Guildhall Square, 29th - 30th August 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
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Tour
Pulborough
Experience the Gold Medal-winning Tour & Tasting at Wiston Estate, celebrated as Experience of the Year 2023/24 at the Beautiful South Awards! Perfect for all seasons, our tour is winter-friendly, fully undercover, and fully accessible, so you can…
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.
Outdoor Event / Activities
Ringwood
Stop scrolling Go Ape! On a staycation in Dorset or Hampshire and searching for nearby activities? We've got you covered, right in the heart of the stunning Moors Valley Country Park. Go Ape is one of the best outdoor activities in the area
Free Event
Dover
Head along to the Market Square this summer holidays for free entertainment in the heart of Dover town.
Taking place on selected dates, this is a great way to enjoy the summer vibes.
Outdoor Event / Activities
Ashtead, Epsom
Calling all adventurers!
Get out in nature this summer and explore Langley Vale Wood with the Summer Adventure Trail.
Sniff out the smells of summer, hunt for tiny treasures and go on a minibeast hunt in this interactive trail for the whole family…
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.
Childrens Events
Petworth
Step into a world of colour, creativity, and imagination on this fun, buggy-friendly family trail at Petworth House and Gardens near Chichester.
Follow Pipkin, a young dragon, on a journey through landscapes, play spaces, and creative challenges to…
Tour
Broad Street, Oxford
Discover the vibrant history of the oldest university in the English-speaking world on the only official University of Oxford walking tour. Learn how Oxford grew from a small market town to become the city of dreaming spires.
Childrens Events
Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve, Sevenoaks
Enjoy a change of scenery as we entertain your toddlers with a seasonal story or two at Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve.
Bring your toddlers to Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve on the first Wednesday of each month for a relaxed story telling session with Kent…
Food
Milton Keynes
Experience a delicious afternoon tea, where every bite celebrates the season's bounty amidst the relaxing ambience of Horwood House, Buckinghamshire.
Childrens Events
Windsor
This summer get out and explore Windsor, Eton and Slough in a new way with the colourful family-friendly 'Trunks across the Thames' art trail.
This free art trail will fill these Berkshire towns with a herd of 30 large artist-designed elephant…
Arts
Henley-on-Thames
Join contemporary artist Ann Generlich from 2-8 September at The Old Fire Station Gallery in Henley-on-Thames to explore the fusion of emotion, energy and structural form through richly layered mixed-media works that shift between abstraction and…
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…
Exhibition
Cookham
The most ambitious exhibition dedicated to Stanley Spencer (1891-1959) in a decade transfers to the Stanley Spencer Gallery, Cookham from 4 April 2026, following a highly successful run at Gainsborough’s House, Sudbury.
Walking
West Street, Marlow
Have fun (re)discovering Marlow 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.
Shopping
Horsham
Join us in store at John Lewis, Horsham for this unmissable skincare masterclass with Dermalogica skin therapists. At this immersive session you'll learn what makes Dermalogica the professional skincare brand trusted by experts worldwide.
Childrens Events
Waterperry
Summer holiday fun at Waterperry Gardens. Using the compass and instructions on the trail map provided, look carefully around our gardens to find the Butterflies.
Theatre
Chichester
Cockney Eliza Doolittle scrapes a living selling flowers on the streets of London. Her dream of being a lady in a florist's shop is out of reach unless she can speak 'proper English'. So when she encounters Henry Higgins, a professor of phonetics,…
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…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Faringdon
Sudbury House is the Perfect Venue for Your Summer Party.
In our Beautifully Landscaped Gardens for up to 200 guests
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