Kent, 3rd - 5th July (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: 369
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Childrens Events
Winchester
Join us for a high-energy Family Silent Disco at Winchester Science Centre where pop music takes centre stage. Between timeless sing-along classics to today's biggest chart hits, there's something to get everyone moving.
Exhibitions
Guildford
Watts Gallery presents a major exhibition celebrating one of Britain's most influential designers. The Art of Wallpaper: Morris & Co is a vibrant exhibition exploring the beauty, craftsmanship and enduring appeal of William Morris's iconic designs.…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Winchester
Three new outdoor exhibits opening 18th July at Winchester Science Centre! Explore three brand-new outdoor exhibits inspired by the remarkable chalk landscape that shapes our local environment. From ancient seas and crystal-clear chalk streams to…
Sporting Events
Faversham
Described by RunABC as an 'absolute gem', this beautiful 10k course takes runners along the quiet contry lanes around the stunning estate at Mount Ephraim Gardens. The race has grown in notoriety and kudos in recent years, attracting both club…
Music
Maidenhead
Flash – Hit after hit, anthem after anthem, guaranteed to blow your mind, as quoted by the BBC 'as close as it gets'.
Established in 2002, this band stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of one of the greatest rock bands in history. With an…
Exhibitions
Waterperry
The Waterperry Gardens summer exhibition of landscape paintings features original works by Josie Clouting, Tara Parker-Woolway, Francesca Shakespeare and Christine Bass. These four Oxfordshire based artists paint in very different ways but share a…
Childrens Events
Great Missenden
Why let the big kids have all the fun? Join us for a special led session for our littlest visitors aged from 6 months to 4 years. We'll be singing, crafting and playing as we use our senses to explore with Fantastic Mr Fox and his friends at Roald…
Exhibitions
Chichester
This major exhibition will bring the British landscape to life
through the eyes of some of the 20th century's most inspiring
artists. It will explore works from 1910 to 1970 that reimagined
the countryside and coastlines of the British Isles as…
Arts
Admirals Quay, Ocean Way,, Southampton
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…
Performing Arts
New Forest
This Is My Theatre presents Alice's Adventure in Wonderland on Wednesday 12 August 2026.
Step through the looking glass and into a world where nothing is quite as it seems… Perfect for dreamers of all ages, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland invites…
Festival
Reading
One of the biggest musical festivals in the world, every year over 90,000 people flock to the Richfield Avenue site to experience the iconic event.
Outdoor Event / Activities
Sturry
The Bison Ranger Experience at West Blean & Thornden Woods in Kent offers a unique behind-the-scenes wildlife encounter with the Wilder Blean bison project. Guided by expert rangers, visitors can learn about rewilding, track free-roaming European…
Childrens Events
Maidenhead
Led by Lucy Carpenter
Join Lucy Carpenter on a creative art adventure this summer.
Combining art, movement and play to provide a stimulating and creative week of fun. With a sensational exhibition at the end of the week!
Suitable for ages 8 – 11…
Heritage & History
Buckingham
Enjoy special £3 anniversary entry to Stowe House, with under 5s free and get ready for a weekend packed with creativity, imagination, and activities for all.
Walking
The Hard, Portsmouth
Get ready to explore Portsmouth 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…
Summer
Didcot
Visit Didcot Railway Centre on 22–23 August 2026 for Brick Adventures—celebrating the world’s favourite building brick with incredible displays, including the Block Party Robot League and a miniature Didcot. Enjoy 24 acres of railway history,…
Theatre
Bedgebury Road, Goudhurst
Award winning Scratchworks Theatre Company brings together science, music and interactive fun for the whole family in this outdoor theatre performance. The Mushroom Show has toured all-round the UK and we can't wait to experience it at Bedgebury in…
Music
Oxford
The Waterperry Opera Festival takes place over 10 days in the Oxfordshire countryside.
Childrens Events
Wexham
Play your way through nature at Black Park!
Join us at Black Pines Camp for Forest Play! Children can play and explore through activities like the mud kitchen, games, sand pit, bug hunting, water play, balancing and more. Outdoor play is proven to…
Free Event
Eastbourne
Airbourne: Eastbourne International Airshow is scheduled to return for its 32nd year from 13th – 16th August 2026, bringing one of the South East's top events back to the South Coast.
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