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
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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…
Arts
Eastbourne
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…
Childrens Events
Winchester
Put on your headphones and step into the world of K-Pop at the Winchester Science Centre high-energy family silent disco!
Choose your music channel and dance under colourful lights inspired by the global K-Pop scene. Join us for an unforgettable…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Faversham
Join us this summer for some fun, food, and fire. Get outdoors and cook over the fire with Wild Classroom, using the very best local, seasonal, and foraged foods. This two-hour workshop will include a tour of Brogdale Collections stunning Heritage…
Arts
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…
Music
Maidenhead
Salsa, Samba and Tango rhythms have always been a source of inspiration for Jazz musicians.
Steve Watermans' passion and knowledge of these artforms will take us on journey through Latin America. An evening of rhythm and colour!
The concert will…
Show / Display
Beaconsfield
This summer, the National Film and Television School (NFTS) puppet exhibition returns to Bekonscot Model Village and Railway in Buckinghamshire. with “A visit to the circus!” - brought to life through a brand new collection of puppets.
Outdoor Event / Activities
Faversham
Come and find out all about wonderful plums. We have fruit tastings, guided tours of the National Fruit Collection, plum displays and free kids' orchard crafts and more! Don't miss this exciting opportunity to learn about plums and gages and…
Performing Arts
New Forest
This Is My Theatre presents The Great Gatsby on Thursday 13 August 2026.
Step into the roaring 1920s, where the champagne flows, the jazz trumpet blows, and the American Dream gleams with irresistible allure. This electrifying stage adaptation of F…
Childrens Events
Arundel
Fly into a willow weaving workshop and create a 3-D dragonfly sculpture.
Zsofi from Nature Makers will guide children aged 10-17 years old through the basic techniques of working with flexible natural willow – a beautiful, sustainable wetland…
Heritage & History
Gorelands Lane, Chalfont St Giles
Travel through centuries of conflict in Britain at War at Chiltern Open Air Museum, showcasing warfare and everyday life from the medieval period to the Second World War.
Explore how conflict shaped Britain across multiple eras, from medieval…
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…
Childrens Events
Great Missenden
A unique chance to work with an experienced animator to create your own family stop-motion animation and immerse yourself into the whimsical world of Fantastic Mr Fox at Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre in Great Missenden, Buckinghamshire.
Childrens Events
Reading
Reading town centre is preparing for a ROAR-some invasion this summer as giant brick-built dinosaurs arrive for the brand-new Reading Dino Trail, taking place from 25 July to 23 August 2026. The free trail will transform Reading into an epic day…
Theatre
Wexham
Immersion Theatre are thrilled to bring their trademark energy to their wildly entertaining musical adaptation of the Rudyard Kipling family favourite, THE JUNGLE BOOK!
Filled with original music, audience interaction, and a host of…
Water Based Activities
Dengemarsh Road, Lydd
Do you want to try paddleboarding with your dog? Looking for a fun, dog-friendly day out in Kent?
Head along to Action Watersports in Lydd, Romney Marsh, for Pups on SUPs, a brilliant stand up paddleboarding experience where you and your…
Performing Arts
Oxford
Back for its 16th year - the Oxford Shakespeare Festival returns from the 22nd June - 15th August 2026.
This summer see three incredible live open air theatre shows in the castle yard of Oxford Castle Prison. Right in the heart of the city of…
Walking
Peascod Street, Windsor
Have fun (re)discovering Windsor with two quirky treasure‑hunt walks that get you spotting things you’ve never noticed before. It’s a fresh‑air adventure that’s fun, affordable, and perfect for all ages.
Free Event
Windsor
Come and enjoy live band performances in the open air this summer. Windsor and Eton Business Partnership presents Windsor’s Live at the Bandstand programme 2026.
Music
Maidenhead
Behind the Music – Stories from the Studio
Record producer Stuart Epps has spent over five decades at the heart of the music industry, working with legendary artists including Elton John, Led Zeppelin, George Harrison, Chris Rea, Robbie Williams,…
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