The South East of England comprises Hampshire, Sussex, Kent, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Surrey, and the Isle of Wight.

The South East of England is rich in history, with many interesting historical and architectural landmarks. Additionally, it has vast, stunning natural landscapes, such as the South Downs National Park, the New Forest, and beautiful coastlines.

It is dotted with vibrant cities like Brighton and famous seaside towns like Hastings.

This three-day itinerary includes the historic towns of Windsor and Kingston and the laid-back vibes of Worthing. Prepare for a three-day adventure with stunning castles, gardens, and delicious local food.

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Day 1 – Windsor

Morning – Windsor Castle

Windsor is where you want to start your trip. Here, you have the world-famous Windsor Castle, one of the most popular royal residences. Aside from the stunning architecture, it contains St. George’s Chapel and beautiful state apartments for the royal members.

You should plan to arrive early (around 9:45 AM) to beat the crowds and enjoy either a guided or self-paced tour through the castle’s grand halls. If you see the Royal Standard flying, the King is in residence that day!

Top tip: Watch the Changing of the Guard (usually at 11:00 AM on select days) for a classic royal experience.

Late Morning: Coffee & Riverside Stroll

After exploring the castle, grab a coffee at Gail’s Bakery. This artisan cafe serves excellent oat lattes and delicious pastries. Take your coffee for a walk along the Windsor Riverside, where you can watch swans glide on the River Thames and soak up the picturesque scenery.

Afternoon: Eton & Lunch

Walk across the charming Windsor and Eton Bridge into Eton, home to the famous Eton College. Wander through the historic streets, popping into bookshops and galleries.

For lunch, head to Browns, a delightful modern British gastropub and restaurant serving classic dishes and afternoon tea. This warm and welcoming place is a great place to enjoy a meal. The lobster linguine is to die for!

Evening: Boat Trip & Relaxing Stay

Wrap up the day with a riverboat cruise along the Thames for a different perspective of Windsor. Companies like French Brothers offer scenic tours past historic sites.

For your overnight stay, check into The Macdonald Windsor Hotel, a stylish boutique hotel opposite the castle. It is in a central location, with chic interiors and excellent service. Booking directly can save you up to 30%.

Day 2 – Kingston-upon-Thames

Kingston-upon-Thames is another wonderful historical town with a bustling ancient market and fantastic riverside views.

Kingston is approximately two hours away by train from Windsor, with one change. Alternatively, it is a 30-minute drive.

This is a jam-packed day; however, Kingston has some fantastic shops if you want to switch part of the itinerary to browse the shops and the Bentall Centre at a more leisurely pace.

Morning: Coffee and Ancient Sites

Start your day with a specialty coffee and a delicious breakfast at Local Hero, a trendy cafe known for its fresh pastries, tasty coffee, and avocado toast.

Wander through Kingston’s Ancient Market, which dates back to the 13th century. You’ll find artisan goods, fresh produce, and unique food stalls. These markets start from 10 AM each morning.

Stop by the famous Coronation Stone, believed to be where Saxon kings were crowned. Then, take a quick look inside the beautiful All Saints Church, which has a fascinating history dating back to 1120.

Late Morning: Riverside Cruise to Hampton Court Palace

Take a Riverside Cruise (available from March to October) with Turks Launches boat from Kingston to Hampton Court Palace, a scenic 45-minute journey along the Thames.

Visit Henry VIII’s Apartments, the Tudor Kitchens, and the Great Hall. Then, stroll through the formal gardens and get lost in the famous Hampton Court Maze. This is a special place to visit.

Afternoon: Lunch at the Palace and Cruise back

Enjoy lunch at the Tiltyard Cafe, a casual dining spot within the palace grounds. It serves delicious soups, sandwiches, cakes, and coffees.

If you would rather eat back in Kingston, cruise back, having explored Hampton Court, and check out either:

• The Boaters Inn– A cozy riverside pub with great British food and a lovely outdoor seating area.
• Riverside Vegetaria – If you’re in the mood for plant-based delights, this place has some of the best vegetarian food in town.

