2 Best Sights in The Southeast, England

Ten miles southeast of Lewes on the A27, Wilmington has a famous landmark that people drive for miles to see. High on the downs to the south of the village (signposted off the A27), a 226-foot-tall white figure with a staff in each hand, known as the Long Man of Wilmington, is carved into the chalk. His age is a subject of great debate: some researchers think he might have been created as far back as Roman or even Neolithic times, but recent soil analysis places the figure closer to the 16th century. It's one of England's two most significant human hill figures, along with the Cerne Abbas Giant near Dorchester in Dorset. To get here, park in the public parking lot just south of Wilmington Priory and walk.

Set in a forested park 12 miles southwest of Guildford, this is a wild, fanciful place where you're as likely to see a beautiful mosaic flower bursting out of the ground as you are to see a naked bronze woman riding a giant resin dinosaur. Pick up a map from reception and follow a series of signposted paths (most of which are accessible) across the parkland to discover hundreds of bold, ambitious, and inventive sculptures by global artists, as well as many more hidden-gem artwork hanging off trees, nestled in bushes, and floating on lakes. Everything you see is for sale; simply inquire at reception. The woodland setting is idyllic and there are benches galore, so consider bringing a picnic and making a half-day of it. If you still have time, follow the footpath beside the little car park outside up to the Devil's Jumps, a ruggedly beautiful spot with views over the South Downs. The name derives from a piece of local folklore: one night the devil stole a cauldron from a local witch, who gave chase on her broomstick; with each leap, the devil kicked up huge clods of earth, which in turn became hills—hence "jumps."