Airbourne: Eastbourne International Airshow | 13th - 16th August 2026

Eastbourne International Airshow

13th - 16th August 26 credit Team Raven (Free)

What’s On This Summer Holidays in South East England

Share this with

x

  • Accommodation Search

  • Things to Do Search

  • What's On Search

  • Food & Drink Search

Accommodation Search

Arrival Date:
Add Room
Type:
Area:
Keyword:

Things to Do Search

Type:
Area:
Keyword:

What's On Search

Type:
Area:
Keyword:
Dates

Food & Drink Search

Type:
Area:
Keyword:

Accommodation Search

Arrival Date:
Add Room
Type:
Area:
Keyword:

Things to Do Search

Type:
Area:
Keyword:

What's On Search

Type:
Area:
Keyword:
Dates

Food & Drink Search

Type:
Area:
Keyword:

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.

Bekonscot Model Village and Railway in Buckinghamshire

Family-friendly events this summer holiday in 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.

Summer Holidays FAQ's

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. 

What's on in South East England today or this weekend?

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.

Are there any free events this summer holiday?

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.

How can I plan a short break around an event?

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.

When are the summer school holidays in South East England?

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.  

Discover more events on over the school holidays

Events near you this summer holiday in South East England

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:

Number of results: 369

, currently showing 81 to 100.

  1. Backstage Tour

    Type

    Type:

    Theatre

    Brighton

    Our popular backstage tours are back!

    Venue

    Theatre Royal Brighton, Brighton and Hove

    Dates

    From:
    11 July 2026to27 Mar 2027
  2. Painting party at Ninkaci in Eastbourne

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Eastbourne

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    18 Aug 2026Open 18:30 - 20:30
  3. Go Wild with Wilder Holiday Club this summer!

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Bradbourne Vale Road, Sevenoaks

    About the event
    Our award winning Holiday Club will be returning to Oak Lodge, Sevenoaks, this summer!

    Immerse your child in nature
    Our Wilder Holiday Club offers days crammed full of activities designed to inspire and develop your child's love of…

    Dates

    From:
    29 July 2026Open 09:00 - 16:00
    From:
    30 July 2026Open 09:00 - 16:00
    From:
    5 Aug 2026Open 09:00 - 16:00
    From:
    6 Aug 2026Open 09:00 - 16:00
    From:
    12 Aug 2026Open 09:00 - 16:00
    From:
    13 Aug 2026Open 09:00 - 16:00
    From:
    19 Aug 2026Open 09:00 - 16:00
    From:
    20 Aug 2026Open 09:00 - 16:00
  4. Willow Fairy & Dragon Trail at High Beeches Garden

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Handcross

    Do you believe in Fairies? Come and meet the woodland Fairies and their secretive friends at High Beeches Gardens, West Susex. Discover giant toadstools, dandelions and keep a look out for the mischievous sprites and boggarts not to mention a…

    Dates

    From:
    11 July 2026to6 Sept 2026Open 10:30 - 17:00
  5. Expressions in Blue at Petworth House

    Type

    Type:

    Exhibition

    Petworth

    Towering sculptures by renowned ceramicist Felicity Aylieff come to Petworth House and Park for the first time.

    Venue

    Petworth House & Park, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    23 May 2026to27 Sept 2026
  6. Yarmouth Carnival Week

    Type

    Type:

    Carnival

    Yarmouth

    Yarmouth Carnival Week on the Isle of Wight Events every day of the week at Yarmouth Carnival from Saturday 15 August to Saturday 22 August 2026 - come and join in the fun!

    Family fun activities all week There are a variety of family fun…

    Dates

    From:
    15 Aug 2026to22 Aug 2026
  7. Gravesend Regatta

    Type

    Type:

    Free Event

    Gravesend

    Head to Gravesend in Kent this August to celebrate the 180th Gravesend Regatta!  Taking place on Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd August, this is one of only a few remaining traditional Regatta's.  

    Dates

    From:
    1 Aug 2026to2 Aug 2026Open 10:00 - 18:00
  8. The Paint Club painting party at The Spur

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    5 Aug 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
  9. Newport Main Carnival

    Type

    Type:

    Carnival

    Newport

    Newport Main Carnival on the Isle of Wight Carnival fever comes to the island's capital town, various locations around Newport.

