13th - 16th August 26 credit Team Raven (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.
Exhibitions
East Sussex
This exhibition of pioneering photographer Dorothy Bohm takes her declaration 'I think of women as the most natural subjects for me' as a starting point, revealing an astute awareness of the male gaze. Taken around the world and across decades,…
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.
Theatre
Faversham
Quantum Theatre are back with an enchanting new adaptation of two of Beatrix Potter's best-loved Tales, The Tales of Peter Rabbit and Benjamin Bunny.
Peter and his naughty cousin Benjamin know very well that they are not to go into Mr McGregor's…
Festival
Rye
Rye Pirates and Smugglers Day - 2026. Join us on Saturday 8th August in Rye, East Sussex. Celebrate the history and heritage of Piracy and Smuggling in the town. We will start the day at 10am with a muster at the tower and a procession through…
Summer
Southampton
Southampton Pride returns in 2026 taking place on the 29th to 30th August 2026. Beginning back in 2016, Southampton Pride's has gone from strength to strength and this year the Pride event in August attracts celebrities from all over the UK coming…
Arts
Shoreham-by-sea, Brighton
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
London
OPENING AT MUSEUM OF HOMELESSNESS ON 21 MAY: CRIMINAL: AN UNTOLD STORY OF HOMELESSNESS, RESISTANCE AND SURVIVAL
A historical exhibition exploring 400 years of criminalisation of homelessness featuring new work from 10Foot, Gemma Lees, Matt Bonner,…
Other
Haywards Heath
Join a tail-wagging day of fun at Borde Hill
Bring your four-legged friends along for a day of fun on the Azalea Ring, with plenty of shady trees to keep everyone cool on warmer days.
Browse a selection of pop-up shops from local independent…
Arts
Woking
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…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Haywards heath
We'd love you to join us on a three month journey designed to help you feel comfortable and confident in Nature.
Over three months you'll learn simple ways to connect, relax and engage in the natural world. Weather you are a parent, caregiver or are…
Dance / Dancing
Maidenhead
Black Umfolosi performances are inspired by the traditional song and dance of their native southern Africa, with a beauty and enthusiasm that is unrivalled.
Their performances are energy driven and completely engaging, mixing a great gentleness of…
Family
Haywards Heath
We Are Family Festival Sussex comes to Borde Hill on Sunday 16 August, bringing a full day of live entertainment, attractions and family fun to one of the South East's most beautiful outdoor settings.
Arts
Arundel
Pop into the Outlook In building to make a dashing dragonfly!
Zsofi from Nature Makers guides families on how to make a dragonfly using eco-friendly, vegan-inclusive resources. Make a cord and bead creation or try one using reeds.
These drop-in…
Arts
Southampton
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…
Childrens Events
Chatham Road, Maidstone
Kent Wildlife Trust are the leading conservation charity in Kent and the experts when it comes to wildlife and outdoor learning. Join us this summer for our bespoke Holiday Club designed specifically for the next generation of nature lovers!
About…
Childrens Events
Great Missenden
Channel your inner farmers Boggis, Bunce and Bean to creative a nifty digging vehicle out of junk materials. You learn about the story and discover what the farmers did to try and chase after Fantastic Mr Fox before building your own digging machine…
Other
Gorelands Lane, Chalfont St Giles
Step into the dangerous and daring world of Rogues & Highwaymen, a lively living history event at Chiltern Open Air Museum that brings the stories of Britain's most notorious outlaws to life.
Journey back to the 17th and 18th centuries and discover…
Music
Fareham
Created by our dedicated team of chefs, our Sunday lunch is a firm favourite for any celebration, occasion or treat. Join us for a delicious lunch and enjoy the background sounds of The Swing Rhythms Trio.
Portsmouth 100
Portsmouth
In 2026, Portsmouth celebrates its 100th anniversary of becoming a city with a wide round program of events and activities for both visitors and residents to enjoy. Visit the city, join the events and discover more of Portsmouth's fascinating…
Music
Newport
Strings Bar & Venue present Scouting for Girls, The Lilacs, The Covasettes, Goodbye Stereo & Ruby in the intimate setting of Robin Hill Woodlands.
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