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 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: 236
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Exhibitions
Petworth
For the first time in 20 years, a wide range of JMW Turner's artistic studies of the extraordinary landscape at Petworth House and Park will be exhibited in the very place that inspired him. Visitors will be able to discover more about his methods,…
Childrens Events
Goudhurst
The interactive family trail follows Stick Man on his journey as he tries to get back to the family tree. Enjoy the wonderful world of Stick Man as you complete lots of fun stick-based activities, discover tree-mendous facts and learn about forest…
Heritage & History
Bognor Regis
A brand-new immersive experience by artist Matt Reed comes to Bognor Regis Esplanade until September 2025
Food
Swerford, Chipping Norton
Lizzy Farmer will be hosting a series of Foraging day throughout the seasons here at Heath Farm. Come and learn to identify wild foods on the Heath Farm estate. There's 70 acres of beautiful woodland and meadow to explore. Lizzy will guide you…
Festival
Reading
One of the biggest musical festivals in the world, every year over 90,000 people flock to the Richfield Avenue site to experience the iconic event.
Outdoor Event / Activities
Hart Street, Henley on Thames
Have fun (re-)discovering Henley on Thames, 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 finding out about this lovely Thames town. Curious…
Sporting Events
Eastbourne
Forty-four counties are divided into eleven groups of four teams that take part over three days in August each year. The World class grass courts provide a great stage for this superb battle of the counties.
This event is free to watch!
Childrens Events
Berwick
Head to East Sussex as Drusillas celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2025!
No single day could do justice to such an incredible moment in our history, so we've got a host of special events planned, including a number of Centenary Saturdays…
Film
London Road, Whitchurch
Join us for one of our upcoming Cinema Nights at Bombay Sapphire Distillery and get ready to immerse yourself in an unforgettable experience.
What's included
• Arrival Gin & Tonic Cocktail from our Turbine Bar
• Showing a film in our Sapphire…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Bournemouth
Have fun (re-)discovering Bournemouth, spotting things you've never noticed before, with two quirky, self-guided treasure hunt style heritage walks - a fun and affordable way to get some fresh air, whilst finding out more about this charming seaside…
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.
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…
Arts
Compton, Guildford
Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Pre-Raphaelite art through the evocative power of scent at Watts Gallery. Engage your sense of smell and gain a new appreciation for the artists' intentions and the cultural context in which they created…
Other
Woodstock
Salon Privé once again presents the UK’s most stylish automotive event against the sensational backdrop of historic Blenheim Palace. New for 2025, the automotive elite will be displayed inside beautiful all-weather glass structures encircled by the…
Free Event
Lee-on-the-Solent
Summer in Lee returns for its 9th year to Lee-on-the-Solent, Gosport this summer. The event will involve Smile Emporium, The Smile Stage, Summer Fun Fair and Summer Pirates all on the Lee-on-Solent promenade over 3 days with different genres of…
Health & Wellbeing
North Stoke, Wallingford
Treat yourself to a full spa day at the 1893 Spa located in the Springs Resort, Wallingford, Oxfordshire.
Immerse yourself in the hydrotherapy pool and enjoy full use of our steam room, sauna and peaceful relaxation room. Experience total…
Festival
Fareham
Wickham Festival is a 4-day music & arts festival held every August in a stunningly beautiful rural location near the historic village of Wickham in Hampshire.
Music
Winchester
Immerse yourself in the original, psychedelic, fulldome Planetarium visualisation of Pink Floyd's iconic album, The Dark Side of the Moon.
Head off on an emotional and inspiring journey into the heart and themes of the iconic album and songs. Fly…
Music
Fawley, Henley-on-Thames
Join us for a sensational afternoon of guitar-led jazz, sunshine, and vineyard vibes as two of the UK's most celebrated guitarists – John Etheridge and Denny Ilett – come together for the Guitar Summer Summit.
Special Events
Portsmouth
Celebrate the Clipper Race departing from Portsmouth.