Southern England: The Most Beautiful Natural Scenery and Tips

Discover the magic of Southern England

Southern England: rolling hills covered in a patchwork of green, breathtaking chalk cliffs rising above the sea, and idyllic villages that look like they’ve stepped right out of a fairy tale. All this and more awaits you in this enchanting southern corner of England. Discover why you’ll want to visit southern England and what you can see and do there.

Kent: The Garden of England

In the southeast of England lies the beautiful county of Kent, also known as the “Garden of England.” Here, you’ll be captivated by the lush countryside, enchanting castles, and the majestic Canterbury Cathedral. Explore the hills by bike or on foot, follow the North Downs Way trail, and let yourself be amazed by Kent’s natural beauty.

Dorset: Where History and Nature Meet

Dorset, located between Devon, Somerset, Wiltshire, and Hampshire, is a treasure trove of natural and historical wonders. Let yourself be enchanted by the Jurassic Coast, where the climate is mild and the coastline is dotted with fossils millions of years old. The “Jurassic Coast” runs along the coast of Dorset and East Devon. It is the only UNESCO World Heritage Site in England, recognized for its unique landforms, rocks, and fossils.

Devon: A Dreamlike Landscape

Devon, located between Dorset and Cornwall, is a region of contrasts. From its rugged coastline to its peaceful inland areas, Devon is incredibly diverse. Explore the enchanting Dartmoor and Exmoor National Parks, with their breathtaking landscapes and prehistoric finds.

Cornwall: A Tropical Paradise in England

Cornwall, the southwesternmost tip of England, enchants visitors with its sandy beaches and coastal hiking trails. Marvel at the natural beauty and discover why this is a paradise for hikers and adventurers. Read more about the Coast-to-Coast hike here. Find all the information you need about hiking the South West Coast Path here.

Tropical Islands in Southern England: The Isles of Scilly

About 40 km south of Cornwall, you’ll find five inhabited islands and many more uninhabited ones in the Isles of Scilly archipelago. Thanks to the warm temperatures, the area is home to fascinating flora and fauna. Tresco, the second-largest island, has white-sand beaches and exotic gardens with palm trees and colorful flowers. The largest island, St. Mary’s, is rich in history.

Isle of Wight: An Island of Discovery

Just off the coast of southern England lies the enchanting Isle of Wight, an oasis of tranquility and beauty. Explore the breathtaking coastline, protected flora and fauna, and discover the rich history of this enchanting island.

Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or a touch of history, Southern England has it all. Let yourself be enchanted by the magic of this unique corner of the world and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Tips for Staying Overnight in Southern England

  • In Devon, there’s a beautiful luxury Glamping site with safari lodges: https://www.longlandsdevon.co.uk/
  • Devon is also home to Wheatland Farm, which features eco-lodges and has been recognized for its sustainable practices
  • Mallinson’s Woodland Retreat is located in Dorset. Stunning treehouses, hot tubs, and private saunas in a 10-hectare forest. (see photos above)
  • In Kent, there’s Gravel Pit Farm. It’s a Glamping site in a very peaceful location with plenty of open space all around.
  • On the Isle of Wight, you can stay at Tiny Homes Holidays in one of their charming, eco-friendly Tiny houses.

Tips for Southern England

  • You can reach the Isles of Scilly by ferry from Penzance in Cornwall. You’ll also find several sustainable B&Bs and hotels there. Click here for more information about the Isles of Scilly.
  • At the Eden Project in Cornwall, you’ll find a stunning global garden that serves as the backdrop for one of the world’s largest indoor rainforests.
  • The Lost Gardens of Heligan in Cornwall are the result of Europe’s largest garden restoration project. This project began more than thirty years ago and is now a paradise for nature and garden lovers.
  • “The Great Gardens of Cornwall ” is a collection of the 14 most famous and impressive gardens in Cornwall. All of the gardens are privately owned but open to visitors.
  • The fishing harbor in St. Ives is known for its walking trails along the Cornwall Coastal Path.
Madelon Seignette - author

About the author

Madelon Seignette

With a passion for travel and photography and over 30 years of experience in the travel industry, I love to share my special nature travel tips. Travel is wonderful and important, you meet new people and cultures and it opens your view of the world.

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