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
Number of results: 369
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Water Based Activities
Windsor
This fantastic short cruise for all steam enthusiasts, takes place onboard one of our beautiful and genuine Victorian steam launches.
Food
Milton Keynes
Experience a delicious afternoon tea, where every bite celebrates the season's bounty amidst the relaxing ambience of Horwood House, Buckinghamshire.
Summer
Southampton
Southampton Pride returns in 2026 taking place on the 29th to 30th August 2026. Beginning back in 2016, Southampton Pride's has gone from strength to strength and this year the Pride event in August attracts celebrities from all over the UK coming…
Vineyard / Wine
Henley-on-Thames
Enjoy an afternoon on the terrace overlooking the beautiful vines at Oaken Grove Vineyard, near Henley-on-Thames.
The wine terrace is open most Saturdays and some Sundays to sip wine from the vineyard and enjoy tasty food options whilst overlooking…
Music
Haywards Heath
Sunday Afternoons of Live Music in the Garden
Our much-loved Music in the Garden events return on selected Sunday afternoons this summer, bringing the perfect soundtrack to a relaxing family day out.
Settle into the stunning surroundings of our…
General event
Southampton
We will pass into Portsmouth Harbour, home to the Royal Navy – an exciting opportunity to view Britain’s naval vessels and the dramatic skyline of Portsmouth, including Southsea; Clarence Pier; Spice Island and the Spinnaker Tower, from the water.…
Arts
Cobham
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…
Markets
Maidenhead
Visiting the market is the perfect way to spend your weekend.
Inspired by the summer night markets of southern France, we bring you a laid back evening of shopping and feasting to a backdrop of live music.
Take a seat at one of our tables to enjoy…
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…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Maidenhead
One of our most popular attractions is back! Free for children and families to play on in the daytime and for adults to relax on in the evening.
Be transported to Norden-by-Sea while you enjoy lunch from our Café Bar overlooking the beach.
Enjoy…
Exhibitions
Lymington
Elmer and Mr Benn: the Magic of David McKee
11 July – 6 September
St Barbe Museum + Art Gallery is delighted to announce Elmer, Mr Benn… the magic of David McKee, a vibrant new exhibition celebrating one of Britain's most beloved and influential…
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.
Comedy
Lower Beeding, Horsham
Head along to the fun Leonardslee Comedy Club for an evening of live stand-up and plenty of laughs!
Join us at Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens in West Sussex for top-quality stand-up from Epic Comedy, enjoyed in a brilliant atmosphere and intimate…
Childrens Events
Great Missenden
Find out how Great Missenden's High Street inspired Roald's foxy tale and get hands on with papercraft.
Carnival
Sandown
Children's Carnival in Sandown on the Isle of Wight Enjoy a fun-filled family day with Sandown Children's Carnival!
Carnival route To view the carnival route map, please visit the carnival website.
Family entertainment There will be a…
Tour
Ryde
Discover more about the iconic hovercraft which takes passengers on their daily commute or for a day visit to the Isle of Wight from Portsmouth. The behind the scenes tour is offers the chance to get up close and personal and learn more about our…
Pop Up Event
Horsham
Join us for a high-energy monthly Quiz Night hosted by Paul from PJ Quiz, set in The Courtyard and packed with everything from Mash-Up Music and Cryptic Conundrums to Family Fortunes, TV Themes and the ever-popular Wipeout Round. It's fast, clever,…
Run / Rally
New Forest
We are delighted to announce the return of Simply Mercedes on Sunday 9 August 2026.
All Mercedes-Benz owners are invited to drive into Beaulieu and park up in the museum grounds for a superb day out for owners and enthusiasts.
Participatory Event
Beaulieu
Join New Forest Activities in Beaulieu for a fantastic introduction to the world of Bushcraft, based in the heart of the New Forest National Park.
Music
Abingdon
From the laid back Friday night vibes to fun timeless Tribute Nights, find the music you like at the Hilton Garden Inn Abingdon Oxford
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