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
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Health & Wellbeing
Little Horwood, Milton Keynes
Enjoy a few hours to yourself in the middle of the week with a Midweek Treat Spa Day at Horwood House Hotel, Buckinghamshire.
A Caudalie treatment, afternoon tea and a glass of fizz. Sometimes that's all you need.
Theatre
Chichester
Cockney Eliza Doolittle scrapes a living selling flowers on the streets of London. Her dream of being a lady in a florist's shop is out of reach unless she can speak 'proper English'. So when she encounters Henry Higgins, a professor of phonetics,…
Gardens
Woking
Discover the creativity and craftsmanship of the National Association of Flower Arrangement Societies (NAFAS) on Seven Acres. Inspired by the theme 'That's Entertainment', talented floral artists will bring favourite television programmes, music,…
Tour
Chatham
f you're a fan of the hit series and you've been wondering where Call the Midwife is filmed, put yourself in the picture and explore where the real drama happens with a Call the Midwife Official Location Tour at The Historic Dockyard Chatham…
Exhibition
Oxford
Explore the fantastic free Pets and their People exhibition at the Weston Library in Oxford. Delving into the relationship between humans and their pets over ten thousand years with stories, images and poetry from the Bodleian Library collection
Walking
Brighton
Explore Brighton’s big sights and hidden corners, uncover quirky stories, and enjoy 1–2 hours of fresh‑air exploring on each fully wheelchair and buggy‑friendly route.
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.
Outdoor Event / Activities
Maidstone
Searching for things to do in Kent and Maidstone this summer holiday? Head to Go Ape Leeds Castle for an unforgettable outdoor adventure that's perfect for reconnecting with nature and each other. The perfect family day out with every visit to Go…
Exhibitions
Petworth
Towering sculptures by renowned ceramicist Felicity Aylieff are being exhibited for the first time at Petworth House and Park. The exhibition takes place across the whole property including installations throughout the house, and two monolithic…
Music
Maidenhead
The true Americana bluesman Lightnin' Willie: seasoned, original, and completely at home on stage, will be appearing at Norden Farm Centre for Arts this September. His music honors the tradition without turning it into a museum piece. It is alive,…
Tour
Ryde
For a unique experience only offered on the South Coast, try a Hovercraft Experience Flights on your next visit to Portsmouth or the Isle of Wight
Tour
Ryde
Discover more about the iconic hovercraft which takes passengers on their daily commute or for a day visit to the Isle of Wight from Portsmouth. The behind the scenes tour is offers the chance to get up close and personal and learn more about our…
Exhibition
Cookham
The most ambitious exhibition dedicated to Stanley Spencer (1891-1959) in a decade transfers to the Stanley Spencer Gallery, Cookham from 4 April 2026, following a highly successful run at Gainsborough’s House, Sudbury.
Childrens Events
Woodstock
Dinosaurs Are Forever comes to Blenheim Palace this summer - a major new exhibition by artist Jay Burridge, created in partnership with the Oxford University Museum of Natural History. At the heart of the exhibition are five monumental sculptures of…
Exhibitions
Lewes
An major exhibition from the Lee Miller Archives will be on display for the second half of the 2026 open season in the Lee Miller Gallery.
Arriving in Britain just as war was declared Lee Miller, an American with no permit to work, used her camera…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Ringwood
Stop scrolling Go Ape! On a staycation in Dorset or Hampshire and searching for nearby activities? We've got you covered, right in the heart of the stunning Moors Valley Country Park. Go Ape is one of the best outdoor activities in the area
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