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: 51
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Festival
Ashey Road, Ryde
Summer’s just around the corner! - Celebrate the biggest feel-good hits at this year’s Jack Up Summer Party
Get ready to immerse yourself in the ultimate Summer celebration at this year’s Jack Up Summer Party! The two-day extravaganza, taking…
Festival
Battle
Now in its 15th year, the Battle Festival Scarecrow Competition will have a classic theme this year – "Top of the Crops" – to complement Beautiful Battle's Summer Flower Displays.
Food
Ascot
Ascot Farmers' Market offers a great choice of fresh produce, pies and pastries, dairy products and plants whilst on-site parking means a stress-free shopping experience.
Participatory Event
Henley On Thames
A quintessentially English afternoon tea on the Thames at Henley on the spectacular New Orleans
General event
Brighton
You will be hands on with your food preparation, this is not a cooking demonstration! So be ready to get to grips with the tools of our trade.
Most historians are inclined to believe that the macaron originated in Italy, probably Venice, and was…
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
Rye
Exceptional artists hit the heart of Rye for the International Jazz and Blues Festival.
Music
Portsmouth
Get set for a sizzling summer of free live music - with an array of styles and genres.
Carnival
NEWPORT
Join in the carnival fun with Newport's Illuminated Procession!
Please see website for route details.
Theatre
Chichester
Austria, 1938. Free-spirited nun Maria is sent away from her abbey to become governess to the widowed Captain von Trapp's seven children. She brings music and laughter back to his unfeeling household, but the future holds more joy and jeopardy than…
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.
Show / Display
Dover
Dover's most popular and anticipated event will return to the seafront this July!
Festival
Portsmouth
Victorious Festival returns for 2024 - bringing some of the biggest bands and artists to Southsea Common.
Festivals
Basingstoke
Carfest South will be returning to Laverstoke Park Farm, Hampshire in August as One Big Carfest. The 2,500 acres farm, near Overton, is owned by ex-racing driver and 1979 Formula 1 World Champion Jody Scheckter.
Walking
Broad Street, Oxford
Discover the vibrant history of the oldest university in the English-speaking world on the only official University of Oxford walking tour. Learn how Oxford grew from a small market town to become the city of dreaming spires.
Starting and ending at…
Carnival
SANDOWN
Join in the fun of Children's Day with Sandown Carnival Children's Procession! See website for carnival route.
Festivals
SANDOWN
A heady mix of country fair, pop festival and a vampire’s worst nightmare, this festival offers everything for the family!
Markets
Southsea
A monthly exhibition and sale of original work from local artists, designers, makers and crafters.
Food
Southsea
Hampshire Farmers' Markets bring beautiful, fresh local produce to Portsmouth and Southsea every month.
Shopping
Henley-On-Thames
Henley Country Craft Show, Stonor Park
The UK's biggest, quality craft show with over 200 stands!
Great shopping, delicious food and a feel-good atmosphere – the perfect family day out whatever the weather!
Join us at Henley Country Craft Show in…
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