26 things to see and do in 2026

30th January 2026

Looking for exciting things to do in 2026? You’re in the right place! Read on and let us know what’s on YOUR must see / must do list in 2026. Share your thoughts and pictures with us by tagging us @visitsoutheastengland. 

1. Play Pooh-Sticks on Winnie the Pooh’s 100^th birthday

2026 marks 100 years since the first Winnie the Pooh book was published. The beloved bear, immortalised in classic books, Disney adaptations and modern culture lived in the fictional Hundred Acre Woods, inspired by the author’s home – the magical landscape of Ashdown Forest in Wealden, East Sussex. Grab a friend and some sticks and head to Pooh Sticks Bridge in Ashdown Forest, or indeed any bridge over running water to enjoy the whimsical game and simple pleasures.

2. Discover the Pride of Portsmouth as the city celebrates 100 years of city status

Portsmouth celebrates 100 years of city status in 2026 with a host of events throughout the year including live music performances, fireworks displays, trails and coastal festivals. Over eight weeks in summer 2026, Pride of Portsmouth takes over the city in a spectacular celebration of creativity, community, and culture with a Pride of Lions sculpture trail, each uniquely designed by talented artists and inspired by the spirit of the vibrant city. Follow the lions to discover the pride.

3. Go Set-jetting in Southern Oxfordshire

With easy access to historic market towns, unique architecture, idyllic landscapes and charming villages, South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse has long been a popular choice for filmmakers. Follow in the footsteps of DCI Inspector Barnaby of “Midsomer Murders” with a visit to the recurring filming locations including the quaint market towns of Wallingford and Thame, and the pretty villages Dorchester-on-Thames, known for its beautiful abbey, and Watlington, boasting a charming high street lined with traditional English shops.

 4. See Britain’s Bayeux Tapestry for free at its permanent home in Reading Museum

In 2026 and for the first time ever, visitors can see both Britain and Normandy’s Bayeux Tapestries in England in the same year. The original Norman tapestry, arguably the world’s most famous piece of medieval art, will be loaned to the British Museum in autumn 2026. Ahead of the loan, see Britain's Bayeux Tapestry, the only full-scale replica, at its permanent home at Reading Museum. The ambitious project was led by a group of Victorian women 140 years ago, who painstakingly reproduced every single detail, stitch-by-stitch, so that the Tapestry's timeless story could be enjoyed by the people of Britain. 

5. Indulge in a hearty Sunday Roast on the Isle of Wight

With a unique microclimate and miles of coastline surrounding fertile field, the Isle of Wight is a true haven for food production. Tuck in to a traditional Sunday roast on the island and enjoy the wonderful island produce. With cosy pubs a plenty, celebrated gastropubs and fine dining establishments and family friendly eateries there’s the perfect Sunday roast for every occasion and palette.

6. Stop and smell the roses in West Sussex

In June, Borde Hill Gardens in West Sussex will celebrate three decades of Jay Robin’s Rose Garden – a spectacular ‘garden room’ created in 1996 by RHS Gold Medal–winning designer Robin Williams and named after Jay Robin, daughter of fourth-generation custodians Andrewjohn and Eleni Stephenson Clarke. During the celebrations, the Rose Garden will be at its most breathtaking, with more than 750 David Austin roses across 100 varieties filling the borders with colour and perfume.

7. Get Creative in Brighton, East Sussex

One of Europe’s most cultural cities, Brighton is renowned for leading the way in creativity. For the month of May 2026, the city will once again be flooded with national and international performers and audiences in a vast celebration of the weird, wild and wonderful at Brighton Fringe, the largest open-access arts festival in England. Aside from the Fringe, other events in May include the Artist’s Open Houses, where visitors can meet artists and purchase works; and Elderflower Fields, which encourages families to reconnect with the natural environment and disconnect from tech.

8. Place a bet at Windsor Racecourse or Ascot, Berkshire

Queen Elizabeth II would’ve celebrated her centenary birthday in 2026 and her lifelong passion for horses, and horse racing was well documented throughout the years. In her centenary year, hop on a boat from Windsor Promenade to Royal Windsor Racecourse, set on its own island in 165 acres of countryside to enjoy a superb day out with thrilling racing and fabulous entertainment. Or don your glad rags and head to the world-renowned Ascot Racecourse, rich in history and heritage and incredible racing as well as exciting non-racing events.

