Kent, 3rd - 5th July (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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Exhibitions
London
Cornwallis Cloth is a brand-new film created and produced by Sweet Patootee Arts as part of the IWM 14-18 NOW Legacy Fund.Inspired by oral testimony and the untold stories of British Caribbean lives during the Second World War, this 20-minute film…
Theatre
Chichester
In a small coastal village in Wales, Bryn and Gwen learn they will be forced to abandon their cherished home in the face of rising seawater. Their crisis rekindles Gwen's crusading spirit, cradled at the Greenham Common protests in the 1980s – a…
Festival
Ventnor
Ventnor Fringe is a unique celebration of the arts, showcasing emerging and established talent across every creative discipline.
Exhibitions
Chatham
Experience the ocean like never before at The Historic Dockyard Chatham, as it hosts the UK debut of the Ocean Photographer of the Year exhibition.
Showcasing 116 award-winning photographs, this inspiring exhibition brings together the very best in…
Guided Walk
Worthing
A smalltown mystery is a digital activity where you read a story, search for clues, answer questions and solve a mystery. You walk in the town center for about an hour. After the walk it’s perfect to finish off with a coffee break to solve the…
Music
Maidenhead
This summer The Brass Funkeys are back at Norden Farm with their infectious, high-energy brass show – a live music experience designed for music lovers aged 4-104.
Expect everything from soulful jazz funeral marches, reggae, gypsy and swing to…
Vineyard / Wine
Staplehurst, Tonbridge
Join the Balfour Winery team for a Sunset Tour, Tasting & Dinner. Begin with a guided tour of this 400-acre Kent vineyard, apple orchards and ancient woodlands, as the light softens into that flattering golden-hour glow.
Dance / Dancing
Chichester
Get ready for an evening of foot-stomping fun, live music, and a bouncy castle at the Summer Barn Dance at Aldingbourne Country Centre - featuring professional barn dance callers to guide you through every lively step!
Music
Maidenhead
Brooks Williams and Aaron Catlow create a fiery, fearless sound of Americana, folk and country blues. Their musical chemistry is a spark that sets the stage ablaze with a spontaneous high-energy. There literally is no one performing today creating…
Walking
Dorking
The two hour walking Secret Vineyard Trail takes you at a leisurely pace to some of the most beautiful viewing points within the Denbies Wine Estate in Surrey. Enjoy selected wine tastings served along the way. The wine tasting and vineyard walking…
Childrens Events
Horsham
Get ready for the ultimate summer adventure as The Labyrinth Challenge, the UK's biggest inflatable obstacle course, bounces back to Leonardslee. Race through over 1,000ft of obstacles, jumps and slides, or let little ones explore the all-new…
Childrens Events
Great Missenden
Curious about what's hidden behind the scenes at the Museum?
Then join us at The Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre for a fascinating mini archive adventure! Guided by the Head of Collections, families with children aged 8 and up will get a rare,…
Arts
Arundel
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…
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.
Walking
Millmead, Guildford
(Re)Discover Guildford with two lively treasure‑hunt walks packed with clues, surprises and “I’ve never noticed that!” moments.
Run / Rally
New Forest
We are delighted to announce the return of Simply Aston Martin on Sunday 23 August 2026.
All Aston Martin owners are invited to drive into Beaulieu and park up within the museum complex for a superb day out for both Aston Martin owners and…
Sporting Events
Clacton-on-Sea
This is a true seafront race, taking place along both the top and bottom promenades, with plenty of holidaymakers and day trippers to cheer you on! The course for both races is largely flat and both are suitable for runners of all standards, from…
Special Events
Woking
Treat yourself to a delightful two-night getaway with our dinner, bed, and breakfast package, complete with a complimentary bottle of house wine in your room upon arrival. Experience the cosy comfort of our accommodations as you relax and unwind…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Sarson Lane, Andover
Saturday 8 – Sunday 9 August
10am-5:30pm
Calling all minibeast detectives, plant enthusiasts and nature lovers of all ages – the Hawk Conservancy Trust are going wild!
Head to the Hawk Conservancy Trust's Big Wild Weekend – a festival of British…
Childrens Events
Faversham
Come along to Brogdale during our apple harvesting season and walk through our orchards. Pick some apples from our special heritage orchards and have a go at making freshly pressed juice!
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