South East Summer Guide

Summer in South East England offers endless opportunities to explore, relax, and make unforgettable memories. With over 400 miles of stunning and varied coastline, hundreds of summer events and festivals, and miles of beautiful countryside, parks, and gardens, it's the perfect time to visit. Whether you're planning a beach day, looking for family-friendly attractions to visit, or simply want to enjoy the long sunny days outdoors, you'll be sure to find something in South East England. If you're searching for inspiration or ideas on things to do this summer in South East England, you’ve come to the right place.

50 Things to do this summer in South East England

From coastal adventures and countryside escapes, cultural gems and unforgettable days out, South East England is bursting with things to see and do this summer. Whether you're exploring somewhere new or rediscovering old favourites, our 50 things to do will help you make the most of the sunshine season across Kent, Sussex, Surrey, Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Berkshire.

• Take a visit to Margate in Kent with its large sandy beach and host of children's entertainment. This year, it celebrates the 250th anniversary of JMW Turner - the father of Modern art - see his famous 'Waves Breaking on a Lee Shore at Margate' at the Turner Contemporary (Free) & enjoy the long hot summer days along this stunning coastline.
• Explore the streets of Reading with the fun Shaun the Sheep: Find the Flock art trail, with 12 giant Shaun the Sheep sculptures to find. On until the 31st August (Free)
• Book a stay on the Isle of Wight this summertime. Book direct and take advantage of a host of accommodation providers that are able to offer discounted ferry travel as part of a stay package.
• Take a hop and a twirl on the Stick Man trail at Bedgebury National Pinetum. Pick up an activity pack £4 and embark on a forest adventure. Stick Man will be making an appearance on the 23rd August.
• Swoop on over to the brand new outdoor adventure playground at Birdworld in Surrey which opened on the 28th July, with raised walkways, rope nets and giant bird nests to explore.
• Look to the skies from the 14th - 17th August 25 for this years fantastic free Airbourne: Eastbourne International Air Show which takes place along the 2-miles of Eastbourne seafront. 
• Visiting Kent doesn't have to cost the earth? From a host of marvellous museums to brilliant cycle routes, picnic spots and animal fun in Dover, Deal and Sandwich (Free)
• Did you know there is a beach in Maidenhead, Berkshire? Norden Farm Centre for Arts invites visitors to the Great British seaside until 6th September, excluding 19th - 27th August (Free).
• Summertime is the perfect time to enjoy some al fresco-dining - add in backdrop of the River Thames and Windsor Castle and you've got the perfect location to celebrate summer.
• A mixed weather day doesn't have to ruin the summer holidays. Try a hop-on and-off bus tour around Oxford with City Sightseeing Oxford and experience a tour around the stunning Bodleian Libraries including the famous Divinity School, made famous by the Harry Potter films.

• Make memories with time together, try Sandy Balls Holiday Village in the New Forest, Mill Rythe Coastal Village on Hayling Island or Whitcliff Bay Holiday Park, Isle of Wight, with its stunning sea views.
• Explore one of the seven community nature reserves managed by the Earth Trust across Oxfordshire, including Wallingford Castle Meadows and Abbey Fishponds in Abingdon (Free).
• Enjoy a visit to an 'Enchanted Village' Bekonscot Model Village - the oldest original model village in the world - was the bases for one of Enid Blyton's book.
• Getaway to Oxfordshire with a stay at Blenheim Palace Lodge Retreat. Located in the grounds of the UNESCO World Heritage site of Blenheim Palace it's ideal to enjoy all of the wonders of this 2,000 acre site.
• Boring ends now with a visit to one of the nine Go Ape tree top challenges in South East England, from Alice Holt Country Park in East Hampshire, to Tilgate Park on the outskirts of Crawley, West Sussex.
• A visit to a country park offer a great budget-friendly day out, full of fresh air and natural beauty (Free).
• There's nothing like being close to nature in the summertime! Enjoy a camping trip to the award-winning Stubcroft Farm, West Sussex within easy reach of Chichester Harbour and the stunning West Wittering beach.
• New to cold water swimming?  Pop to Wasing Estate in Aldermaston, Berkshire for the monthly, two and half hour Saturday Swim & Sauna package, with a dip in the lake, visit to the wood-fired sauna, followed by lunch from the lakeside firepit.
• Join in the Dragonfly Festival at the WWT Arundel Wetland Centre. Look out for Dragonfly willow weaving workshops, dragonfly games, bug hunts, boat safaris and more.
• Wine lovers, head out along the new Rother Wine Triangle which connects seven award-winning vineyards located between Rye, Hastings, and Flimwell in East Sussex. Follow the route and enjoy wine tours, cellar-door tastings and dining events along the way. Many of the vineyards have accommodation on site, so you can make a weekend of it. 

