South East England Coach Holidays
Language: English
Currency: Pound Sterling
Time Zone: GMT
Tipping: 10 to 12% is usual for hotels with 10 to 15% being usual for restaurants. In each case, it is not necessarily added to the bill. If a service charge has already been added, no further tip is required.
From the White Cliffs of Dover to the illustrious, dreaming spires of Oxford, South East England is bejewelled with natural and manmade wonders. With enough stately homes, significant history and oil-painting backdrops to keep visitors entertained for years, this adorable corner ensures that coach tours to the South East are popular.
Short coach holidays here are likely to entail exploring natural masterpieces in the Garden of England Kent, living it up or lazing around in the seaside towns of Brighton and Eastbourne in Sussex, heading to Hampshire to follow one of England's most important maritime trails in Portsmouth and finding out about 'The Mary Rose', or winding down the pace on the Isle of Wight. Wherever your tour of the South East takes you, you won't be disappointed.
You'll find fantastic family days out here in the South East where you can let the kids run wild in Drusillas Park, East Sussex which is known as one of the best small zoos in the country. Have a traditional South East coach break where you can build sandcastles on the beach in Folkestone or find out how Charlie and the Chocolate Factory started at the Roald Dahl Museum in Buckinghamshire. View the world's largest collection of original cars from the James Bond movie franchise at Beaulieu. Fill your days full of adventure with coach trips to some of the best theme parks and experience exciting new rides at Chessington World of Adventures, Legoland or Thorpe Park.
If you're a fan of the great outdoors then coach holidays to South East England are perfect as the landscape in this delectable corner of the UK allows for a variety of activities to take place such as popular walking and cycling tours. Whether you're looking for adventure or relaxation, the South East really has it all from stunning coastlines to rolling rural hills, forests and floral displays that have been around for thousands of years. No matter what you are looking for on a coach holiday, the South East will certainly tick all the boxes!
Find out more
Tourist offices:
For further information about the South East of England, you should go to the official tourism website at visitsoutheastengland.com
Things to do
England's South East corner may look like a tiny spot compared to the UK as a whole but there are so many wondrous places to visit with things to see and do that it may be a little overwhelming as to what to visit first. Hopefully, this may help:
Canterbury
Steeped in tradition, Canterbury is a must do for all visitors to the South East. The Cathedral towers over the city, dominating the skyline, and is the home of the Archbishop of Canterbury leader of the Church of England. Canterbury has a wealth of high street chain shops, in addition to independent gift stores and quaint tearooms. In the summer months, you can go on a boat tour, with a guide who will tell you about the city's fascinating history. There is definitely something for everyone here.
Dover
This town on the coast of Kent is famous for its picturesque White Cliffs. As the closest port to France, Dover was also an important town during the Second World War. Today, the Wartime Tunnels are a great attraction for everyone, running under Dover Castle you can visit the command centre for 'Operation Dynamo' (the evacuation of Dunkirk) and an Underground Hospital used for injured troops.
London
No visit to the South East of England would be complete with a visit to the nation's Capital city. Explore the landmarks featured on television; from the London Eye to Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. Grab some retail therapy and visit Oxford Street, Spitalfields Market or if you are looking for a bargain, Camden Market. Stop of at Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus or maybe even catch a West End Show.
Brighton
This famous seaside town is a great place to visit for all ages. With an amusement pier which will have your heart pounding as you ride on the 'Crazy Mouse' Rollercoaster with its tight twists and turns or maybe even relive your childhood by riding on the Helter Skelter – it promises to be great fun for everyone. Another place to visit is the Royal Pavilion, a royal palace with such grandeur due to it Indo-Saracenic architecture, you will think you have been transported to India.
To help you have an enjoyable holiday in England, please take a look at these useful tips and advice provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office:
Health and Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is recommended by all our tour operators and for some operators it is a condition of booking. When choosing a travel insurance please ensure it fully covers all your personal requirements including pre-existing medical conditions, cancellation charges, medical expenses, and repatriation in the event of accident or illness. As a British citizen you will obviously be entitled to free emergency health care on the NHS.
If you are visiting England from outside the United Kingdom and fall ill or are involved in an accident and are from an EU country or Switzerland, you can use a valid EHIC issued by your home country to access healthcare. Please note this is not an alternative to travel insurance. Comprehensive travel insurance is advised for nationalities planning on visiting the UK.
For the latest information and travel advice regarding Coronavirus (COVID-19), please click here
If you need to contact the emergency services whilst in the UK simply dial 999 or 112 to ask for an ambulance.
Crime
The United Kingdom is a safe place to visit, however, as with all countries please exercise common sense. Petty crime can occur so take your usual precautions such as not leaving luggage unattended, beware of pickpockets in tourist areas and leave valuables in the hotel safe.
Local Laws and Customs
Queuing is a British Institution - jump a queue at your own risk!
If you are visiting from outside of the United Kingdom, it is wise to check customs requirements before you travel. If you are planning to bring alcohol, tobacco or souvenirs into the country, you need to be familiar with the UK's custom laws. If you go over your allowances, you may have to pay tax or duty. It is worth checking the HM Revenues and Customs website before you travel.
UK Entry Requirements
When travelling between the UK, Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man you may need to show a Border Force officer a document confirming your identity. In most cases an official form of identification such as a driver's license or an armed forces identity card will be ok. However, some airlines will insist you show a passport so please check before you travel.
If you’re from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein you can enter the UK with one of the following identity documents: a passport, an Irish passport card or a national identity card issued by an EU country, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein, if you’re eligible to use one. The identity document should be valid for the whole of your stay.
If you’re from outside the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein, you must have a valid passport to enter the UK. It should be valid for the whole of your stay. You may also need a visa, depending on which country you’re from. Please check here if a visa is required before you travel.