9. Find the follies at Staunton Country Park, East Hampshire

Explore the historic estate of Staunton Country Park site with the park explorer, folly and tree trails, perfect for all the family. Can you find the follies, the Green Man and Green Goddess? Be sure to squeeze inside and look out at the world from their perspective. Run, jump and climb at the outdoor play then head to the interpretation area within the Coach House, where you’ll find interactive game and puzzle stations for children and adults to discover the Park’s timeline.

10. See the glorious Gothic interiors reawakened at Dover’s Grade I listed Maison Dieu, Kent

The magnificent Grade I Listed Maison Dieu in Dover reopened in May 2025 following a £10.5m restoration with its Gothic interiors fully revived. It is the first time it has been permanently open to the public in its rich 800-year history. Join an expert-led tour to discover the building’s colourful history, awe-inspiring spaces, the people and its recent transformation. The Highlights Tour finishes off with a cream tea, allowing visitors to fully soak up the ambience.

11. Become a Norman or Saxon Soldier at Battle, 1066 Country

Witness England’s most famous battle unfold as the Norman and Saxon armies bring to life the story of 1066 with a huge reenactment on the historic battlefield at Battle, East Sussex. Adventure into the army encampments, discover the intricacies of the weapons and weight of the armour, enjoy the storytelling or become a Norman or Saxon soldier in the sword schools. Aside from the reenactment, there’s also interactive displays in the visitor centre, a café with great views of the battlefield and a host of innovative new features throughout Battle Abbey.

12. Learn to surf at Joss Bay, Kent

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A surfer's paradise for over forty years, the 200m long Joss Bay in Broadstairs, Kent is the most popular surf spot in South East England. Established in 1998, the surf school is the perfect place to learn to surf or to improve your technique with surf and SUP lessons offered to the young and old, abled and disabled.

13. Celebrate the magic of nature, Chichester, West Sussex

This summer head to the West Sussex city of Chichester for the biannual Chichester Cathedral flower festival. This four-day event, 3rd - 6th June, will see more than 50,000 blooms displayed in and around the Cathedral. Stepping into the cathedral feels like entering a living gallery, where petals, colour, and creativity come together to celebrate nature, with intricate floral sculptures and simple, fragrant arrangements. Explore the story behind each display as this event celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2026.

14. Scoff twelve scoops of ice cream near Deal, Kent

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No trip to Kent is complete without a visit to the award winning Solley's ice cream parlour, near Deal. For more than three decades the delicious Kentish ice cream has been made using fresh Channel Island milk from neighbouring farms' Jersey and Guernsey cows, some of which are direct descendants from their own herd. With so many flavours to choose from the easiest option is to opt for the famous Solley’s Super Bowl with12 scoops!

15. Visit the Refurbished Southampton City Art Gallery with an exciting opening solo exhibition by acclaimed British artist Emma Richardson

Southampton City Art Gallery reopens on the 7th March 2026 following a refurbishment of the Grade II listed Civic Centre. As part of a series of exciting new displays, the opening exhibition ‘Levitate Me: Desire, Ecstasy and The Sublime’ by acclaimed British artist Emma Richardson will feature striking oil paintings that continue her exploration of desire, euphoria, and the awe-inspiring natural world through a female lens. The reopening displays will also include highlights from the Gallery’s internationally renowned collection as well as recently added artworks, on display in the gallery for the first time.  

16. Discover wildlife and ecosystems along the River Medway

Grab some crayons and paper and follow the River Park Nature Trail in Maidstone, Kent to discover the wildlife, ecosystems and hidden wonders that exist along the River Medway. Look out for the 20 posts along the way which have QR codes to scan for more information and zinc plaques on top to create a wax crayon rubbing. The post locations have been specially chosen in spots where you’re most likely to see the depicted wildlife or signs of that wildlife. 

