The summer holidays are here, six to eight 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 2025. 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.
The summer holidays also include the August Bank Holiday on Monday 25th August 2025, 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: 238
, currently showing 41 to 60.
Music
Maidenhead
Crazy Diamonds Shining On.
The award-winning Dark Side Of The Wall celebrate their heroes in well over 2 hours of spectacular live music and visual effects. This amazing nine piece band perform music from the legendary Pink Floyd's classic and…
Arts
1 Moresby Tower, Ocean Way,, Southampton
Book Paint and Sip in Southampton, Bournemouth and Swanwick
Looking for an entertaining and relaxing evening with friends? Why not book a paint and sip night with The Paint Club.
We run monthly sip and paint workshops at the Maritimo Lounge in…
Special Events
Portsmouth
The Ocean Race Europe, an offshore sailing race, will include Portsmouth among its six stopovers in 2025. Part of the iconic Ocean Race - first held in 1973 with Portsmouth as its original start and finish port - the event combines sport with…
Music
Brighton
Brighton's most popular live music nights, every Thursday at this popular city centre venue, with free entry.
From cover pop, funk & soul bands, to rock covers and even steam punk and blues…there is something for everyone to tap along to while…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Singleton
Singleton Village Fete 2025 – A Family Fun Day in the Heart of West Sussex!
Join us for a delightful afternoon at the Singleton Cricket Pitch, nestled in the picturesque South Downs National Park near Goodwood. Singleton Village Fete is a cherished…
Childrens Events
Selborne, Alton
This summer the March Hare, Cheshire Cat and other curious creatures that Alice encountered in Wonderland will be hiding in our gardens! Each creature has a challenge for you to complete. Collect a map, find the creatures and compete the challenges…
Literature
Lechlade
Award-winning poet Robert Seater and acclaimed visual artist Jessica Palmer will bring the fascinating stories and compelling atmosphere of Kelmscot Manor to life as part of the Manor’s programme of learning and public engagement alongside an…
Festival
Esplanade, Ryde
Organised by Jack Up Events with the support of Ryde Town Council, Ticket to Ryde has become a Bank Holiday highlight, now in its 11th year! In 2025, the event will be staged over both the Late May (Spring) Bank Holiday and the August Bank Holiday…
School Holidays
Farnham
Opening in time for the school holidays in 2025 is a brand new, sustainably-sensitive play area.
Heritage & History
Winchester
The year 2025 marks 250 years since the birth of Jane Austen. To mark this significant anniversary, Winchester Cathedral joins local organisations to celebrate her legacy.
This anniversary presents a significant opportunity to bring her legacy to…
Indoor
Tonbridge
Balfour Winery knowledgeable tour guides will lead you in a fun and relaxed tasting of six, where you can learn the technique of wine tasting without the bravado.
Festival
WEST COWES
The Wight Proms returns for eight days between the 9th and 18th August 2024. Set in the grounds of Northwood House, a Grade II listed country manor house in Cowes on the Isle of Wight, the festival celebrates summer with classical proms, comedy,…
Festivals
SANDOWN
A heady mix of country fair, pop festival and a vampire’s worst nightmare, this festival offers everything for the family!
Free Event
Waddesdon
Bring the whole family to enjoy the summer holidays with our range of fun activities for our Summer of Play, included with admission. Until 28 August, children get free admission to the house and grounds at Waddesdon!
Childrens Events
Bedgebury Road, Goudhurst
Come along to meet Stick Man himself at our fun day!
Stick Man will be appearing at various times throughout the day and there will be lots of Stick Man-themed activities on offer at Bedgebury.
Appearance times: Watch our Forestry England…
Music
Exbury, Southampton
MOTOWN BY MOONLIGHT
Get ready for a magical evening of Motown by Moonlight, sundown soul, and disco at dusk! Our dynamic band are the perfect combination of sensational energy, talented vocalists, and polished musicians. Put on your dancing shoes as…
Theatre
Chichester
You're invited to the musical equivalent of a finest vintage champagne. Effervescent, elegant and exhilarating, Top Hat is a heady romantic cocktail laced with sparklingly witty dialogue, stunning choreography, lavish sets and gorgeous costumes.…
Festival
East Grinstead
DadFest is returning to the South East for the second year, with a fun-packed weekend of activities for dads and children all ages. And what's more it is free for children. This unique festival takes place over two days in the summer and was awarded…
Walking
Goudhurst
Join Wallace and Gromit for the ultimate forest walkies!
Bond with your pooch by taking on dog-tastic challenges together, solve crossword clues and have lots of fun along the way – with everyone's favourite dog and owner duo for company.
This…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Hailsham
Get ready to climb this summer!
A thrilling mobile climbing wall is coming to Herstmonceux Castle, offering fun and adventure for all ages.
Time: 10:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Price: £5 per 10-minute session
Whether you're a first-time climber or a…