What to do and see in South East England, England: The Best Hidden Gems Things to do

The Steamship Shieldhall is the largest working steam ship in Britain. A member of the National Historic Fleet she serves as a sea going tribute to Britain's maritime heritage. As a passenger you too can experience the golden age of steam by booking on an excursion or visiting her in Southampton.

Backstage tours are available from November to March. The summer Festival runs from May to August. The autumn Tour runs through October before taking the productions to venues across the UK.

Looking for a new and exciting experience that you can try on your own, with your friends or as a family? Then you have to try this! Big Rock Hub in Kingston, Milton Keyn is a massive indoor arena with hundreds of different color-coded climbs, from easy challenges for anyone new to climbing, to mega hard climbs designed to test future champions! Our climbing is designed to be fun for everyone and it doesn’t matter what your ability is since the satisfaction from reaching the top is the same whatever your level. It’s social, dynamic, engaging and fun, and regular practice will improve your body dynamics, suppleness, power and strength. You can practise at your own pace and all our climbing is difficulty graded and colour-coded, making it really easy to select challenges that are appropriate to your ability. The climbs are even changed regularly throughout the year too, so there are always new challenges waiting for your next visit.

We are listed as closed everyday as we are open by appointment only (book a slot via our website). Our family run farm is located in glorious Buckinghamshire countryside offering Walks with Alpacas and private Group/Corporate Visits. Come and learn about these wonderfully inquisitive animals and take them for a walk around our 22 acres. Meet our rare breed sheep,pygmy goats, ducks, rabbits and guinea pigs and sample some of Jo's famous homemade cakes! Relaxing, peaceful and true escapism. Please note that as we are not an open farm visits are only by private booking only.

Designed by Sir Charles Barry, architect of the Houses of Parliament, this is considered to be one of the finest Victorian homes still in existence, which houses fine furniture and works of art. Today, the Castle is the home of the 8th Earl and Countess of Carnarvon and is known around the world as the real home of 'Downton Abbey'.

A legendary beauty spot on the South Downs Devil’s Dyke, just five miles north of Brighton, offers stunning panoramas, a record breaking valley, a curious history and England’s most colourful habitat. At nearly a mile long, the Dyke valley is the longest, deepest and widest 'dry valley' in the UK. Legend has it that the Devil dug this chasm to drown the parishioners of the Weald. On the other hand, scientists believe it was formed naturally just over 10,000 years ago in the last ice age. With a little exploring the Dyke's story starts to reveal itself: The ramparts or walls of the Iron Age hill fort can be seen when you walk around the hill and the remains of the curious Victorian funfair can be found just a few minutes from the car park. Venture into the valley and you will discover a living carpet of flowers and a myriad of colourful insects.

Come and see how Lord & Lady Bearsted made Upton House and Gardens the perfect country retreat for their family in the 1930s. You can also discover Lord Bearsted's famous art collection including works by Bosch, Stubbs and Canaletto. We have a stunning collection of porcelain too; so if you are visiting us for the first time you may wish to expect your visit to the house to last a minimum of an hour. Viewings of the house available by timed ticket from 11:00am with last entry to the house at 15:30 before closing at 16:00; the gardens, shop and cafe close at 17:00. Please bear in mind that the car park is 300 yards from the house.