10 coolest places to escape work in the South East
Whether you spend your work days at the office, in a workspace, coffee shop, garden office or in the spare room, by Friday afternoon - you're ready to shut that laptop and relax. Okay, so a lot of us check our work email on our phones over the weekend... But Saturdays, Sundays, Bank Holidays and annual leave is all our time.
But what to do with it?
Of course, there's nothing better than enjoying some downtime at home, whether you're lounging about relaxing or catching up on a bit or gardening, partaking in a hobby or hosting friends and family. Every now and again, however, A Big Day Out is required.
The South East spoils us for choice when it comes to fun and unusual things to do. So if you're looking to forget the 9-5 for a while, why not consider a visit to one of our top ten picks of the coolest places to escape work in the South East...
1, Arundel Castle - Arundel
Arundel Castle is a medieval castle in West Sussex that has been painstakingly repaired and remodelled to an incredible level. Located in spectacular grounds overlooking the River Arun, it has more than 1,000 years of rich and fascinating history. It was, if you're interested, built at the end of the 11th century by Roger de Montgomery, Earl of Arundel.
You can enjoy the splendour of the exquisitely kept interior, which features intriguing furniture, tapestries and a rare collection of paintings by artists such as Van Dyck, Gainsborough and Canaletto. Then stroll through the expansive grounds and the beautiful formal gardens.
Plenty of history, plenty of fun.
2, Chaplin's & The Cellar Bar - Bournemouth
Chaplin's Bar is a drinking establishment with a difference. Found in the heart of Boscombe, it's a quirky and multi-award winning independent bar, restaurant and pub. Seven days a week you'll find quality and modern live entertainment too.
You can enjoy a nice cocktail or gravity-poured real ale in a magnificent atmosphere. And order delicious cuisine in the elegant restaurant part. Then enjoy live music by up-and-coming musicians in the Cellar Bar.
Voted Campaign for Real Ales (CAMRA) Pub of the Year, it's also a Great British Pub Award winner, Best Community Pub UK winner, Best Community Pub South and Best Entertainment Pub South, Best Bar None National Winner and Bournemouth in Bloom Gold Award winner.
3, Turner Contemporary - Margate
Great art isn't just reserved for great cities. Hip coastal towns can also host some of the most thought-provoking modern art. Just ask Margate.
The Turner Contemporary art gallery's latest exhibition may inspire you, or you may become absorbed in an activity, tour, or lecture. You can also admire the skies and light that inspired the gallery's namesake, JMW Turner, on his travels to Margate.
While you're there, unwind with a meal at the café, which gets its ingredients from Kent-based producers and boasts unrivalled views of the sea.
4, The Vineyard - Newbury
The Vineyard is a 5-star luxury hotel and spa in Newbury with a unique twist. If you don't like wine, don't book here…
This place could very well be described as something of a wine shrine, with its massive cellar containing wines from across the world, as well as award-winning estate wines from owner Sir Peter Michael.
The hotel is also known for its dining experience, which combines old world flavours with new world ideas and techniques using local and sustainable seasonal ingredients. Dining at The Vineyard is all about gathering for wonderful food, fine wines and a good time.
It's also an exceptional hotel, with historic guest rooms, big contemporary suites, a spa and an enviable private art collection. All of which combine to make The Vineyard the ultimate hideaway for foodies and hotel fans. And, of course, anyone who just really, REALLY likes wine.
5, Snozone - Milton Keynes
For something a little different, a little more alpine, head to Buckinghamshire's newest city, Milton Keynes. Want to ski, snowboard and sled on real snow all year? Snozone Milton Keynes is open year round for indoor snowy enjoyment. The indoor slopes are jam-packed with enjoyable activities, whether you're a beginner or an experienced navigator of the cold stuff.
Slip into a Snozone-provided snowsuit and head down the slopes for private family tutoring or freestyle skiing and snowboarding with jumps, ramps and opportunities to show off your skills. The 170 metre-long main slope is covered with more than 1,500 tonnes of fresh snow and is accessible by two lifts. So it's little surprise to learn that it's the largest indoor ski slope in Europe.
6, Proud Cabaret - Brighton
Proud Cabaret, arguably Brighton's most iconic establishment, is an extravagant cocktail bar, restaurant lounge and club in the heart of Kemptown. A cabaret act, drinks, a meal and an after party round out the evening's festivities.
In Brighton's renowned Hanbury Ballrooms, Proud Entertainment mixes modern British food, superb cocktails and award-winning burlesque cabaret.
With its hand-painted domed ceiling and decorative pillared view, the stunning ballrooms are the ideal setting for a night that will transport you to the hedonistic heydays of the 1920's and '30s. Proud Cabaret Brighton elevates dinner and a performance by combining current British cuisine with world-class burlesque cabaret.
It's a great opportunity to let your hair down and try something new. Unless you're a burlesque regular, of course. In which case it's just a chance to watch something you love!
7, The Herbalist/Junipers - Maidstone
Maidstone's Pudding Lane is home to one of the prettiest and most unusual-looking bars in the South East. The Herbalist provides an exceptional open-plan dining experience. With a lively stage kitchen and a distinct & modern décor, it truly is a destination for culinary exploration, as well as one of the few places in the area where you can have actual tank beer supplied directly from the brewery.
The hand-painted light box ceiling - apparently - pays tribute to the famous 17th and 18th century botanical pioneers Nicholas Culpeper and Joseph Banks. Who embarked on James Cook's epic trip in 1766, documenting the largest collection of species hitherto unknown to European science. But more importantly to you when you're in there... it all looks very pretty.
Downstairs is a high-end over-21's cocktail lounge and bar, Junipers. Every Friday and Saturday, descend the stairs and experiment with innovative cocktails until the wee small hours.
8, Hotel Pelirocco - Brighton
This rock'n'roll-themed pad has been the talk of the Brighton hotel scene since opening back in 2000, with its funky mirrored ceilings, Jacuzzi spas and other assorted eccentricities.
The upper-middle-range Hotel Pelirocco has a lot to live up to when it calls itself "England's most rock 'n'roll hotel," but it's a head-banging success, it really is. The emphasis is on the hotel's distinctively themed rooms, all of which are creatively finished and truly one of a kind. The general vibe may not be to everyone's liking, but if you enjoy music, it's an unforgettable experience.
9, Blenheim Palace - Woodstock, Oxfordshire
The only non-royal country house in England to hold the title of 'palace', Blenheim Palace - at 300 years old - is full of incredible heritage. The birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill and home of the 12th Duke of Marlborough and his family, it's a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a long and varied history. It's also a marvel of Baroque architecture that offers visitors a genuinely unforgettable experience.
Over 2,000 acres of 'Capability' Brown gardens and 90 acres of award-winning formal gardens await you. Take the miniature train to The Pleasure Gardens, a family-friendly area complete with a gigantic hedge labyrinth, butterfly house and adventure playground. A year-round schedule of tours, exhibitions, experiences and events showcase the majesty of 'Britain's Greatest Palace'. A truly first class day out.
10, The Old Railway Station - Petworth, West Sussex
Petworth's former train station, widely regarded as Britain's most beautiful railway station, is now one of the country's most distinctive tourist hotels. The Old Railway Station is an award-winning bed 'n' breakfast in the heart of the South Downs National Park, which is officially designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Step back in time and experience a romantic and one-of-a-kind stay in one of our refurbished Pullman railway cars or the ancient Station House.
You can enjoy breakfast on the platform, overlooking the exotic garden or by a blazing fire in the former Waiting Room, with its 20ft vaulted ceiling, depending on the season. The Old Railway Station provides something for the discerning traveller seeking a unique experience. All aboard!
