Portsmouth, 13th July - 13th Sept 26 (Free)
Discover what's on this summer holiday in South East England, from family-friendly events and outdoor adventures to festivals, shows and interactive experiences across Kent, Sussex, Hampshire, Surrey, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and the Isle of Wight. Whether you're planning days out with the kids, looking for what's on this weekend or exploring something new throughout the school holidays, you'll find plenty of events to keep everyone entertained. Browse highlights across the summer and start planning memorable family days out.
The South East has a packed calendar of summer events, from dramatic firework displays and spectacular airshows to colourful carnivals and classic car shows. Alongside these, you'll find a host of free activities taking place throughout the summer holidays in 2026. With schools out for the summer, new events are being added all the time - so keep checking back and make the most of the holidays with an eventful summer across South East England.
Scroll down to explore a selection of family-friendly events taking place across South East England, or use the search filters to find something near you. Our featured events list is full of value-added experiences, from live music at the bandstand and outdoor adventure trails to living history events bringing the past to life.
With events taking place right across the summer holidays, there’s always a new way to enjoy family days out in the South East. You can also explore events pages for each county across the region, or scroll to the bottom of the page for a full listing of events taking place across all nine counties this summer.
If you're planning a trip to South East England this summer holiday to enjoy some of the many events on offer, you'll find answers to some common questions below. You can also head over to the travel information page full of useful tips and information on different ways to visit.
There are events taking place every day during the summer holidays, including weekends. Use the search filters above to explore what’s on by date and location.
Head over to our free things to do page or enter 'Free' into the keyword search box above to find some of the free events available. You'll find free museums, airshows, art trails and music events which you can mix with other paid for events to make your budget go further this summer.
If you are travelling from outside the region, there are plenty of great value accommodation choices to suit your needs for a summer getaway. You can also search by destinations to link up with the local official tourism websites across the region.
Running from 22 July to 1 September 2026, the summer school holidays bring weeks of family-friendly events across South East England. Dates may vary slightly between counties, with Isle of Wight schools typically breaking up a few days later from 27 July. The summer holidays also include the August Bank Holiday on Monday 31 August 2026, 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 with the weather forecast looking good too, plan your school summer holiday adventures right here.
Looking for events nearby? Use the map view and search filters to explore what’s on across each county, or discover events happening close to where you’re staying
Number of results: 116
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Water Based Activities
Dengemarsh Road, Lydd
Do you want to try paddleboarding with your dog? Looking for a fun, dog-friendly day out in Kent?
Head along to Action Watersports in Lydd, Romney Marsh, for Pups on SUPs, a brilliant stand up paddleboarding experience where you and your…
Summer
Greenwich Park, London
A new installation by artist Luke Jerram has landed at the Royal Observatory in Greenwich this summer. Celebrating 350 years of studying the Moon from the Royal Observatory.
Exhibitions
Chichester
This exhibition will mark Haroun Hayward's (b. 1983) first solo
institutional show. Hayward will present a new body of work,
created in dialogue with artworks in Pallant House Gallery's
collection by Wilhelmina Barns-Graham, Paul Nash,…
Comedy
Brighton
Brighton's longest running, and friendliest, new material comedy night.
Childrens Events
Oxford
Join City Sightseeing Oxford to set off on an Oxford adventure!
Collect stamps from six exciting locations across the city, with fun child‑friendly activities to complete at each stop and earn an Oxford Explorer's Certificate to claim as your…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Faversham
Pick your own fruit in Kent at our PYO Fruit Weekends! Enjoy a fun day out picking unusual varieties of cherries, plums, gages, apples and pears straight from the Brogdale Collections orchards. We have 100s of different varieties that are not…
Other
Brighton
Discover the best of Brighton with a seaside stay at the iconic DoubleTree by Hilton Brighton Metropole. Perfectly positioned on Brighton’s vibrant seafront, this package combines a relaxing overnight break with tickets to the magnificent Royal…
Walking
Hart Street, Henley on Thames
Curious About Henley on Thames takes you to the famous sights and the hidden gems, with surprises tucked around every corner. Each walk takes 1–2 hours, and both are wheelchair and buggy friendly.
Guided Walk
Worthing
A smalltown mystery is a digital activity where you read a story, search for clues, answer questions and solve a mystery. You walk in the town center for about an hour. After the walk it’s perfect to finish off with a coffee break to solve the…
Summer
Reading
Enjoy a family getaway this summer to the gorgeous Roseate Hotel in Reading. Book direct via website and children under 12 dine for free from the children's menu.
Theatre
Chichester
October 1943. In a small office on the Avenue Foch in Paris, a Gestapo interrogator is questioning a young woman who has been known by many different names: Babuli, Jeanne-Marie, Nora, Madeleine.
As one of the secret agents of Britain's Special…
Indoor
Turners Hill, Crawley
Escape to the multi award-wining Utopia Spa at Alexander House in the West Sussex countryside.
Walking
The Close, Winchester
Have fun (re)discovering Winchester with two quirky treasure‑hunt walks that get you spotting things you’ve never noticed before.
It’s a fresh‑air adventure that’s fun, affordable, and perfect for all ages.
Outdoor Event / Activities
Aylesbury
Stop scrolling Go Ape!
Searching for things to do in Buckinghamshire and Hertfordshire this summer holiday? Head to Go Ape Wendover for an unforgettable outdoor adventure that's perfect for reconnecting with nature and each other.
Walking
Hastings
Get ready to explore Hastings like a real‑life detective!
Curious About Hastings takes you to famous places and secret corners, with surprises hiding around every turn. Each walk takes 1–2 hours, and both are wheelchair and buggy friendly, so…
Other
Eynsford, Eynsford
Eagle Heights is inviting all budding young artists to take part in our art competition over May half term.
To enter simply create a picture of your favourite animal that lives here at the Foundation and bring it along. You can use pencils,…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Slough
Stop scrolling Go Ape!
Searching for things to do in Buckinghamshire and Berkshire this summer holiday? Head to Go Ape Black Park for an unforgettable outdoor adventure that's perfect for reconnecting with nature and each other.
Gardens
Arlington
Bates Green Garden was designed and planted by the late Carolyn McCutchan over a period of many years from 1968. The tranquil 1.5-acre garden surrounds the farmhouse, which was originally a gamekeepers cottage built circa 1814.
Other
Woodstock
Salon Privé once again presents the UK’s most stylish automotive event against the sensational backdrop of historic Blenheim Palace. Back for its 21st year, this five-day event welcomes the automotive elite. Wander across the lawns, visit the…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Maidstone
Searching for things to do in Kent and Maidstone this summer holiday? Head to Go Ape Leeds Castle for an unforgettable outdoor adventure that's perfect for reconnecting with nature and each other. The perfect family day out with every visit to Go…
© Visit South East England 2026. All Rights Reserved
.png){kind=icon}