Late Afternoon: Visit Kingston Museum

It is a small but interesting museum showcasing Kingston’s history, including its role in aviation and Saxon roots.

Evening: Drinks & Dinner

Enjoy some evening drinks at The Ram, a traditional riverside pub with craft beers and a cozy atmosphere. There are many places to dine out in the evening in Kingston-upon-Thames, most notably Hawksmoor, for delicious steak and cocktails. Alternatively, check out Chakra, a stylish Indian restaurant serving gourmet curries and tandoori dishes.

Optional Evening Activity: The Rose Theatre

If you’re looking for entertainment in the evening to wind down from a day of exploring, the Rose Theatre hosts a mix of plays, comedy, and live music.

Where to Stay?

Queens Head

Stay at the Queen’s Head in Kingston, less than ten minutes from the town center. This is a charming, boutique-style pub-hotel. Grab a nightcap at the bar before sleeping. The staff is friendly and personable, and you will find the decor is lovely.

Day 3 – Worthing

Worthing is a charming seaside town on the Sussex coast, known for its historic pier, pebble beaches, and vibrant arts scene. This itinerary covers the best of the city in one day.

Worthing is approximately a 90-minute drive from Kingston. However, it is well worth the visit.

Morning: Seafront Walk and Breakfast

Breakfast at The Orchard Café

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at The Orchard Cafe, a cozy spot known for its fresh pastries, full English breakfast, and great coffee. The pancakes here are also to die for.

Stroll Along Worthing Pier

Walk along Worthing’s art deco pier, which offers stunning sea views and an art-filled walkway featuring local artists’ work. The dock has a vintage charm and is an excellent spot for photos. Watch for the magical evening of starling murmuration in Winter.

Explore the Seafront and Beach

Worthing’s Promenade is well-maintained and great for a stroll. You can enjoy the fresh seaside air while enjoying a cafe or ice cream at one of the many stops.

Late Morning: Culture and Shopping

Visit Worthing Museum and Art Gallery

Discover the town’s history, from Victorian fashion to archaeological finds. The museum also has an impressive art collection showcasing local and national artists.

Warwick Street

Wander through Worthing’s main shopping streets, which are filled with independent boutiques, bookshops, and vintage stores.

Lunch by the Sea

Crab Shack

Enjoy fresh seafood at Crab Shack, an award-winning, family-run spot known for its locally sourced fish and relaxed beachside atmosphere. The great thing about Crab Shack is its rotating and innovative menu.

Afternoon: Nature and Leisure

Highdown Gardens

Take a short drive or bus ride to Highdown Gardens, a peaceful botanical garden in the South Downs. Stroll through the unique plant collections and enjoy beautiful views over Worthing.

Make sure to visit Highdown Hill, which offers panoramic views across the South Coast.

Late Afternoon: Tea and Relaxation

Unwind after your walk with a drink at the Highdown Hotel. They offer a range of alcoholic and hot beverages. Or do you have room for afternoon tea?

Evening: Sunset Drinks and Dinner

Perch and Tern

Enjoy a drink at The Perch on Worthing Pier, a fantastic spot to watch the sunset over the sea. They serve a great selection of local craft beers, wines, and cocktails.

For dinner, make sure to book a table at the Tern restaurant at Worthing Pier. It offers British-inspired fine dining using high-quality, locally sourced ingredients.

Where to Stay in Worthing?

The Burlington Hotel

Stay at the Burlington Hotel, a boutique seaside hotel offering stunning views and a relaxing stay. This is just a stone’s throw from Worthing Town Centre.

Conclusion

Your three-day itinerary offers a jam-packed guide to local hidden gems, historic charms, and cultural sites. Ending your trip in Worthing, Sussex, gives you plenty of time to explore the South Coast of England, with the vibrant city of Brighton only 30 minutes away. Worthing is also only a 90-minute train journey from London.

This itinerary gives you some of the best recommendations in South East England.