As the leaves turn and autumn sets in, the South East comes alive with fresh adventures, new exhibitions and unforgettable days out. From treetop thrills to Roman history, contemporary art to spine-chilling museums, this season brings plenty of reasons to plan a getaway by train.
Whether you’re seeking family fun, cultural discoveries or an adrenaline rush, Southern can get you there with money-saving offers that make exploring even more rewarding. Here are some of the best new attractions and experiences to add to your autumn calendar.
The Cake & Bake Show
Olympia London, Hammersmith Road, W14 8UX
Nearest Southern station: Kensington (Olympia)
Baking fans will find plenty to indulge in at The Cake & Bake Show, where celebrity bakers, cake artists and patisserie experts come together for demonstrations, competitions and, of course, cake stalls.
From learning decorating tips to sampling new baking trends, it’s a feast for the senses and a chance to pick up inspiration for your own kitchen creations. When you travel by train, you can get two adult tickets for the price of one, so take a friend or your favourite baking buddy. This exhibition is on for a limited time only, from 26 - 30 November, so make sure you book in advance to avoid disappointment.
Go Ape Southampton
Itchen Valley Country Park, Allington Lane, SO30 3HQ
Nearest Southern station: Southampton Central or Southampton Airport Parkway
Unleash your adventurous side with Go Ape, the ultimate outdoor experience set high among the treetops. From zip lines that soar through the forest to wobbly bridges and daring obstacles, it’s an adrenaline-fuelled day out that combines fun, fitness and fresh air.
Whether you’re planning a family outing, a group adventure or just testing your nerve, Go Ape guarantees thrills worth travelling for, and when you travel with Southern Railway, it’s even more affordable as you can get 15% off with your train ticket. Just make sure you book in advance, and note this promotion is not valid on Saturdays.
The True Crime Museum
Palace Avenue Arcade, White Rock, Hastings Seafront, TN34 1JP
Nearest Southern station: Hastings
Step into the eerie seafront caves of Hastings for a museum experience like no other. With hundreds of exhibits, from Scotland Yard evidence to notorious gangster relics, this attraction takes you deep into the chilling world of serial killers, poisoners and prisoners. Highlights include a genuine lethal injection deathbed, and the acid containers used by John George Haigh, the infamous ‘Acid Bath Murderer’.
Test your detective skills by matching celebrity mugshots to their crimes, then head into the Cinema Cave where history’s most notorious killers reveal their shocking stories. Fascinating, unforgettable and a little spine-tingling, it’s family friendly, wheelchair accessible, dog friendly, and you can get two tickets for the price of one when you travel with Southern.
Hastings Contemporary
Rock-a-Nore Road, Hastings, TN34 3DW
Nearest Southern station: Hastings
Doors have just opened to a new season of exhibitions at Hastings Contemporary, showcasing the experimental painting practice of Sophie Barber, the celebrated draughtsmanship of Michael Landy, and the apocalyptic storytelling of Isabel Rock. While you're there, browse beautiful ceramics, limited-edition prints and a curated selection of books, toys, and jewellery in the shop, and stay for some tapas at on-site restaurant coquina. Under 18s go free, and adults can get two tickets for the price of one when you travel by train.
Fishbourne Roman Palace and Gardens
Roman Way, Fishbourne, Chichester, PO19 3QR
Nearest Southern station: Fishbourne
Step back nearly 2,000 years at Fishbourne Roman Palace, the largest Roman home in Britain. Wander through recreated Roman gardens, marvel at intricate mosaics and artefacts, and picture the incredible luxury once enjoyed in this grand residence.
Make a day of it with lunch in the café, plenty of open space to explore, and a gift shop packed with locally sourced treats and unique Roman-inspired souvenirs. When you travel with Southern, you can get two adult tickets for the price of one.
Hobbledown Epsom
Horton Lane, Epsom, KT19 8PT
Nearest Southern station: Epsom
50 acres of adventure are waiting at Hobbledown, the ultimate family day out. Bounce on giant jumping pillows, climb through tunnels, or take on the high ropes. Meet farm and zoo animals, let little ones splash and explore in the Imaginarium, and step into the magical Thinkery where the Hobbledown characters come to life.
With adventure villages to explore, sensory play for toddlers, live performances, and special events throughout the year, Hobbledown is a full day of excitement. Advance booking is essential, and you can get 10% off general admission when you travel with Southern (excludes Bank Holidays).
London Bridge Experience and London Tombs
2-4 Tooley Street, SE1 2SY
Nearest Southern station: London Bridge
Step into London’s darker side at The London Bridge Experience. Journey through 2,000 years of history brought to life with actors, special effects and plenty of laughs along the way.
Then, if you dare, descend into the London Tombs (crowned the ‘World’s Best Horror Attraction’) and face one of the UK’s scariest scare mazes. It’s history, horror and heart-pounding fun all in one unforgettable visit. What’s more, you can get two adult tickets for the price of one when you travel with Southern.
