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: 369
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Childrens Events
Maidenhead
Led by Sideways Drama
Make a Play in 4 Days!
Come along and dive into the world of theatre, writing, directing and star in a brand new play!
Suitable for ages 8 - 14 years.
Tues 11 - Fri 14 Aug | 10am - 4pm
£180 | £160 RBWM Residents
The fun…
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.
Music
Maidenhead
Welsh pianist Tomos Boyles programme embraces some enchanting Schubert song transcriptions by Liszt, one of Schumann's most poetic scores and a dramatic war-time sonata by Prokofiev.
Tomos was winner of the 2025 Dudley International Piano…
Arts
Arundel
Willow Weaving Workshop: Arundel
Feeling inspired? Take part in a relaxing and creative willow weaving workshop and craft your very own handmade dragonfly sculpture.
Join us at WWT Arundel for a calming, hands-on experience where you'll learn the…
Exhibitions
Guildford
Watts Gallery presents a major exhibition celebrating one of Britain's most influential designers. The Art of Wallpaper: Morris & Co is a vibrant exhibition exploring the beauty, craftsmanship and enduring appeal of William Morris's iconic designs.…
Dance / Dancing
Maidenhead
Hosted by Jeff Lloyd.
Remember when you could dance all night? Now you can — just earlier.
Join us for DayGlow: the day rave where the beats drop before bedtime.
From 2pm – 6pm, we're bringing back the good times, minus the 3am kebab.
It's all the…
Arts
Maidstone
Experience the enchanting Sculpture Trail at Leeds Castle from Saturday 29th August to Saturday 4th October 2024, offering families a unique adventure through our magnificent grounds and gardens.
Free Event
Eastbourne
Airbourne: Eastbourne International Airshow is scheduled to return for its 32nd year from 13th – 16th August 2026, bringing one of the South East's top events back to the South Coast.
Childrens Events
Edenbridge
This summer the Knights of Royal England will be entertaining visitors with exhilarating displays of action, stunts, falls and fights in an authentic arena complete with a Royal Box. Battling it out in the saddle and on foot in one-to-one combat,…
Food
Folkestone
Head to the free Sandgate Sea and Food Festival this August Bank Holiday weekend.
Walking
The Hard, Portsmouth
Get ready to explore Portsmouth like a real‑life detective! With two treasure‑hunt walks, you’ll spot clues, solve puzzles, and discover amazing things you’ve never noticed before. It’s fun, it’s outdoors, and it’s perfect for curious kids (and…
Arts
Cobham
About the Event
Everything You Need to Paint a Masterpiece
Join The Paint Club for a relaxed and creative evening of painting! One of our friendly artists will guide you step-by-step from a blank canvas to your very own work of art.
Each artist…
Arts
Nr Wadhurst
The Sussex Guild is exhibiting over the August Bank Holiday weekend at Pashley Manor Gardens, described as one of the finest gardens in England.
Childrens Events
Whiteley, Fareham
Make your Sundays better with
KIDS EAT FREE at The Parsons Collar
With on paying adult
A great wat to finish of your busy week. On Sunday's eat FREE with a paying adult. Not to be used in conjunction wiht any other offer or discount.
To book…
Shopping
Henley-On-Thames
A Celebration of Artisans, Crafts, Flavours & Fun!
Join us this August Bank Holiday Weekend (28 - 31 August 2026) at Stonor Park, Henley-on-Thames, for the Henley Country Craft & Food Show – the UK's largest country craft show.
Explore over 200…
Summer
Didcot
Visit Didcot Railway Centre on 22–23 August 2026 for Brick Adventures—celebrating the world’s favourite building brick with incredible displays, including the Block Party Robot League and a miniature Didcot. Enjoy 24 acres of railway history,…
Childrens Events
Bradbourne Vale Road, Sevenoaks
About the event
Our award winning Holiday Club will be returning to Oak Lodge, Sevenoaks, this summer!
Immerse your child in nature
Our Wilder Holiday Club offers days crammed full of activities designed to inspire and develop your child's love of…
Special Events
Gorelands Lane, Chalfont St Giles
Step into the lively world of Tudor England at Tudor Merriment, a colourful and family-friendly living history event at Chiltern Open Air Museum, Buckinghamshire
Outdoor Event / Activities
Maidenhead
Kite Flying • Food • Bar • Live Music • Entertainment • Kite Decorating
Join us at Boyn Grove Park (Punt Hill) for our Community Kite Festival on Sunday 30 August between 12pm - 4pm. It's free to attend! No tickets required - just come along on the…
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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