The big picture
Showcasing some of the best images of caravanning. This month we’re in Hampshire, taking in the New Forest National Park as part of our 2018 UK regional round-up
It’s hard to beat the South-east for its myriad attractions, ranging from wonderful green spaces to vibrant cities, spectacular palaces and castles. It’s also the gateway to Europe through the ports of Dover, Folkestone, Newhaven, Portsmouth and Southampton. On a clear day you can even see the French coast from Dover, which is why, when the entente was less cordiale between our islands and the Continent, you have a string of castles along the south coast. A tour of the Cinque (pronounced ‘sink’) Ports is fascinating, taking in the medieval town of Sandwich, the mighty fortress of Dover Castle, Hythe, New Romney and Hastings. While you’re on the Kent and East Sussex coastlines, visit the castles and fortresses at Upnor, Deal, Rye, Walmer, Pevensey and Herstmonceux. For a taste of Dickensian England, head to the Medway towns of Rochester, Chatham and Gillingham, then move on to Broadstairs for sandy beaches and ice cream parlours. Rye is a beautiful town to visit and it’s close to Camber Sands, but for bright lights, a summer palace, a pier, a football stadium, a racecourse and the annual festival, head to the Regency town of Brighton, with its regenerated seafront and the i360 tower. Close by is Drusillas Park, which children will love. Farther along the coast is Arundel, with its fairytale castle and wetland centre, and Chichester, with its natural harbour, home to the pretty villages of Birdham, Bosham, Dell Quay, Apuldram, Emsworth and Itchenor.
Try some island life
On the Isle of Wight, Monkey Haven, the donkey sanctuary, Dinosaur Isle, West Wight Alpacas and Llamas and the Needles will keep children entertained, and in Portsmouth, they can learn and have fun at the Historic Dockyard, under consideration as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The North, South and Kent Downs, the High Weald, the New Forest, Windsor Great Park, the Surrey Hills and Ashdown Forest are great places to stretch your legs. For some animal action, try Buckinghamshire’s Green Dragon Rare Breeds Farm and for really wild life, head to Marwell Zoo near Winchester or London Zoo. Walk the Long Walk at Windsor Castle and pop across the Thames for a glimpse of Eton College. The region’s great gardens include Stowe, Savill, RHS Wisley, Nymans, Kew and Wakehurst Place, Sissinghurst and Great Dixter.
■ Turn to p67 of the Top 100 guide for site info