South East England
London casts a long shadow in South East England, but it's striking how quickly you can be in what feels like the deepest countryside as soon as you're free of the capital. Counties like Kent, East Sussex, West Sussex and Hampshire have always been much more commuter territory for London in any case, and have beautiful coastlines to tempt you, not to mention the South Downs High Weald, the Surrey Hills, and more; Surrey, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Hertfordshire are perhaps more connected to the capital, but even here there is plenty of beautiful countryside for you to enjoy, especially the Thames Valley and the glorious Chilterns – and, as you might expect from all the counties that ring London, short breaks from the capital are easy: the choice is plentiful and the quality high. Check out our selections of hotels, B&Bs and some of the best gastropubs with rooms in the country.Best Places to Stay in South East England Holidays – Accommodation and Places to Stay in South East England I Cool Places