.png){kind=icon}
Summer on a shoestring
6th July 2026
Budget-friendly ideas for your next day out in South East England - Holywell Beach credit Visit EastbourneFrom gardens to galleries, castles to forests and beaches to urban adventures, there’s a wealth of affordable family fun to be had in South East England. Creating special family moments needn’t break the bank so head to South East England for a summer filled with thrifty family fun. Discover ten budget-saving ideas for a great day out.
Island Farm Donkey Sanctuary, Wallingford, Southern OxfordshireMake four-legged friends at the Island Farm Donkey Sanctuary, Wallingford
Set in 22 acres of Oxfordshire countryside, the Island Farm Donkey Sanctuary in Wallingford is wonderfully peaceful (with the exception of the occasional “hee-haw”). Entry is free to the home to 120+ rescued donkeys. Bring some carrots, apples, swede (or even ginger nuts or polo mints), which are mixed into the donkeys’ feed for treats. Talk to the team to discover the donkeys’ stories and bring a picnic or grab some grub in the café. Free entry.
Portsmouth Museum and Art GalleryDiscover the quirky and what makes Portsmouth unique
Located in a distinct red-brick converted military barracks Portsmouth Museum and Art Gallery is free to visit and full of quirky exhibits, local history and hands-on fun. Look for the tunstall display linked to Fratton Park, offering a glimpse into Portsmouth Football Club's heritage, that football fans of all ages will love. The Workhouse Organ with its beautiful decoration and fascinating history, the unexpected glass plate negatives of when Buffalo Bill came to town, interactive recreational games and playful displays that encourage children to get involved and explore. From detailed model ships to seaside-inspired artwork, and what makes Portsmouth unique, there’s something to capture every imagination. Free entry, Tues to Sun, 10am - 5pm.
Pick Your Own at Felderland Farm, KentPYO in the Garden of England, Deal
Tucked between the pretty coastal towns of Sandwich and Deal, Felderland Farm is one of the largest Pick Your Own farms in Kent, The Garden of England. Pick the sun ripened fruit including strawberries, cherries, raspberries, blackberries, plums and apples; blow off some steam in the play area and enjoy Kentish ice cream, toasties, snacks and drinks at the Coffee Hut. Free entry to the farm Tues – Sun, June to October. Purchase empty punnets to fill with the farm’s fruit.
Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre, Great MissendenUnlock your imagination at the Roald Dahl Museum & Story Centre, Buckinghamshire
Step through the Wonka gates and into a world of pure imagination. Discover how Roald Dahl's childhood experiences inspired his books, see props and costumes from film and tv adaptations, peek in drawers and have a go on the Spark-o-meter. Get creative in the Story Centre; dress up as Roald Dahl characters, create Wondercrump rhymes, or make your own marvellous movie. The Museum is celebrating ‘Fantastic Mr Fox’ this summer with outdoor games, guided woodland walks, craft workshops and poetry writing sessions. 12 month tickets: Adult £13.95, Child (5-18) £9.95, Under 5s FREE. Open Thursday – Sunday.
Sandcastle and seaside fun at Sandown Beach - credit Visit Isle of WightBuild a sandcastle or search for Sea Creatures
With the mildest climate in the UK and 400 miles of coastline, visiting the beach in South East England is an absolute must. Head to the stretches of golden sands at the aptly named Sunny Sands, Kent, Camber Sands, East Sussex or Sandown Bay on the Isle of Wight to build sandcastles, play ball games or fly a kite. For investigative adventures go rock pooling to discover marine life or beach combing to find shells, fossils and other coastal treasures. The chalky coast and rocky shores at Birling Gap and Holywell near Eastbourne, East Sussex are hiding a wealth of sea creatures and fossils, all waiting to be discovered.
Sunset over Winchester, credit Gilbert Yates PhotographyGrab your camera and explore Winchester at sunset
Explore the historic eastern end of Winchester at sunset with camera in hand. The self-guided sunset trail is just over a mile long and provides a picture-perfect route for budding photographers. The last hour before sunset is the perfect time to start your walk, the low-sun angle and diffused light provides one of the best times to take photos and with hill top views, riverside crossings, timber framed houses, glorious gardens this exploratory walk offers a great, free way to see a lot of what historic Winchester has to offer. The Bishop on the Bridge, The Black Boy and The Crown and Anchor Pubs all en route, you can enjoy a stop along the way. Discover more free things to do in Winchester here.
Family bike ride at Swinley Forest, BracknellGet Active in Swinley Forest, Near Windsor
A 15-20 minute drive from Windsor, you’ll find Swinley Forest, 3000 acres of rolling evergreen forest and part of the Windsor Estate. Bring your bike (or hire one for a rental fee) and explore the 24km of all-weather, purpose-designed, free bike trails for all skill levels and bike types. The 1km easy green trail and multiple leisure trails offers a relatively flat, easy ride through the natural beauty of the forest, perfect for young children and those on bike trailers and the red trail offers more speedy adventures with steep gradients, tight turns and fast-paced trail cycling. Free entry to the trails, fees apply for bike hire and parking.
Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway, near FolkestoneRide the world’s smallest Railway, Folkestone
Step back in time with a ride on the Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway (RHDR), the world’s smallest Railway, where the one-third full size Steam & Diesel locomotives power their way 13½ miles along the Kent coast. Visit the Model Railway Exhibition, museum and children’s play area at New Romney station, or stop off at Dymchurch where a short walk to the village centre offers a children’s amusement park, shops, cafes and sandy beach. Single tickets from £5 child / £10 adult.
Explore the 365 acres of green space in SouthamptonWalk the Walls in Southampton
Did you know the Old Town in Southampton has 30 ancient monuments, 90 listed buildings and a fun family-friendly 4km trail that links them all. With six gates, 13 surviving towers, The Southampton Old Town Walls trail is a great way to see it all. From the site of Southampton Castle - built after the Norman conquest of 1066 - Tudor House and Gardens a Grade I listed historic building/museum, the historic Bargate with its proud lions standing guard. See gate that saw the Mayflower pass through it on its journey to America and the home of town gunner in medieval times - God's House Tower. The walk takes around 1 - 11/2 hours and is mostly flat.
Free hands on fun at National Maritime Museum, Greenwich Get hands on in Greenwich
A hands on adventure awaits little explorers at the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich. This free-to-visit Museum is a great way to stretch your budget further this summer and perfect for young children wanting to learn more about the world and travel. The All Hands gallery is ideal for children aged 6 - 12 years and full of interactive experiences to learn more about life at sea. Plus, under 7's can enjoy the Ahoy! Children's Gallery a fun-filled space that's free during weekdays (term time) and just £5 at weekends, school and bank holidays.
To top it off, you can venture into Astronomers Take Over at the National Maritime Museum - a brand-new interactive space experience perfect for all space fans. Have your out-of-this-world questions answered by real Astronomers andmarke sure you add on the a plantarium show for just £16.00.
Don't forgot to take advantage of the Great British Summer Savings offers too during your time in South East England and show your love for the destination with #lovesoutheastengland.
