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: 48
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Festival
A weekend of free entertainment in the town centre and on the Quay Green.
Food
Henley on Thames
Nestling for over ten years in the foothills of the Chiltern Hills within Henley's town boundary, and within walking distance of the famous Regatta course, town centre and railway station, Fairmile Vineyard is open all year round for tours & tastes.…
Comedy
Brighton and Hove
Discover the best in live comedy, featuring three top acts and an MC!
Boasting the hottest line-ups including Kiri Pritchard-McLean, Jordan Brookes, Olga Koch, Barbara Nice, Jarred Christmas, Nina Conti, Sara Barron, and many more!
Komedia is a…
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!
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.
Festival
Smugglers Festival returns – 2023 tickets on sale now!
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.
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.…
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…
Food
London
Cutty Sark – the world's sole-surviving tea clipper – was built in 1869 to bring the finest and freshest teas back to London.
Now you too can savour Cutty Sark's rich history while enjoying a truly unique London afternoon tea experience.
Leave…
Childrens Events
Edenbridge
July: 15 & 16, 22 & 23, 29 & 30
August: 12 & 13, 19 & 20, 25 – 28
The annual Summer Jousting Tournaments will begin at Hever Castle on 15 and 16 July.
This summer the Knights of Royal England will be entertaining visitors with exhilarating…
Show / Display
Dover
Dover's most popular and anticipated event will return to the seafront this July!
Participatory Event
Henley On Thames
A quintessentially English afternoon tea on the Thames at Henley on the spectacular New Orleans
Festivals
SANDOWN
A heady mix of country fair, pop festival and a vampire’s worst nightmare, this festival offers everything for the family!
Guided Walk
Broadway, Winchester
Join one of Winchester's professional guides for a 90 minute walking tour, starting at Winchester Visitor Information Centre. The tour explores the historical sites in the upper part of the city including the Cathedral, High Street, Westgate and…
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.
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…
Music
NEWPORT
The Isle of Wight's annual jazz festival, now in its 12th year. The event brings the very best of the UK jazz scene to the Island for 4 days of top class music, using venues in and around Newport.
The event is popular with many jazz fans and…
Markets
Southsea
A monthly exhibition and sale of original work from local artists, designers, makers and crafters.
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…