeveloped coastal areas in Southern England.
High Weald: A landscape of small fields and hedgerows. Brick and tile and white weatherboard cottages.
Isle Of Wight: Half of this rural island is an area of outstanding natural beauty.
Kent Downs: From the Surrey boarder to the Cliffs of Dover. Traditional Kentish orchards and hop gardens. Picturesque half timbered cottages and historical buildings and the old Pilgrims way to Canterbury.
North Wessex Downs: (and Home Counties): The chalk landscapes of Southern England, horses have been cut into the chalk the most famous being the White Horse of Uffington.
Surrey Hills: Close to London these much loved deciduous woodlands are home to the stunning villages Shere and Abinger.
Walkies…
For you and your dog if you have one. Lets get those walking boots on. These are tales of my walking experiences. I will let you know which areas are dog and horse friendly.
National Parks…
New Forest: (and South West Wiltshire) Lying mainly in South West Hampshire, the forest was set aside by William the Conquer over 900 years ago for hunting. Now it is the home of wild ponies, deer and boar.
South Downs: Walk, cycle or ride through the ‘Downs’ bustling towns and quaint villages. Discover wetlands or woodlands carpeted with blue bells, heritage sites abound and peace and quiet can be found in tranquil meadows of wild flowers.
National trails…
South Downs Way: Between Winchester and the White Chalk Cliffs of Eastbourne. A pretty place with country pubs and peaceful villages.
North Downs Way: On a route that passes through both the Surrey Hills and the Kent Downs (AONB see above) you can expect spectacular scenery. Historical towns and villages are worth exploring.
Thames Path: (and Cotswolds in the South West, North Wessex Downs, The Chilterns in the Home Counties, and London) This trail follows the greatest river in England, from its source in the Cotswolds this trail boasts peaceful meadows, historic towns and villages and finally slices through London to the Thames Barrier in Greenwich.
Country Life and Food Festivals…
The combination of rich soil and chalk in the South East is ideal for growing fruit, vegetables and cereal. Kent needs no introduction as the Garden of England and is famous for its hops and orchards.
In Hampshire chalk streams and rivers provide an ideal environment for salmon, trout and a major local speciality; watercress which has been growing here for hundreds of years. The woodlands produce fungi and game.
The Isle of Wight has the Garlic farm and Sussex is the ‘larder of London’. The region is in general famous for beef, lamb, honey, ale and cider.
Cottage Living…
Shops and resources for living the English Cottage Lifestyle. The South East is a great place to stock up on treasures for your cottage with all manner of local artisan crafts I will find them and let you know.
Each ‘cottage county’ guide will give you more information. Click the links on Hampshire Surrey, Kent, West Sussex, East Sussex and the Isle Of Wight to find out more.
Holiday Cottages England…
Stay in a holiday cottage in your favourite destination. (These pages are due later thank you for your patience).
Holiday Cottages in Hampshire
Holiday Cottages in Surrey
Holiday Cottages in Kent
Holiday Cottages in West Sussex
Holiday Cottages in East Sussex
Holiday Cottages Isle of Wight
* This page is awaiting photos, cheers!