The Beautiful South
Immerse yourself in England’s answer to the Amalfi Coast
Officially the United Kingdom’s sunniest region, it would be criminal not to include the south coast on a potential list for weeklong staycations. Offering similarity to the Amalfi Coast or French Riviera, but with more fish and chips, temperatures in Kent during July 2019 often surpassed the high 20s, at one stage plateauing at 35 degrees Celsius.
The sheer velocity of activities littering this route has cemented its place on our list. There are a number of popular seaside towns playing home to an array of entertaining and immersive tourist attractions.
Bournemouth to Margate
- 5 days
- 215 miles
- £5.38 avg. fuel cost
Top three road trip gems...
Location: Alum Bay New Rd, Alum Bay, Totland Bay PO39 0JD
The Isle of Wight is synonymous with the Needles Landmark and the chairlift which transports visitors up the mountain side.
Location: Roman Way, Chichester PO19 3QR
The largest Roman home in Britain, Fishbourne is steeped in history. Believed to have been built around 75AD, this is a hugely impressive feat of engineering.
Location: St Clement’s Caves, Hastings TN34 3JJ
Negotiate your way through the hidden underground caverns, passages, and tunnels that were once used by pirates, smugglers, and bootleggers transporting contraband.
Boats and Beaches
The beach guide details 189 different beaches along England’s south-east coast, ranging from sandy shores to pebble bays. So, if it’s a replication of a summer holiday you’re after, you won’t be disappointed — just remember your sunscreen!
The 215-mile route hugs the coastline for much of its duration, however the initial stage of the journey requires a short trip on a ferry as you sail onto the Isle of Wight.
Spinnaker Tower
In the city of Portsmouth you can take your trip to the dizzying heights of 170m as you ascend to the lookout point of Emirates Spinnaker Tower. The attraction which offers the likes of a ‘seriously high-tea’, and ‘bubbles in the clouds’ generates outstanding views and an opportunity to peer across onto the Isle of Wight. On a clear day, you can see further still from this vantage point.
British Airways i360
In keeping with the theme of a sky-high time, along the coast you will find Brighton’s answer to the CN Tower. The i360, created and designed by Marks Barfield Architects, who are also responsible for the world-renowned London Eye, is undoubtedly one of the most impressive glass viewing pods in the UK, if not the world. At the bottom, grab a bite to eat at The Beach Building before rising ‘up, up, and away’.
Dreamland
This popular Margate attraction is awash with possibility. From ‘The Ark’ where one can get up, close, and personal to the wide range of animals, to the plethora of amusements, we can guarantee you won’t be disappointed. And even better, when the lights fall in the sky, Dreamland plays home to roller discos, major music artists, and an all-round bonanza of enjoyment!