Portsmouth, 13th July - 13th Sept 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
, currently showing 21 to 40.
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…
Childrens Events
Wexham
xplore and get messy at Black Park!
Join us in Black Pines Camp for some fun in the woods! We have a variety of activities for your tot to go wild, including the mud kitchen, the sand pit, bug hunting, games stations, water play, weaving, balancing,…
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.
Food
Chichester
Enjoy sunny summer evenings in the rolling hills of the South Downs at West Dean Gardens Kitchen. Gardens Kitchen offers a dining experience unlike any other. Set in the heart of one of England's most beautiful landscapes, our Summer Evening Dining…
Indoor
Turners Hill, Crawley
Escape to the multi award-wining Utopia Spa at Alexander House in the West Sussex countryside.
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…
Walking
Reading
To celebrate 100 years of University of Reading campus history in 2026 a series of free guided walks will be running inviting visitors to discover the stories behind the University's rich history.
Outdoor Event / Activities
Aylesbury
Stop scrolling Go Ape!
Searching for things to do in Buckinghamshire and Hertfordshire this summer holiday? Head to Go Ape Wendover for an unforgettable outdoor adventure that's perfect for reconnecting with nature and each other.
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…
Walking
Sun Street, Canterbury
Curious About Canterbury takes you to the famous sights and the hidden gems, with surprises tucked around every corner. Each walk takes 1–2 hours, and both are wheelchair and buggy friendly.
Walking
Peascod Street, Windsor
Have fun (re)discovering Windsor 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.
Portsmouth 100
Portsmouth
A great fun way to explore Portsmouth is coming this summer, with the brand new Pride of Portsmouth Lions trail. Taking over the city in a spectacular celebration of creativity, community, and culture, this unforgettable public art trail will see 40…
Exhibitions
Maidstone
An Audience With Eleanor: Unveiling the World's First AI Queen Experience
Immerse yourself in the life of medieval England's most remarkable and misunderstood queen through a groundbreaking exhibition featuring the world's first interactive…
Food
Faringdon
Weekend Breaks in The Vale Of the White Horse
Other
Eynsford, Eynsford
Eagle Heights is inviting all budding young artists to take part in our art competition over May half term.
To enter simply create a picture of your favourite animal that lives here at the Foundation and bring it along. You can use pencils,…
Exhibitions
Canterbury
Visit the exhibition to discover artefacts, historical documents and interactive displays that bring to the life the story of Canterbury's notorious poet, playwright, and provocateur!
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.
Walking
Bournemouth
Get ready to explore Bournemouth 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…
Theatre
Chichester
October 1943. In a small office on the Avenue Foch in Paris, a Gestapo interrogator is questioning a young woman who has been known by many different names: Babuli, Jeanne-Marie, Nora, Madeleine.
As one of the secret agents of Britain's Special…
Walking
Hart Street, Henley on Thames
Curious About Henley on Thames takes you to the famous sights and the hidden gems, with surprises tucked around every corner. Each walk takes 1–2 hours, and both are wheelchair and buggy friendly.
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