The summer holidays are here, six 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 2023. 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.
Most schools across the South East break up for the summer holidays on Friday 21st July 2023 with the majority of schools returning on Friday 1st September 2023, although some areas do not return until the 4th September. The summer holidays also include the August Bank Holiday on 28th August, 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: 51
, currently showing 21 to 40.
Walking
Broad Street, Oxford
Discover the vibrant history of the oldest university in the English-speaking world on the only official University of Oxford walking tour. Learn how Oxford grew from a small market town to become the city of dreaming spires.
Starting and ending at…
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
Farnborough
The British Motor Show is back for 2023 at Farnborough International, from 17-20 August 2023. An essential event for the summer holidays, the show returns with even more cars, even more entertainment, and even more fun!
Delivering an…
Music
Brighton
Join the friendliest choir in town!
The Free Brighton Choir is a volunteer-led singing group, open to everyone, regardless of age, singing ability or experience. No auditions, no requirements, no cost.
Festivals
Margate
Now in its 21st year, Margate Soul Festival is a massive date on the soul, funk and reggae music calendar. The festival provides a combination of large-scale live shows, DJ-led carnival street parties, beachside programming and an eclectic mix of…
Show / Display
Dover
Dover's most popular and anticipated event will return to the seafront this July!
Markets
Southsea
A monthly exhibition and sale of original work from local artists, designers, makers and crafters.
Childrens Events
Didcot
Buy a Railway Centre ticket for the 25th May or 26th August and see Paddington™ who will meet and greet fans at intervals throughout the day.
Outdoor Event / Activities
Petersfield
The bottom of Butser Hill will be filled with awesome arena acts, entertaining attractions, dog shows, animal petting zoo, children's rides and fun zone, country life stalls, beer tent and catering with live music and much much more!
Theatre
Chichester
Austria, 1938. Free-spirited nun Maria is sent away from her abbey to become governess to the widowed Captain von Trapp's seven children. She brings music and laughter back to his unfeeling household, but the future holds more joy and jeopardy than…
Festival
VENTNOR
The Ventnor Fringe is a unique celebration of the arts, showcasing emerging and established talent across every creative discipline.
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.
Childrens Events
Edenbridge
July: 15 & 16, 22 & 23, 29 & 30
August: 12 & 13, 19 & 20, 25 – 28
The annual Summer Jousting Tournaments will begin at Hever Castle on 15 and 16 July.
This summer the Knights of Royal England will be entertaining visitors with exhilarating…
Concert
HAVENSTREET
We welcome back the Isle of Wight Symphony Orchestra for their fourth outdoor concert at Havenstreet station. This event has become a firm favourite in our calendar - enjoy fabulous music with steam trains as a backdrop. Read a review of our 2022…
Comedy
Brighton
Brighton's longest running, and friendliest, new material comedy night.
Festival
Cornbury Park, Charlbury
Wilderness is the multi-award winning 4-day festival combining live music, contemporary arts and an array of theatre, craftsmanship and dining experiences. It's a rich tapestry of musicians, chefs, thinkers, actors, outdoor experts and teachers.
Outdoor Event / Activities
Ardingly, Haywards Heath
Visit Wakehurst for Rooted this summer
7 July to 17 September
This year, Wakehurst are celebrating one of the world's most recognisable and loved plants – trees.
Incredible artists have created outdoor installations across Wakehurst that will…
Festival
Brighton
A two day Thai Festival to experience the taste of Thailand this summer at Preston Park is brought to you by Magic of Thailand, previously known as Brighton Thai Festival.
Treat yourself to a weekend wonder and bring along your families and friends…
Food
Fragbarrow Lane, Ditchling Common
Live life in full flavour at The Rows & Vine, converted into a unique winter dining space by our Chardonnay vineyard. It's the perfect spot to sip, savour and celebrate.
We are now serving seasonal Sunday Roasts alongside our small plates menu.…
Music
NEWPORT
The Isle of Wight's annual jazz festival, now in its 12th year. The event brings the very best of the UK jazz scene to the Island for 4 days of top class music, using venues in and around Newport.
The event is popular with many jazz fans and…