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Places & Activities

South East England

Brighton England’s favourite seaside city, Brighton is historic, elegant and offbeat. It’s the perfect place for a break, on the south coast just 49 minutes from London.

Craft Centre, Brighton: visitors can see the work of artist, print maker and screen printer on drawings, paintings, screen printing and computer-generated images.

Foredown Tower Countryside Centre: a converted water tower built in 1909 on the edge of the South Downs, now housing a camera obscura (an unusual viewing device used by artists and astronomers since the 17thC and a popular form of moving picture entertainment in Victorian times). There is a viewing gallery with telescope and binoculars, exhibits relating to astronomy, local history and the South Downs, together with a wildlife nature site.

Royal Pavilion: the Royal Pavilion is the former seaside residence of King George IV and is lavishly decorated in Chinese style with an Indian exterior. Built for King George IV, the Pavilion was also used by William IV and Queen Victoria. Originally a farmhouse, in 1787 architect Henry Holland created a neo-classical villa on the site. It was transformed into Indian style by John Nash between 1815 and 1823.

Canterbury historic cathedral city of Chaucer’s Tales and a UNESCO world heritage site. ‘Pilgrims’ are still welcomed to this walled city for its shopping, restaurants and attractions.

Elham Valley Vineyards: a picturesque vineyard set in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with self-guided tours available and wine tastings for visitors. The site also has a working pottery and a craft shop. Our English wine is on sale in the shop. Cream teas and light lunches available in the vineyard tearoom.

Wildwood Trust: wildwood depicts wildlife and early man in a classic Kent wood. On display are species of wolf, beaver, deer, badgers, foxes, red squirrels, ravens, otters and many other examples of British wildlife no longer found in the UK. Wildwood offers and educational programme to suit all age ranges. Visitors to Wildwood can also take part in 'meet the animal' sessions. Treetops playland.

New Forest Created by William the Conqueror in 1079, the New Forest is a place of amazing contrasts – from wilderness heathland to dappled woodland; thatched hamlets to bustling market towns, and tiny streams to the sparkling expanse of the Solent.

New Forest Otter, Owl and Wildlife Conservation Park: situated within the New Forest heritage area - otter, owls and other native species can be seen in natural surroundings.

Oxford this ancient university city is both timeless and modern, its 'dreaming spires' and tranquil college quadrangles coexisting with lively arts venues, bustling shops and fashionable restaurants.

Bicester Village Outlet Shopping: outlet shopping centre selling famous brands at much reduced prices.

Mapledurham House: set in tranquil surroundings alongside the River Thames, this late-16thC Elizabethan house is still the home of the descendants of the Blount family. Built by Sir Michael Blount whilst Lieutenant of the Tower of London, the house contains a collection of paintings and family portraits, oak staircases, original plaster ceilings and a private chapel in Strawberry Hill Gothick added in 1797. Mapledurham has literary connections with Alexander Pope, Kenneth Graham and John Galsworthy. More recently it was the setting for the film `The Eagle Has Landed'.

Millets Farm Centre: garden centre, maize maze, farm shop, farm zoo, children's play area, restaurant, picnic area, trout fishery for members, pick-your-own vegetables.

Windsor a short break destination combining history, fine shopping and dining, sports, leisure activities and events. Home to 13 attractions including Windsor Castle, Eton College and Legoland.

LEGOLAND Windsor: for an exciting day out visit LEGOLAND Windsor and enjoy over 50 interactive rides and attractions. Set in 150 acres of parkland, LEGOLAND is more fun than you can imagine for children aged 2-12 and their families. In 2006 there are 4 new attractions so you can drive a full-size JCB at the Digger Challenge, see Miniland's new London model made from over 13 million bricks, catch the 'Spellbreaker 4D' movie or enjoy the exciting live-action show in LEGO city. Park open daily, 25 March-29 October plus 18,19,25,26 November, 1-10 December, 10:00-17:00 for Christmas shopping.

Eton College the historic buildings are an integral part of the heritage of the British Isles. Visitors are invited to share the unique experience and beauty of Eton College, which was founded in 1440 by Henry VI.

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