The summer holidays are here, six to eight weeks of family fun, with the chance to spend time together, explore new places and try new things. The South East has a packed calendar of events, you'll find an event or activity on every day, to keep you busy all over the summer holidays. Whether you are visiting South East England for your holiday, enjoying a day out in the region or planning a weekend break-away, you will find plenty to keep you entertained.
Look out for dramatic firework displays, exciting outdoor adventures, super-sonic airshows, colourful carnivals and plush super cars events, plus a host of free fun activities this summer holidays 2025. With the school's out, the event list is ever growing, so make the most of the kid's summer holidays and make this an eventful summer you won't forget.
Our featured list below, covers every day of the school holiday, full of value-added activities or family-friendly events to enjoy. Look out for the (F) which highlights the free events, making it even more cost-effective to spend time out and about in the region. Search for what's on in each county using the area search above or visit the specific county event pages, or head to the bottom of the page for a full listing of events across all nine counties over the UK summer holidays.
Coming to stay? Discover great value accommodation across the South East for a summer getaway. You can also search by destinations to link up with the local official tourism websites across the region. Our newsletter archive and YouTube channel is a great place for inspiration and ideas and to discover things to do in South East England.
The summer holidays also include the August Bank Holiday on Monday 25th August 2025, 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 the with the weather forecast looking good too, plan your school summer holiday adventures right here.
Don't forget that you can also take advantage of many of the free things to do across the destination and our rainy day and sunny day guides will help ensure you enjoy a great day out whatever the English weather brings.
Find hundreds more events and things to do in the summer in Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, Sussex, Kent, Surrey, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Dorset including the August Bank Holiday weekend in our guide below. Whether you're looking for something near you, some great family activities, or if you are travelling to a part of South East England for a short break or day trip, use the 'map view' button to find something local.
Number of results: 238
, currently showing 141 to 160.
Arts
Henfield
Join The Paint Club for a relaxed and creative evening of painting at Henfield's Tottington Manor!
Our friendly local artist will guide you step-by-step from a blank canvas to your very own work of art.
️ What's included: All the painting…
Arts
Hampton Hill
The Paint Club runs painting workshops at Fabio's in Hampton Hill by Bushy Park.
Tickets include guidance from a professional artist, painting materials, plus a canvas to take home at the end of the night.
Outdoor Event / Activities
Weyhill, Andover
Saturday 31 May | Saturday 21 & 28 June | Saturday 12 & 26 July | Saturday 9 & 23 August.
5:45pm-9:00pm
The Hawk Conservancy Trust invites you to a special summer's evening with their feathered friends. Against a setting sun, you'll have the…
Arts
Stroud
Join The Paint Club for a relaxed and creative evening of painting at Stroud's Curio Lounge!
Our friendly local artist will guide you step-by-step from a blank canvas to your very own work of art.
️ What's included: All the painting materials…
Festival
Crockham Hill
Join us for our inaugural family farm festival celebrating local live music, artists and produce in the heart of Kent. Let's get Meri!
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
Arts
Fawley, Henley-on-Thames
Welcome to our beginner-friendly make a mug workshop, set in the serene and inspiring surroundings of Oaken Grove Vineyard.
In this exciting pottery workshop, you'll learn how to hand build a mug and make a delightful biscuit bowl or tea bag…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Lock Ln, Maidstone
Kent Life welcomes back the Ice Cream Festival.
Heritage & History
Southampton
The Brick People bring LEGO® back to the Museum
We are delighted to welcome The Brick People back to the Museum for a fifth year of running brilliant brick-based events using LEGO® bricks.
On Weds 20th August and Thursday 21st August as well as…
Outdoor Event / Activities
New Forest
Get set for a summer filled with thrilling adventures and treasured memories at Beaulieu!
Experience colourful characters, living history parades, phantasmagorical rides, and new displays throughout the attraction including Sculpture at Beaulieu…
Exhibitions
Chichester
Acclaimed visual artist Rana Begum RA transforms our historic staircase with No.1367 Mesh, her iconic suspended, colourful mesh clusters, creating a vibrant blend of history and contemporary art.
Walking
Hastings
Have fun (re-)discovering Hastings, spotting things you've never noticed before, with two quirky treasure hunt style heritage walks - a fun and affordable way to get some fresh air, whilst exploring this historic seaside town. Curious About…
Music
Winchester
Immerse yourself in the original, psychedelic, fulldome Planetarium visualisation of Pink Floyd's iconic album, The Dark Side of the Moon.
Head off on an emotional and inspiring journey into the heart and themes of the iconic album and songs. Fly…
Childrens Events
Waterperry
Put on your maddest laughing hat because you're invited to the greatest trail around – a family orienteering fun trail throughout the summer holidays!
Follow the clues and compass directions to find the 9 hidden Alice in Wonderland characters,…
Childrens Events
East Cowes
TV's Taskmaster challenge Join the Taskmaster challenge at Osborne this Summer! English Heritage has partnered with TV's Taskmaster to set challenges as you explore the historic seaside palace and gardens.
Fun activities Tackle silly tasks,…
Christmas
Tunbridge Wells
Join us at THE POLAR EXPRESS™ at Tunbridge Wells West on the Spa Valley Railway for a magical Christmas adventure—book your tickets today!
Step into the beloved story as THE POLAR EXPRESS™ departs from Spa Valley Railway, bringing the film to life.…
Arts
South Godstone
Looking for a creative night out near Godstone and Nutfield?
The Paint Club will be runs a monthly paint and sip night at The Fox and Hounds in South Godstone and The Queens Head in Nutfield.
Carnival
NEWPORT
Join in the carnival fun with Newport's Illuminated Procession!
Please see website for route details.
Festival
Portsmouth
Victorious Festival returns for 2025 - bringing some of the biggest bands and artists to Southsea Common.
Heritage & History
Gorelands Lane, Chalfont St Giles
The Vikings have arrived and taken over a Saxon settlement at the museum!
Explore the Viking and Saxon living history camps and watch as the clash between the two forces unfolds before your eyes.
Get involved in games, music, storytelling and fun…