While it is without a single dominant urban centre, the region is home to two cities with populations of around 250,000 (Medway and Brighton and Hove) and five cities with populations of greater than 100,000. The South East is home to over eight million people in some three million households.
| The South East region encompasses 19 county and unitary authorities and 55 districts, stretching in an arc around London, from Thanet in the south-east to the New Forest in the south-west and to Aylesbury Vale and Milton Keynes in the north-west. The region covers Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Brighton, East Sussex, Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Oxfordshire, Surrey, West Sussex and Kent. |
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After London, the South East region is the most successful regional economy in the UK. According to 2003 figures, the region’s contribution to the national economy accounts for 15.6% of total UK Gross Value Added (GVA). The South East economy offers around four million jobs, predominantly in the service sector. Employment rates for working age people in the region are high - 84.2% for men and 73.6% for women. Unemployment rate at 3.6% is below the national average (4.7%). The Job Seekers Allowance claimant count rate (residence based) stood at 1.4% in December 2004 compared to a UK figure of 2.2%.
Among the many choices the region has to offer are first class restaurants in centuries-old buildings, little and isolated traditional pubs in country village cottages to lively cafes in urban centres where you can taste excellent dishes and drinks with views of the sea, by harbour side or across valleys.
The major south coast ports, including Dover, Southampton and Portsmouth, as well as the Channel Tunnel, make the South East the natural access point to continental Europe. The presence of Gatwick airport, which is the UK's second busiest airport, and Heathrow immediately adjacent to the regional boundary, also place it at the hub of the UK's international travel links. The South East contains 22% of the England motorway network and 14% of the England 'A' road network. The cities in the region have an extensive public transport system of buses and trains.
| South East England has a strong cultural heritage. Long established and internationally famous events such as the Glyndebourne Festival Opera and the Chichester Theatre Festival stand alongside the largest number of specially designated museum collections of any region. The region also contains two of the nine UK sports institutes and has a renowned architectural heritage. |
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The South East boasts a rich cultural heritage and is steeped in history. Annual outdoor events such as Royal Ascot, Glyndebourne Festival of Opera and the world famous sailing regatta, Cowes Week, combined with scores of museums and theatres; the leisure opportunities afforded by the region are numerous. One third of the region is designated ‘Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty’ status or equivalent.
The fine countryside of South East England is renowned for its beauty, interest and enduring charm. Here amongst the patchwork of distinctive landscapes like the Cotswolds and the Chilterns, the High Weald and the chalky Downs, this quintessential England still provides a refreshing haven from the fast pace of modern life. There are many trails to explore this rich landscape and at the heart of each trail is an easy but exhilarating walk, offering fresh air, fine views and traditional country pubs.
South East England Regional Assembly
www.southeast-ra.gov.uk
South East England Development Agency
www.seeda.co.uk
South East England Tourist Board
www.visitsoutheastengland.com
South East England has the highest average daytime temperatures found in the British Isles. There are between 25 and 30 inches (635-760 mm) of rainfall; and there can be high variation of temperature between day and night. The climate of the coastal districts is influenced by the sea. In the autumn months, the coast sometimes has higher temperatures. Rainfall during the summer months is mainly from thunderstorms and thundery showers; from January to March the heavier rainfall is due to south-westerly frontal systems. The coast has consistently more sunshine than the inland areas: sea breezes, blowing off the sea, clear any cloud from the coast.
