12th & 13th July, Kent
The summer holidays are here, six to eight 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 2025. 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.
The summer holidays also include the August Bank Holiday on Monday 25th August 2025, 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: 238
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Walking
West Street, Marlow
Have fun (re-)discovering Marlow, spotting things you've never noticed before, with two quirky treasure hunt style heritage walks - a fun and affordable way to get some fresh air, exploring this charming Thames town. Curious About Marlow visits not…
Music
Haywards Heath
Lumos Live presents an immersive outdoor concert by candlelight, where a string trio perform magical adaptions of iconic Hans Zimmer compositions.
Taking place on Borde Hill's stunning South Lawn where the historic Elizabethan House serves as a…
Sporting Events
Eastbourne
Over 35's tennis championships featuring players from all over the UK, at one of the worlds best grass court venues. Watch for free in the beautiful surroundings of Devonshire Park.
All age groups are catered for up to 75 for Women and 80 for Men.…
Tour
Reading
Book now to enjoy an official Abbey Quarter Tour, Reading which includes exclusive access to Jane Austen's school.
Available from Saturday 5 April 25 until 27th September 2025, explore the heart of Reading with an official Reading Museum tour guide.
Childrens Events
Chatham
This summer holiday, the mini-figures from Brickwrecks: Sunken Ships in LEGO® Bricks are ready for a brand-new adventure at The Historic Dockyard Chatham.
Meet Deckster – a curious little LEGO® figure who has spent five whole months inside the…
Heritage & History
Southampton
The Brick People bring LEGO® back to the Museum
We are delighted to welcome The Brick People back to the Museum for a fifth year of running brilliant brick-based events using LEGO® bricks.
On Weds 20th August and Thursday 21st August as well as…
Carnival
NEWPORT
Join in the carnival fun with Newport's Illuminated Procession!
Please see website for route details.
Music
Ashey Road, Ryde
Join us for the ultimate Take That party night currently selling out festivals, theatres and arenas across the UK and Ireland.
Created by Take That fans, for Take That fans! This is the first show of its kind, starring the UK’s favourite…
School Holidays
Beaconsfield
Magic comes to Bekonscot Model Village and Railway, Buckinghamshire this summer holidays
Walking
Hastings
Have fun (re-)discovering Hastings, spotting things you've never noticed before, with two quirky treasure hunt style heritage walks - a fun and affordable way to get some fresh air, whilst exploring this historic seaside town. Curious About…
Music
Henley-on-Thames
Rewind South comes to Henley on Thames, Oxfordshire this August, with headliners including Soft Cell, ABC, Holly Johnson and many more!
Festival
Rye
Exceptional artists hit the heart of Rye for the International Jazz and Blues Festival.
Heritage & History
Cobham,
This summer, visitors to Painshill in Cobham can enjoy a unique walk through words and nature thanks to a new poetry trail created by Painshill's first Poet-in-Residence, Nia Broomhall, in collaboration with the local community.
Opening on 19…
School Holidays
Woodstock
At Britain's Greatest Palace, there’s a whole host of fun to be had for you and your family over the summer holidays. Choose from a wide range of exciting activities to plan your perfect family day out and create cherished memories together.
Exhibitions
Gorelands Lane, Chalfont St Giles
A wool art exhibition featuring knitted scenes of wartime Britain will be unveiled at Chiltern Open Air Museum, Chalfont St Giles, in August. The Britain at War exhibition – The Longest Yarn 2, will feature 61 knitted and crocheted scenes made by…
Music
Brighton
Weekly free entry, live music takes place at Bohemia in the heart of the historic Lanes at this artistic and quirky high-end cocktail bar & restaurant. Full line up of bands can be viewed on Bohemia's website. Food tables can also be booked via…
Gardens
Test Valley
Houghton Lodge Gardens is proud to announce the launch of a new sculpture exhibition and trail, which invites visitors to explore the concept of flow in both nature and creativity.
Running until the 30th September 2025, Fluvii, which is Latin for…
Arts
Sunbury-on-Thames
We have painting workshops every month at The Magpie in Sunbury, Fabio's in Hampton Wick and The Woodman in Wimbledon so choose your painting and go make a masterpiece!
All sessions include your materials and a canvas to take home.
Special Events
Colden Common, Winchester
Join us from 6pm – 9pm on Saturday 9 August and Saturday 16 August to explore our summer brick event, Extinction, after hours – from just £16 per person!
Meet the makers behind the brick sculptures, take part in a public build, and enjoy a whole…
Participatory Event
Henley On Thames
A quintessentially English afternoon tea with a twist, on the spectacular New Orleans, Henley on Thames.
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