Portsmouth, 13th July - 13th Sept 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: 116
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Walking
Brighton
Explore Brighton’s big sights and hidden corners, uncover quirky stories, and enjoy 1–2 hours of fresh‑air exploring on each fully wheelchair and buggy‑friendly route.
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.
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…
Free Event
Dover
Head along to the Market Square this summer holidays for free entertainment in the heart of Dover town.
Taking place on selected dates, this is a great way to enjoy the summer vibes.
Indoor
Winchester
Get away this summer with a two-night stay away at the Royal Winchester Hotel. Located in the heart of Winchester, this historic hotel full of modern comforts is a fantastic base not only to discover the ancient capital of England, but also the…
Food
Whiteley, Fareham
£10 Sunday Roasts
Available every Sunday from 4th January at The Parsons Collar Pub
Celebrate Sunday with a tasty £10 treat!
When they are gone they are gone!
Book - lodge@solenthotel.co.uk
Gardens
Woking
Explore our floral extravaganza at RHS Garden Wisley, with spectacular displays, specialist nurseries, fabulous shopping and much more. The National Dahlia Society Show will happen on 2 & 3 September, with A Celebration of Dahlias occurring on 4 – 6…
Health & Wellbeing
Little Horwood, Milton Keynes
Enjoy a few hours to yourself in the middle of the week with a Midweek Treat Spa Day at Horwood House Hotel, Buckinghamshire.
A Caudalie treatment, afternoon tea and a glass of fizz. Sometimes that's all you need.
Music
Maidenhead
The true Americana bluesman Lightnin' Willie: seasoned, original, and completely at home on stage, will be appearing at Norden Farm Centre for Arts this September. His music honors the tradition without turning it into a museum piece. It is alive,…
Gardens
Woking
Discover the creativity and craftsmanship of the National Association of Flower Arrangement Societies (NAFAS) on Seven Acres. Inspired by the theme 'That's Entertainment', talented floral artists will bring favourite television programmes, music,…
Gardens
Woking
The National Dahlia society show will be dedicated to the NDS national show with their incredible displays made up of over 100 different classes and thousands of dahlias, which has now become an integral feature of Wisley Flower Show. Included in…
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.…
Food
Faringdon
Weekend Breaks in The Vale Of the White Horse
Childrens Events
Windsor
This summer get out and explore Windsor, Eton and Slough in a new way with the colourful family-friendly 'Trunks across the Thames' art trail.
This free art trail will fill these Berkshire towns with a herd of 30 large artist-designed elephant…
Walking
Town Quay, Southampton
Explore Southampton’s big sights and hidden corners, uncover quirky stories, and enjoy 1–2 hours of fresh‑air exploring on each fully wheelchair and buggy‑friendly route. Fun, affordable and perfect for all ages.
Cycling
Beaulieu, Brockenhurst
Offering full-day adult bike hire only, New Forest Activities offer bike sizes from XS to XL. It’s ideal for couples, adult groups and families with teens who want a relaxed but active day out in the New Forest.
Outdoor Event / Activities
Ringwood
Stop scrolling Go Ape! On a staycation in Dorset or Hampshire and searching for nearby activities? We've got you covered, right in the heart of the stunning Moors Valley Country Park. Go Ape is one of the best outdoor activities in the area
Childrens Events
Whiteley, Fareham
Make your Sundays better with
KIDS EAT FREE at The Parsons Collar
With on paying adult
A great wat to finish of your busy week. On Sunday's eat FREE with a paying adult. Not to be used in conjunction wiht any other offer or discount.
To book…
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…
Outdoor Event / Activities
West End, Southampton
Stop scrolling Go Ape! Searching for things to do in Hampshire this summer holiday? Head to Go Ape Southampton for an unforgettable outdoor adventure that's perfect for reconnecting with nature and each other.
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