Holiday parks in the South of England

Article updated every 6 months. Last update: 18th April 2008
Author: Bob Atkinson (Travel Expert) Ask me a question.

From the Kent coast to Dorset and through the magnificent scenery of the South Downs and the New Forest up to the Thames Corridor, the South is one of the most historic areas of England.

There are more historic houses, royal palaces, attractions and conurbations than any other area of Britain with seaside resorts of all descriptions, style and traditions. Brighton, Bournemouth, Margate and many other coastal towns are superb for family holiday park breaks with so much to do. Inland, the Forest areas in Hampshire are renowned for their wildlife and ruggedness. Major cities such as Portsmouth, Canterbury, Winchester and Oxford offer everything from maritime to history to stunning cathedrals as well as the famous University town itself in Oxford. History in Hastings with the Magna Carta, Stonehenge, the channel ports including Dover and the Isle of Wight all add even more choices.

Along with the capital city of London being in the South and Windsor within easy striking distance by car and train, you will never be left thinking of what you can do away from the beaches and outdoors to entertain the family, whether it be rainy or sunny.

The caravan parks and holiday parks are located along the South Coast and in the New Forest. Holiday hotels tend to be within the main south coast resorts or within easy access of the forest itself.

The New Forest

Dorset

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Bob Atkinson
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The New Forest

Situated in Hampshire adjacent to the Dorset border, this is an area of outstanding natural beauty best explored out of the car on bikes, horseback or walking. It was first designated a Royal Hunting forest by William the Conquerer in the 11th century and is packed with historic houses such as Beaulieu as well as the forest area itself.

The area teams with wildlife such as the famous wild ponies and deer and is rich in history and folklore. There are many visitor centres dedicated to getting out and about as well as guided walks and rambles to get the most out of your visit.

Lyndhurst formed the inspiration for Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll. Easily accessible from the south coast resorts around Bournemouth and Poole, this is an area not to be missed. There are many caravan and holiday parks as well as holiday hotels in the area.

Dorset

The county of Dorset boasts rolling hills, breathtaking countryside, beautiful villages, sandy beaches and a unique coastline that has recently acquired World Heritage status. It gives you the best of both worlds - an area rich in archaeology as well as unspoilt rural villages and countryside. Whether you're looking for a week long holiday or a weekend away, you'll never be short of things to do. Bournemouth is a busy seaside resort where you can walk on the unspoilt beaches or simply take a walk in the surrounding beautiful countryside. There are many great beaches along this stretch of coast including Studland and Sandbanks, playground of the rich. Don't forget Poole harbour with it's sailing and famous pottery. West of Poole towards Weymouth, you can trace the South West Coastal path and maybe even find fossils on the beaches there around Lyme Regis, famous as the setting for the French Lieutenant's Woman.

There are a number of must see and must do things in the county. See the Cerne Abbas Giant cut into the hillside near Dorchester, visit the amazing ruins of Corfe Castle near Swanage, the amazing Tank Museum at Bovington and the sea life centre in Weymouth. For the culture vultures you can visit Thomas Hardy's cottage outside Dorchester

There are many caravan parks and holiday parks along the south coast of Dorset, centred near to the main resort areas of Bournemouth and Weymouth.