10th July - 3rd September, West Sussex
The summer holidays are here, six weeks of family fun, with the chance to spend time together, explore new places and try new things. The South East has a packed calendar of events, you'll find an event or activity on every day, to keep you busy all over the summer holidays. Whether you are visiting South East England for your holiday, enjoying a day out in the region or planning a weekend break-away, you will find plenty to keep you entertained.
Look out for dramatic firework displays, exciting outdoor adventures, super-sonic airshows, colourful carnivals and plush super cars events, plus a host of free fun activities this summer holidays 2023. With the school's out, the event list is ever growing, so make the most of the kid's summer holidays and make this an eventful summer you won't forget.
Our featured list below, covers every day of the school holiday, full of value-added activities or family-friendly events to enjoy. Look out for the (F) which highlights the free events, making it even more cost-effective to spend time out and about in the region. Search for what's on in each county using the area search above or visit the specific county event pages, or head to the bottom of the page for a full listing of events across all nine counties over the UK summer holidays.
Coming to stay? Discover great value accommodation across the South East for a summer getaway. You can also search by destinations to link up with the local official tourism websites across the region. Our newsletter archive and YouTube channel is a great place for inspiration and ideas and to discover things to do in South East England.
Most schools across the South East break up for the summer holidays on Friday 21st July 2023 with the majority of schools returning on Friday 1st September 2023, although some areas do not return until the 4th September. The summer holidays also include the August Bank Holiday on 28th August, which always sees a host of events, family activities and music festivals running across the destination. There is plenty to be excited about this summer, and the with the weather forecast looking good too, plan your school summer holiday adventures right here.
Don't forget that you can also take advantage of many of the free things to do across the destination and our rainy day and sunny day guides will help ensure you enjoy a great day out whatever the English weather brings.
Find hundreds more events and things to do in the summer in Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, Sussex, Kent, Surrey, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Dorset including the August Bank Holiday weekend in our guide below. Whether you're looking for something near you, some great family activities, or if you are travelling to a part of South East England for a short break or day trip, use the 'map view' button to find something local.
Number of results: 52
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Festivals
Margate
Now in its 21st year, Margate Soul Festival is a massive date on the soul, funk and reggae music calendar. The festival provides a combination of large-scale live shows, DJ-led carnival street parties, beachside programming and an eclectic mix of…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Ardingly, Haywards Heath
Visit Wakehurst for Rooted this summer
7 July to 17 September
This year, Wakehurst are celebrating one of the world's most recognisable and loved plants – trees.
Incredible artists have created outdoor installations across Wakehurst that will…
Festival
Brighton
A two day Thai Festival to experience the taste of Thailand this summer at Preston Park is brought to you by Magic of Thailand, previously known as Brighton Thai Festival.
Treat yourself to a weekend wonder and bring along your families and friends…
Show / Display
Brockenhurst
Taking place in Brockenhurst in the heart of the National Park, the New Forest Show offers visitors 30 acres of showground for the whole family to explore. Showcasing the very best of the New Forest and Hampshire, the Show brings together livestock…
Festivals
SANDOWN
A heady mix of country fair, pop festival and a vampire’s worst nightmare, this festival offers everything for the family!
General event
Brighton
Fabuloso is the UK's biggest LGBTQ Pride festival and the Brighton & Hove Pride official fundraiser for the Brighton Rainbow Fund
“Historic, inspired and unparalleled. Brighton Pride is one of the best international pride festivals, we love it”…
Sporting Event
WEST COWES
Since 1826 Cowes Week has played a key part in the British sporting summer calendar and is one of the UK's longest running and most successful sporting events.
Outdoor Event / Activities
Petersfield
The bottom of Butser Hill will be filled with awesome arena acts, entertaining attractions, dog shows, animal petting zoo, children's rides and fun zone, country life stalls, beer tent and catering with live music and much much more!
Free Event
Windsor
Come and enjoy live band performances in the open air this summer. Windsor, Eton & Ascot Town Centre Partnership presents Windsor’s Live at the Bandstand programme 2024.
Festival
Broadstairs
For one glorious week in August, Broadstairs is filled with the sound of folk music. A huge event on the Isle's calendar, Broadstairs Folk Week welcomes hundreds of musicians playing in beer gardens, church halls or on stage. With over 400 events…
Festival
Reading
One of the biggest musical festivals in the world, every year over 90,000 people flock to the Richfield Avenue site to experience the iconic event.
Outdoor Event / Activities
New Forest
We are pleased to announce the return of Beaulieu Supercar Weekend in 2023 on 5 – 6 August; the must-see family spectacular that brings some of the world's most exclusive and desirable motors to Beaulieu.
Join us for one of the biggest Supercar…
Festival
Rye
Exceptional artists hit the heart of Rye for the International Jazz and Blues Festival.
Sporting Event
Ascot
With the exception of Royal Ascot, King George weekend is the most important, historic and glamorous racing meeting on Ascot's calendar.
Childrens Events
Didcot
Buy a Railway Centre ticket for the 25th May or 26th August and see Paddington™ who will meet and greet fans at intervals throughout the day.
Festivals
Tilford, Farnham
Weyfest is more like a mini-holiday than a music festival. It is a stress-free weekend in the country, with over 30 hours of the finest music, camping, posh loos, friendly staff and plenty to occupy the kids with music, drama and creative arts…
Food
Fragbarrow Lane, Ditchling Common
Live life in full flavour at The Rows & Vine, converted into a unique winter dining space by our Chardonnay vineyard. It's the perfect spot to sip, savour and celebrate.
We are now serving seasonal Sunday Roasts alongside our small plates menu.…
Markets
Southsea
A monthly exhibition and sale of original work from local artists, designers, makers and crafters.
Food
Aylesbury
Come and visit the annual Chilli Festival, held in the picturesque gardens of Waddesdon Manor in Buckinghamshire. Featuring a handpicked selection of passionate chilli exhibitors, including local artisans and independent traders from across the…
Food
Southsea
Hampshire Farmers' Markets bring beautiful, fresh local produce to Portsmouth and Southsea every month.
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