The Best Cities to Visit in Southern England
Southern England has plenty of places to appeal to everyone. Centuries of innovation, education and history sits in the villages and towns of southern England. There are world-famous university towns, diverse cities and the rolling hills of the countryside. You can spend weeks exploring the south of England and enjoy all it has to offer.
Unfortunately, most of us only have a few weeks on annual leave every year, and you might prefer a whistle-stop tour. Here are the best cities in southern England to visit and their most popular attractions.
Canterbury
Canterbury Cathedral is one of the most famous attractions in England. Its stunning architecture attracts visitors from across the world – but they are currently working on the exterior of the cathedral. You can still see the inside of the cathedral and enjoy the herb garden outside.
There are also a few museums in Canterbury, like the Beaney Institute and Royal Museum. You can wander around the town while listening to Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales and immersing yourself in history. St Martin’s Church is just outside Canterbury and is the oldest church in the English speaking world.
Brighton
If you want to visit a vibrant city, visit Brighton and wander through the lanes. Pop into a few independent shops filled with all kinds of treasures, and make sure to grab some brunch along the way. Brighton is also home to the magnificent Royal Pavilion and, of course, the Brighton Pier. You can play some arcade games and grab some pictures at the photo booth on the pier.
Cambridge
Catch a train inland to the university town of Cambridge and embrace your studious side. You could go punting along the river like the Cambridge students or hire a guide to do the punting for you. Look at the outstanding architecture of Kings College before grabbing a bite to eat at lunchtime. You could hire a bike and ride around the cobbled streets looking for a few shops to wander into. Cambridge is a magical city that comes alive in term-time, especially in the autumn.
Bath
Bridgerton fans should visit Bath to see some famous filming spots from the hit Netflix TV show. Walk along the Royal Crescent or take a look at the Roman Baths for an authentic taste of history. Sadly, you can’t bathe in these baths, but you can visit the Thermae Bath Spa for a similar experience.
Enjoy a new adventure in the south of England this year.