📍 United Kingdom

SOUTHEAST ENGLAND: CLIFFS, CASTLES AND GARDEN DREAMS

Chalk cliffs gleaming against gray seas, castles crowning green hills, gardens heavy with roses. Southeast England, romantic as can be.

≈ 11
Days
335
Km
9
Stops
📖 6 min read 🔄 Last updated: 2026-01-17

Journey along England's southeast coast between cliffs and ancient cities. Explore Dover and its ramparts, wander through Rye, follow Hastings and its beaches, then discover Tunbridge Wells and its spa elegance.

Your day-by-day itinerary

1
Day

Canterbury

cathedral bells ring pilgrims' journey

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3 photos
Day 1
🔍

Discover

1
Journey from London to Canterbury, city of pilgrimage.
2
Canterbury Cathedral, seat of the Anglican Church. (UNESCO).
3
Medieval alleyways and half-timbered houses.
🎯

Activities

→
Guided tour of the cathedral and Norman crypt.
→
Punting on the River Stour in the old town.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 12.6 km
Travel time: 25min
2
Day

Whitstable

oyster beds seaside fishing village

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6 photos
Day 2
🔍

Discover

1
Whitstable, charming oyster port.
2
Colorful huts on the pebble beach.
3
Oyster and seafood market.
🎯

Activities

→
Walk on the pier and shopping in the boutiques.
→
Visit to the Tudor rose-shaped castle.
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Next stop
Distance: 39.6 km
Travel time: 1h19
3
Day

Deal

coastal town shingle beach

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3 photos
Day 3
🔍

Discover

1
Herne Bay and its Victorian pier.
2
Deal Castle, Tudor coastal fortress.
3
Deal's elegant Georgian seafront.
🎯

Activities

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Walk along the historic seafront.
→
Visit to Dover Castle and underground tunnels.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 16 km
Travel time: 32min
4
Day

Dover

white cliffs fortress guardian

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6 photos
Day 4
🔍

Discover

1
Dover and its castle overlooking the English Channel.
2
White cliffs of Dover, British icon.
3
Secret tunnels from World War II.
🎯

Activities

→
Cliff walk with view of France.
→
Visit to Lamb House, home of writer Henry James.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 58.8 km
Travel time: 59min
5
Day

Rye

cobbled streets frozen medieval

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8 photos
Day 5
🔍

Discover

1
Coastal road to Rye, one of the Cinque Ports.
2
Rye, perfectly preserved perched medieval town.
3
Cobbled streets of Mermaid Street.
🎯

Activities

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Exploring antique shops.
→
Visit to 1066 Story at the castle.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 20 km
Travel time: 40min
6
Day

Hastings

fishing nets pebbled beach drama

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5 photos
Day 6
🔍

Discover

1
Hastings, historic town of the Norman conquest.
2
Old town with Stade, fishermen's quarter.
3
Ruins of Hastings castle.
🎯

Activities

→
Funicular to East Hill Country Park.
→
Seven Sisters coastal hike.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 65.1 km
Travel time: 1h05
7
Day

Brighton

pebble pier bohemian electric

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4 photos
Day 7
🔍

Discover

1
Beachy Head, highest cliffs in England.
2
Seven Sisters, succession of spectacular white cliffs.
3
Brighton, bohemian and vibrant seaside resort.
🎯

Activities

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Exploration of the alternative North Laine district.
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Visit to the Royal Pavilion and its sumptuous interiors.
8
Day

Brighton

pebble pier bohemian electric

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4 photos
Day 8
🔍

Discover

1
Royal Pavilion, exotic Indo-Muslim palace.
2
Brighton Pier, Victorian pier with attractions.
3
The Lanes, medieval alleys with shops.
🎯

Activities

→
Evening in Brighton's lively pubs and clubs.
→
Visit to Hever Castle, Anne Boleyn's castle.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 57.7 km
Travel time: 58min
9
Day

Tunbridge Wells

spa gardens verdant elegance

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4 photos
Day 9
🔍

Discover

1
Route to inland Kent, garden of England.
2
Tunbridge Wells, Georgian spa town.
3
The Pantiles, elegant colonnaded promenade.
🎯

Activities

→
Tasting at an English vineyard in Kent.
→
Visit to the compartmentalized gardens of Sissinghurst.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 64.7 km
Travel time: 1h05
10
Day

London

westbound train urban gateway

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6 photos
Day 10
🔍

Discover

1
Sissinghurst Castle Garden, poetic writers' garden.
2
Leeds Castle, the most romantic castle on a lake.
3
Return to London via the M20 motorway.
🎯

Activities

→
Exploration of Leeds Castle and its gardens.
→
Exploration of Leeds Castle and its gardens.

🗺️ Itinerary map

🗺️ Nearby itineraries

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🛡️ Travel advice - United Kingdom

Check official recommendations

UK Foreign Travel Advice →

❓ Frequently asked questions

What weather should you expect?

Summer (June-August): Warmest weather, longest daylight, peak tourist season, highest prices, festival season, ideal for all regions.

Spring (April-May): Mild weather, blooming gardens, fewer crowds, moderate prices, excellent for countryside, comfortable temperatures.

Fall (September-October): Pleasant weather, autumn colors, fewer crowds, good value, comfortable for sightseeing, cozy pub atmosphere.

Winter (November-March): Cold temperatures, shortest days, Christmas markets, lowest prices, indoor attractions, cozy cultural experiences.

How many days should I plan?

We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 9 and 13 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.

What to discover in United Kingdom?

Rich history with royal heritage, diverse cultures, and iconic landmarks from London to Edinburgh. Experience pub culture, literary heritage, and beautiful countryside. The country offers excellent transportation with cultural depth and historical significance. United Kingdom provides cultural richness with historical importance and modern amenities in compact island nation.