    Carnival route To view the carnival route map, please visit the carnival website.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Aug 2026
  10. Viking Raid

    Type

    Type:

    Special Events

    Gorelands Lane, Chalfont St Giles

    Step into the early medieval world as Viking raiders clash with local defenders in dramatic combat displays. Watch skilled re-enactors demonstrate authentic weapons, armour and battle tactics, and discover how these feared seafarers lived, fought…

    Venue

    Chiltern Open Air Museum, Buckinghamshire

    Dates

    From:
    30 Aug 2026to31 Aug 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  11. Steamboat 1 Hour Cruise at French Brothers

    Type

    Type:

    Water Based Activities

    Windsor

    This fantastic short cruise for all steam enthusiasts, takes place onboard one of our beautiful and genuine Victorian steam launches.

    Venue

    French Brothers Boat Trips, Windsor and Maidenhead

    Dates

    From:
    26 July 2026
    From:
    1 Aug 2026
    From:
    8 Aug 2026
    From:
    15 Aug 2026
    From:
    22 Aug 2026
  12. The Paint Club painting party at Tamworth Brewing Co

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Tamworth

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    5 Aug 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
  13. Hever in History

    Type

    Type:

    Heritage & History

    Edenbridge

    Step back in time at Hever Castle this August bank holiday weekend and experience history brought to life. Across the grounds you will find fascinating living history encampments, with re-enactments ranging from the Middle Ages through to the 20th…

    Dates

    From:
    29 Aug 2026to31 Aug 2026Open 10:30 - 18:00
  14. The Big Family Sleepover

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Winchester

    The Big Family Sleepover at Winchester Science Centre is a truly unique overnight experience, combining exciting, facilitated activities with free exploration across the Science Centre. With hands-on exhibits to spectacular live shows, this is a…

    Dates

    From:
    15 Aug 2026to16 Aug 2026
  15. Steam to the Solent and see four cruise ships depart

    Type

    Type:

    General event

    Southampton

    Steam down Southampton Water to the Solent, passing the cruise ships Iona, MSC Virtuosa, Sky Princess, Ventura in berth, and on your return see a number of the ships depart - always the chance to sound our whistle and play the ‘Shieldhall Organ’!…

    Dates

    From:
    8 Aug 2026Open 15:30 - 19:00
  16. Pups on SUPs

    Type

    Type:

    Water Based Activities

    Dengemarsh Road, Lydd

    Do you want to try paddleboarding with your dog? Looking for a fun, dog-friendly day out in Kent?

    Head along to Action Watersports in Lydd, Romney Marsh, for Pups on SUPs, a brilliant stand up paddleboarding experience where you and your…

    Venue

    Action Watersports, Kent

    Dates

    From:
    22 June 2026to31 Oct 2026Open 09:30 - 18:00
  17. Big Wild Weekend

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    8 Aug 2026to9 Aug 2026Open 10:00 - 17:30
  18. Polish Codebreaking Festival

    Type

    Type:

    Festival

    Bletchley, Milton Keynes

    Discover the fascinating story of how Polish mathematicians and intelligence pioneers achieved early breakthroughs against Enigma, helping to lay the foundations for the codebreaking work at Bletchley Park.

    Venue

    Bletchley Park, Milton Keynes

    Dates

    From:
    25 July 2026Open 09:30 - 17:00
    From:
    26 July 2026Open 09:30 - 17:00
  19. Isle of Wight Garlic Festival

    Type

    Type:

    Festivals

    Sandown

    A heady mix of country fair, pop festival and a vampire’s worst nightmare, this festival offers everything for the family!

    Dates

    From:
    15 Aug 2026to16 Aug 2026
  20. Beastie Day

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Faversham

    Meet giant insects – Bug hunt – Outdoor craft – Bring a picnic – Enjoy a day at Brogdale Farm.

    Come and join us for a day of mini-beastie fun! A day of exploring Brogdale and discovering fantastic bugs & mini beasts.

    Dates

    From:
    20 Aug 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00