• Pay a visit to one of the fantastic family-friendly farm parks and petting zoos across the region for a baa-rilliant day out.
• Explore the gorgeous West Sussex countryside on the Centurion Walk, which stretches from Chichester to West Dean. Mainly off-road, the 5.5-mile (9km) walk follows the River Lavant. Keep an eye out for the Chichester Road Gang sculptures, by Cornish sculptor David Kemp, near West Dean (Free).
• Get together with friends for a refreshing gin and tonic and a cinema night at Bombay Sapphire Distillery, Hampshire with Top Gun 2 (10th August), Clueless (14th September), and Jaws (26th October) to enjoy.
• Make the most of the summer nights with a visit to the prehistoric Extinction Lates at Marwell Zoo, Hampshire. Explore the zoo after hours and meet the makers behind the dinosaur brick sculptures. Extinction is on until the 7th September.
• Don't miss the last chance to visit the beautiful Lavender Fields at Hartley Park Farm before they close for another season
• The Eastbourne Bandstand has been hosting concerts and music events since 1935, and this summer is no different.  From Kids Party Nights for just £7 per child (3-16) yrs and £3 Adults, and the fantastic 1812 fireworks concerts.
• Step back in time at Butser Ancient Farm with the Time Traveller Holiday Club 11th - 15th August, or the Butser Bushcraft 18th - 21st August - a unique holiday club for kids to enjoy.
• Take a trip to the Isle of Wight from Portsmouth on the Hovercraft, celebrating the 60th anniversary since its inaugural flight in 1965 this August - a fun speedy way to travel.
• It's a big summer of games at the Rare Breed Centre in Ashford, Kent, with adventure play parks, children's indoor barn, pig racing and tractor rides its a great choice for a family day out with little ones.
• Pay a visit to one of the many beautiful gardens across South East England, its a great time to smell the roses and smile at the sunflowers, plus enjoy all the summer holiday events and activities.

• Book a stay at the award-winning Gravetye Manor Hotel near East Grinstead, Sussex, this picture book British manor house and its stunning gardens are bursting with colour.
• Bounce, slip, slide and splash with a visit to one of the South East's aqua park's including Action Watersports in Lydd, Kent and Tapnell Farm aqua park in Yarmouth on the Isle of Wight, Whitemills Wake and Aqua Park, Sandwich, Kent.
• Can your little adventurers complete the assault course at Fort Nelson, overlooking the city of Portsmouth on until 2nd September.  
• Discover a host of events and activities to keep everyone entertained over the August bank holiday weekend - the last one before Christmas.
• Find out about the incredible characters from Brooklands’ history this summer with the new Forces at Play - Science Musical, Surrey.
• Try the Peculiar Pot story walking trail in Thame, Oxfordshire. Look our for five pieces of art along the way that brings the story to life (Free).
• Bad weather doesn't have to stop play - head to Basingstoke Leisure Park, Hampshire.  With an array of indoor and outdoor activities for all ages to enjoy, including the Basingstoke Aquadrome, iFly Indoor Skydiving, Basingstoke Golf Centre and Milestones Museum.
• Try something new this summer with a family canoeing session and discover the hidden creeks and waterways of the stunning Beaulieu River with New Forest Activities.
• The famous Southampton Boat Show returns this September, bringing 10-days of on and off-the-water experiences, over 300 boats, plus music, street food and entertainment.
• Kick back this summer with some great outdoor music. Head to the Queens Hotel, Portsmouth, every Sunday (except 24th August) until 7th September from 1-7pm (Free) or on a Friday Night at Oaklands Park until 5th September, organised by Chichester Festival Theatre (Free).  There's Live Music on the Lawn at Denbies Wine Estate, Dorking, on the 10th & 31st August (Free) and Live Music at the Bandstand, weekends in Alexandra Gardens, Windsor, until 14th September (Free). If you have a couple of hours free then why not head to The War Memorial Park in Basingstoke for their Summer Band Concerts occuring on 14th August, 24th August and 7th September (Free).

• Getaway this summer for some family fun at one of the ten Parkdean Resorts in Kent and Sussex, Isle of Wight and Dorset. Whether you choose a traditional caravan, take your own tent or motorhome, or try some glamping in one of their brand new safari tents, there's something to suit every budget this summer holidays.
• Discover some of the best picnic spots in and around Maidstone, Kent this summer - just perfect for a family day out (Free).
• Have you tried the Cowdray Maize Maze near Midhurst, a great way to lose yourself this summer.
• Anytime of the year is a good time for a spa day, don't you agree? The Aheli Spa inside the Roseate Reading offers body scrubs, wraps, facials, manicures and pedicures, ideal for a spa day in Berkshire.
• There may be trouble ahead, but not if you head to Chichester Festival Theatre production of Top Hat on now until 6th September - entertainment for all the family.
• If a new experience is on your list this summer holiday, how about climbing the rigging of the Cutty Sark, Greenwich part of the Royal Museums Greenwich -  providing birds-eye views over the capital and beyond.
• Don't miss the chance to enjoy one of the Twilight Safari's at the Wildheart Animal Sanctuary, Sandown, Isle of Wight, on every Wednesday until 27th August - you can also see Benji and Balu on your visit.
• Music will fill the air in Portsmouth this August bank holiday weekend, as the Victorious Festival returns to Southsea Common with some of the biggest bands and artists.
• Harbour Park, Littlehampton offers family-friendly rides, an escape room, two arcades, a soft play area, and a variety of meal and snack options, great for primary aged children.
• Visit the Buckingham Palace State Rooms, London - open now until 28th September, offering a unique chance to take a look inside the home to the Royal Family.

Have fun this summer across South East England, don't forget to use the #lovesoutheastengland to show how much you have enjoyed yourself.