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: 369
, currently showing 241 to 260.
Arts
Nr Wadhurst
The Sussex Guild is exhibiting over the August Bank Holiday weekend at Pashley Manor Gardens, described as one of the finest gardens in England.
Carnival
Newport
Newport Illuminated Carnival on the Isle of Wight Join in the carnival fun with Newport's Illuminated procession!
Carnival route To view the carnival route map, please visit the carnival website.
Arts
Wimbledon
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…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Arundel
Can you zip, dart and glide like a dragonfly? Put your skill, speed and agility to the test with our interactive outdoor games, perfect for all ages. Land a ring on the dragonfly's 'antennae', try Giant Jenga and do Dragonfly dominos.
Cost: Included…
Walking
Hart Street, Henley on Thames
Curious About Henley on Thames takes you to the famous sights and the hidden gems, with surprises tucked around every corner. Each walk takes 1–2 hours, and both are wheelchair and buggy friendly.
Walking
Sun Street, Canterbury
Curious About Canterbury takes you to the famous sights and the hidden gems, with surprises tucked around every corner. Each walk takes 1–2 hours, and both are wheelchair and buggy friendly.
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…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Haywards heath
We'd love you to join us on a three month journey designed to help you feel comfortable and confident in Nature.
Over three months you'll learn simple ways to connect, relax and engage in the natural world. Weather you are a parent, caregiver or are…
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
Winchester
Get ready for a generational showdown at Winchester Science Centre!
Step into a high-energy family silent disco where the battle of the decades begins! Will you side with the iconic tunes of the 90s & 00s, or vibe along to the biggest hits from the…
Music
Maidenhead
Gather round the piano, exquisitely played by Seann Wilkinson, for a night of show tunes this Summer at The Farm.
Get stuck in, sing along, or just sit back and enjoy a night of musical theatre song and plenty of laughter!
Cabaret tables and…
Free Event
Maidenhead
One of our most popular summer attractions is back! The Maidenhead beach at Norden Farm is back for another year
Free for children and families to play on in the daytime and for adults to relax on in the evening.
Arts
Epsom
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…
Summer
Reading
Enjoy a family getaway this summer to the gorgeous Roseate Hotel in Reading. Book direct via website and children under 12 dine for free from the children's menu.
Walking
Henley-on-Thames
Ready for the ultimate vineyard trail? Oaken Grove is thrilled to be part of the Walk Works Henley Vineyards Trail 2026 for a series of unforgettable journeys through the Chilterns. Explore local English vineyards, master the "vine to glass" story…
Other
Gorelands Lane, Chalfont St Giles
Step into the dangerous and daring world of Rogues & Highwaymen, a lively living history event at Chiltern Open Air Museum that brings the stories of Britain's most notorious outlaws to life.
Journey back to the 17th and 18th centuries and discover…
Special Events
Farnborough
Explore everything the Farnborough International Airshow has to offer, from aircraft and flying displays to live entertainment with immersive activities, from simulators and virtual and augmented reality, to ‘Beat The Pilot’ reaction
Summer
Greenwich Park, London
A new installation by artist Luke Jerram has landed at the Royal Observatory in Greenwich this summer. Celebrating 350 years of studying the Moon from the Royal Observatory.
Heritage & History
Farnham
On the 4th weekend of the month the Rural Living Museum runs its 'Working Weekend' events - full of family fun activities and the chance to experience all sorts of its vast collection from tractors to the flower mill, through to weaving and vintage…
Arts
Worthing
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…
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