What to do in South Coast

Activities, attractions and tours

Visit South Coast

Types of activities

Where to stay

South Coast travel guide

Durdle Door which includes rugged coastline, a pebble beach and a sunset

Walmer Castle and Gardens which includes a bridge and a castle as well as a small group of people

Bournemouth featuring hiking or walking, heritage elements and tranquil scenes

Durdle Door featuring a bay or harbour and rugged coastline

South Coast Attractions

Let Expedia help you to experience the best that South Coast has to offer! If you’re planning a trip to South Coast, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling to South Coast with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Places of interest in South Coast

South Coast is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay in South Coast, and make it a breeze to explore South Coast and the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in South Coast to make sure that you enjoy your holiday to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit to South Coast, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights in South Coast.

South Coast attractions

South Coast has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions in South Coast to keep you entertained. Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of South Coast.

Looking for things to do in South Coast can be time-consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine of South Coast or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to South Coast attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season. Happy trails!

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Top places to visit

1. Southampton Cruise Terminal

Spend some time watching cruise liners and freight ships come and go from the Southampton Cruise Terminal. Afterwards, make the short walk into Southampton City Center to see historic landmarks and discover a lively bar and restaurant scene. Southampton Cruise Terminal is among the most important marinas in the United Kingdom and welcomes some 2 million passengers every year.

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One of the busiest cruise ports in England is just a few steps from the historical and entertainment attractions of Southampton.

2. Durdle Door

Durdle Door is a natural arch carved into the limestone cliffs on the Jurassic Coast of England. The geological feature is the unquestionable highlight of the Lulworth Estate, which is open to the public and consists of 12,000 acres (4,856 hectares) of picturesque terrain. Go for a romantic stroll along the stony beach and take photographs of this stunning geological feature.

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Durdle Door showing a bay or harbour, rugged coastline and a sunset

3. Poole Harbour

Poole Harbour is a large natural bay with several small islands in the southern part of the city. It has an intriguing history, with its shores having been inhabited for thousands of years. A boat from the Iron Age was discovered here. Watch the lifting of Poole Bridge, built in 1927 and spanning the waterway between the harbor and Holes Bay.

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Poole Harbour which includes a river or creek and heritage architecture

4. Brighton Beach

Brighton Beach is a popular seaside escape that buzzes with activity during the summer. Go for a stroll along the promenade, ride fairground attractions on a Victorian pier and revel in the lively atmosphere of the beach’s busy cafés, restaurants and clubs.

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Brighton Beach showing a city and general coastal views

5. Bournemouth Beach

Bournemouth Beach is one of England’s most popular and attractive sandy areas. For decades, locals and travelers have been relaxing under umbrellas against the roar of the English Channel’s waves. Discover the varying parts of the beach during your vacation, from the more active central bays to the spacious havens a little farther out from the city.

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6. Gunwharf Quays

Beneath the shadow of the famous Spinnaker Tower is the stylish shopping and leisure center of Gunwharf Quays, where you can easily spend a day browsing the many shops and enjoying the entertainment. The site's history as an ordnance yard is marked only by the cannons that line the waterfront. Today, the area is a modern, buzzing destination, popular with both local residents and visitors. Spoil yourself with a day of shopping and eating here.

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Gunwharf Quays showing modern architecture and a river or creek

7. Portsmouth International Port

Portsmouth International Port is a gateway to the rest of Europe, as well as the nearby Channel Islands. Considered Britain’s best-connected port, it operates ferries, cruises and cargo ships. Access it easily just north of Portsmouth’s center. Start here for a great opportunity to visit the historical seaside town of Portsmouth.

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Embark on a trip to Europe or enter the lovely town of Portsmouth, England, through the comfort and ease of this modern port.

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What to do in South Coast

Popular places to visit

Southampton Cruise Terminal

4.5/5(216 reviews)

One of the busiest cruise ports in England is just a few steps from the historical and entertainment attractions of Southampton.

Durdle Door

4.5/5(198 reviews)

Swim through the large natural arch in the cliffs, which juts out dramatically into the sea and dates back about 140 million years.

Poole Harbour

4.5/5(412 reviews)

Visit a forested part of this harbor’s archipelago after strolling along the charming promenade full of restaurants, pubs and boutiques.

Brighton Beach

4.5/5(580 reviews)

Visit this famous spot on the Sussex coast, where you can enjoy waterside activities during the day and an energetic nightlife after dark.

Bournemouth Beach

4.5/5(705 reviews)

Stroll along miles of England’s southern coast and stop at the fun parks and activity centers along the way.

Gunwharf Quays

4.5/5(382 reviews)

Stretching along the sea is one of Portsmouth's coolest areas, with plenty of shops, cafés, bars and restaurants as well as a contemporary art gallery.

Camber Sands

4/5(82 reviews)

If a restful holiday is part of your travel plans, Camber Sands might be the perfect place to visit during your trip to Rye. Wander the gardens or discover the countryside in this relaxing area.

Portsmouth International Port

4/5(18 reviews)

Embark on a trip to Europe or enter the lovely town of Portsmouth, England, through the comfort and ease of this modern port.

Goodwood Motor Circuit

4.5/5(63 reviews)

Catch an event at Goodwood Motor Circuit during your trip to Chichester. Visit the spas and cosy cafes in this relaxing area.

Explore areas of South Coast

Brighton which includes heritage architecture

Brighton City Centre

4/5(966 area reviews)

The stunning beaches and fantastic nightlife are just a few highlights of Brighton City Centre. Make a stop by Brighton Beach or North Laine while you're exploring the area.

Southampton City Centre

4/5(584 area reviews)

The lively bars and waterfront views are top of the list for many visitors to Southampton City Centre. A stop by Southampton Maritime Museum or Southampton Passenger Terminal might round out your trip.

Seafront

4/5(154 area reviews)

Are you interested in stunning beaches, fantastic nightlife and popular shops? A visit to Seafront might be the perfect thing. You can also explore top sights like Brighton Beach and Kings Road Arches.

Royal Marines Museum which includes heritage elements

Southsea

Southsea is a destination visitors seek out for its beaches, lively bars and seaside views. You might want to check out attractions like Fratton Park or Kings Theatre while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Bournemouth City Centre

4/5(1,198 area reviews)

The stunning beaches and fantastic nightlife are just a few highlights of Bournemouth City Centre. Make a stop by Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum or Bournemouth Pavillion Theatre while you're exploring the area.

Kemptown

4.5/5(396 area reviews)

Kemptown is known for its breathtaking beach views, and with sights like Brighton Beach and SEA LIFE Brighton, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Brighton.

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