Guildhall Square, 29th - 30th August 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: 373
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Music
Maidenhead
Supported by a 5-piece live band, the outstanding Darren Reeves brings his all-new hit musical production, Uptown Joel to Norden Farm.
After being hand-picked by Billy Joel himself, Darren Reevesstarred in Billy's hit Broadway and West End musical…
Arts
Hailsham
The Sussex Guild returns this summer to Michelham Priory for the 59th consecutive year, a Grade I listed Tudor house, surrounded by England's largest water filled medieval moat.
Arts
Petersfield
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…
Tour
Aylesbury
With so many old trees, open spaces, roosting places on the Manor's roof and down in the old Ice House, bats have found many places to roost, forage and feed at Waddesdon.
11 native bat species have been spotted here including 64 Noctule, 52 Brown…
Childrens Events
Maidenhead
This is the simple story of three hungry goats and a grumpy old troll, told with a gentle ecological message.
Watch out for the dance of the goats, the flying troll and loads and loads of rubbish.
Garlic Theatre create a magical world to entrance…
Vineyard / Wine
Gravesend
Discover English wine at Silverhand Estate in Kent with a guided tasting experience featuring a selection of still and sparkling wines. Set within a historic vineyard, this experience combines expert guidance, award-winning wines and insights into…
Tour
Pulborough
Experience the Gold Medal-winning Tour & Tasting at Wiston Estate, celebrated as Experience of the Year 2023/24 at the Beautiful South Awards! Perfect for all seasons, our tour is winter-friendly, fully undercover, and fully accessible, so you can…
Heritage & History
WINCHESTER
Join Twyford Waterworks at its open day for a chance to step back in time and explore how your drinking water has been supplied for the past 125 years.
The Open Day invites visitors to enjoy a day out at arguably the best-preserved Edwardian…
Food
Milton Keynes
Experience a delicious afternoon tea, where every bite celebrates the season's bounty amidst the relaxing ambience of Horwood House, Buckinghamshire.
Water Based Activities
Windsor
This fantastic short cruise for all steam enthusiasts, takes place onboard one of our beautiful and genuine Victorian steam launches.
Food
Ascot
Ascot Farmers' Market offers a great choice of fresh produce, pies and pastries, dairy products and plants whilst on-site parking means a stress-free shopping experience.
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.
Summer
Banbury
Hook Norton Brewery is proud to announce its support for the 40th anniversary of the Hooky 6-Mile Road Race, taking place on Saturday 2 August, with the race starting at 10.00am
Music
Maidenhead
Entering their third decade as a leading tribute act, Limehouse Lizzy continues to honour the legacy of Philip Lynott and Thin Lizzy with electrifying performances that dominate the live Classic Rock circuit.
Recognised with a PRS/Billboard award…
Arts
Cuckfield, Haywards Heath
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…
Exhibitions
Lymington
Elmer and Mr Benn: the Magic of David McKee
11 July – 6 September
St Barbe Museum + Art Gallery is delighted to announce Elmer, Mr Benn… the magic of David McKee, a vibrant new exhibition celebrating one of Britain's most beloved and influential…
Arts
London
OPENING AT MUSEUM OF HOMELESSNESS ON 21 MAY: CRIMINAL: AN UNTOLD STORY OF HOMELESSNESS, RESISTANCE AND SURVIVAL
A historical exhibition exploring 400 years of criminalisation of homelessness featuring new work from 10Foot, Gemma Lees, Matt Bonner,…
Carnival
Sandown
Children's Carnival in Sandown on the Isle of Wight Enjoy a fun-filled family day with Sandown Children's Carnival!
Carnival route To view the carnival route map, please visit the carnival website.
Family entertainment There will be a…
Arts
Cobham
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…
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,…
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