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
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Childrens Events
Maidenhead
Led by Lucy Carpenter
Join Lucy Carpenter on a creative art adventure this summer.
Combining art, movement and play to provide a stimulating and creative week of fun. With a sensational exhibition at the end of the week!
Suitable for ages 8 – 11…
Vineyard / Wine
Henley-on-Thames
Enjoy an afternoon on the terrace overlooking the beautiful vines at Oaken Grove Vineyard, near Henley-on-Thames.
The wine terrace is open most Saturdays and some Sundays to sip wine from the vineyard and enjoy tasty food options whilst overlooking…
Theatre
Waterperry
Set sail for adventure with Treasure Island, a thrilling stage adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson's timeless classic! This high-stakes tale follows young Jim Hawkins as he discovers a pirate's treasure map and embarks on a daring voyage filled…
Tour
Stockbridge
Enjoy a guided house tour of one the finest and earliest surviving example of a Cottage Ornée – Houghton Lodge - a genre of ‘picturesque’ Gothic architecture that flourished for about 25 years from 1790.
Heritage & History
WINCHESTER
Join Twyford Waterworks at its open day for a chance to step back in time and explore how your drinking water has been supplied for the past 125 years.
The Open Day invites visitors to enjoy a day out at arguably the best-preserved Edwardian…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Arundel
Can you zip, dart and glide like a dragonfly? Put your skill, speed and agility to the test with our interactive outdoor games, perfect for all ages. Land a ring on the dragonfly's 'antennae', try Giant Jenga and do Dragonfly dominos.
Cost: Included…
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…
Community
Chichester
Join us for a laid-back Studio session where you'll have the chance to sketch and enjoy a drink or two in a friendly and informal environment, supported by one of our experienced artist educators.
We will set up the studio tables with a selection…
Arts
St Leonards, Ringwood
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…
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,…
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.…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Sarson Lane, Andover
Saturday May 30, June 20, July 11, July 25, August 8 and August 22
Doors open 5:30pm | Flying display commences 7pm
The Hawk Conservancy Trust invites you to a special summer's evening with their feathered friends. Against a setting sun, you'll…
Food
Reading
Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and head to The Reading Room Restaurant and Lounge for the best afternoon tea in Berkshire.
Childrens Events
Aylesbury
A brand new bespoke Wild Wood Adventure Playground will open on 1 August 2026 at Waddesdon Manor in Aylesbury – creating a great new space for all the family to enjoy in the Buckinghamshire countryside. Designed for its woodland setting, offering a…
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…
Arts
Haywards Heath
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…
Music
Waterperry
WATERPERRY GARDENS, Moonrakers annual concert in the fabulous open-air Amphitheatre (or a marquee if raining).
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…
Heritage & History
Edenbridge
Step into the world of knights, legends and medieval adventure at Hever Castle from 22 July to 31 August 2026. Celebrating 40 years of jousting, the Castle's summer holiday programme offers one of Kent's most exciting family days out, packed with…
Arts
Pevensey
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…
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