18. Learn a skill at Winchester’s new Craft & Design Festival

Join a celebration of creativity in all forms at the very first MADE Winchester Craft and Design Festival, set within the impressive Winchester Cathedral from 7-9^th May 2026. The event aims to bring together the very best in contemporary craft, design, and traditional making, with exhibitor stands, stalls, demonstrations, talks, taster sessions and masterclasses from some of the UK's most exciting makers.

19. Take an anniversary stroll along the Thames Path

Opened on the 24 July 1996, the Thames Path celebrates its 30th Anniversary in 2026. Originally stretching 184 miles from Thames Head in Gloucestershire to the Thames Barrier in London, today the path runs slightly further to the Woolwich Foot Tunnel, linking with the England Coast Path providing a “source to sea” experience. Try one of the shorter walks - the Reading Three Bridges walk offers a step free stroll (2 miles) or the Marlow to Cookham walk which is said to be one of the most beautiful stretches of the Thames Valley, see the 6 mile walk here.

20.  Experience England's largest Beachside Spa on Folkestone Beach, Kent

Sea Scrub Sauna is bringing authentic Nordic wellness to Folkestone beach. Set on the shingle with views of the English Channel, this Scandinavian inspired wellness destination will be England's largest beach spa, featuring wood-fired saunas, cold plunge therapy, and stunning coastal views.

21. Slow down on the Isle of Wight

Hop across the Solent and you’ll immediately exhale. The Isle of Wight has truly mastered the art of slowing down. Put down the devices, breathe deeply and move, enjoying simple pleasures and unhurried experiences without distraction. With excellent bus and rail services and an extensive network of walking routes and cycle paths, it’s easy to explore the island taking in the incredible vistas and charming towns and villages.

22. Head to iFLY Basingstoke for an adrenaline hit

Experience the thrill of skydiving without jumping out of an aeroplane at iFLY, Basingstoke’s premier indoor skydiving facilities. With the help of instructors, you’ll experience free-fall conditions and float safely at wind speeds reaching 180 mph in a state-of-the-art vertical wind tunnel. Each session includes at least two one-to-one flights with your instructor, which is the equivalent of doing three tandem skydives.

23. Take a seat by one of the most famous crime writers

2026 is the 50th anniversary of Dame Agatha Christie death, the famous crime novelist lived for over 40 years the outskirts of the market town of Wallingford, Oxfordshire and died in her Winterbrook House Home in 1976. A life sized seated bronze statue of the Queen of Crime can be found on a bench near Wallingford Museum. Created by the sculptor Ben Twiston-Davies, it invites visitors to pause and sit next to her. A permanent Christie exhibition with correspondence and pictures from the time she spent living in the town can be found inside the museum.

24. Discover a world-first exhibition exploring one of history’s most debated faces at Hever Castle, Kent

A Queen: The Image of Anne Boleyn opens on the 11 February 2026 and brings together the largest ever gathering of portraits believed to depict Anne Boleyn, including a ground-breaking newly identified contemporary image unveiled for the first time. Developed from new research by Hever Castle historian Dr Owen Emmerson, the exhibition traces how Anne’s image has changed over 500 years and reveals new scientific findings about Hever’s famous ‘Hever Rose’ portrait.

25.  Enjoy the magic of a live show in Southampton

Southampton’s theatre scene is diverse and exciting. The Mayflower Theatre, the largest on the south coast, presents major musicals, ballet, opera and stand-up comedy. Their programme is complemented by, the Mayflower Studios in Guildhall Square, which champions local talent and contemporary voices. Turner Sims on the University of Southampton campus is nationally renowned for its acoustics and plays host to world-class musicians across jazz, classical, and global genres. Meanwhile, Engine Rooms, The 1865, The Joiners, Papillon, and Heartbreakers are staples of the local live music scene, bringing touring bands and local talent to the stage.

26. Follow a new wine trail through the Sussex Winelands

The Rother Wine Triangle is the first official trail for Sussex Winelands and is set to elevate Sussex as a must-visit destination for wine lovers. Set off on foot, on bike or by car through the beautiful High Weald countryside. stopping to enjoy what each vineyard has to offer, whether it be cellar-door tastings, wine tours, dining or events.

What’s on YOUR must see / must do list in 2026? Share your thoughts and pictures with us by tagging us @visitsoutheastengland.