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 121 to 140.
Tour
Ryde
For a unique experience only offered on the South Coast, try a Hovercraft Experience Flights on your next visit to Portsmouth or the Isle of Wight
Arts
Compton, Guildford
Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Pre-Raphaelite art through the evocative power of scent at Watts Gallery. Engage your sense of smell and gain a new appreciation for the artists' intentions and the cultural context in which they created…
Music
Maidenhead
The five-piece band, Jazz Dynamos take well known hit songs from the 70s and 80s, transforming them with a mix of jazz, bossa and samba.
Their unique set of exuberant, original contemporary jazz arrangements includes hits by Bowie, Dolly Parton,…
School Holidays
Reading
Get ready for a baa-rilliant summer adventure in Reading town centre! Shaun the Sheep is coming to town from 5 July to 31 August and he’s bringing his fleecey friends along for the ride!
Theatre
Waterperry
From the company who brought you The Little Mermaid, Hercules, Beauty and the Beast and The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, the classic fairytale of magic, true love and custom-made shoes is brought to life in this brand new show for all ages.
Embark on…
Arts
Station Parade, Eastbourne
Join The Paint Club for a relaxed and creative evening of painting at Eastbourne's Ninkaci!
Our friendly local artist will guide you step-by-step from a blank canvas to your very own work of art.
️ What's included: All the painting materials…
Outdoor Event / Activities
New Forest
Get set for a summer filled with thrilling adventures and treasured memories at Beaulieu!
Experience colourful characters, living history parades, phantasmagorical rides, and new displays throughout the attraction including Sculpture at Beaulieu…
Childrens Events
Milton Keynes
Could you have been a codebreaker, a Wren or maybe a dispatch rider? Would you have been able to keep your work secret even after the war?
Tuesdays and Thursdays from 29 July until 28 August
Included with admission
Join us on a fun,…
Tour
Titsey, Oxted
Step back in time with a visit to Titsey Place and Gardens, located in the Surrey North Downs, a short drive from Limpsfield High Street.
Still occupied as a family home, this beautiful house is only open for selected days during the year from…
Arts
Fawley, Henley-on-Thames
Welcome to our beginner-friendly make a mug workshop, set in the serene and inspiring surroundings of Oaken Grove Vineyard.
In this exciting pottery workshop, you'll learn how to hand build a mug and make a delightful biscuit bowl or tea bag…
Guided Walk
Chichester
Families are invited to come and enjoy a new summer sculpture trail around Chichester city centre, part of the celebrations marking 950 years of Chichester Cathedral.
Arts
Brighton
We are Brighton's original sip and paint night out! Join The Paint Club at one of our regular painting workshops taught by friendly local professional artists.
In addition to hosting paint and sip parties in Brighton, we also host events in…
Walking
Brighton
Have fun (re-)discovering Brighton, spotting things you've never noticed before, with two quirky treasure hunt style heritage walks - a fun and affordable way to get some fresh air. Curious About Brighton visits not just the obvious places, but…
Heritage & History
Cobham,
This summer, visitors to Painshill in Cobham can enjoy a unique walk through words and nature thanks to a new poetry trail created by Painshill's first Poet-in-Residence, Nia Broomhall, in collaboration with the local community.
Opening on 19…
Childrens Events
East Cowes
TV's Taskmaster challenge Join the Taskmaster challenge at Osborne this Summer! English Heritage has partnered with TV's Taskmaster to set challenges as you explore the historic seaside palace and gardens.
Fun activities Tackle silly tasks,…
Tour
Reading
Book now to enjoy an official Abbey Quarter Tour, Reading which includes exclusive access to Jane Austen's school.
Available from Saturday 5 April 25 until 27th September 2025, explore the heart of Reading with an official Reading Museum tour guide.
Performance
Portsmouth
The ultimate drag day out (voted the number one Drag Brunch event in the UK) heads to Portsmouth!
Food
Dorking
Join us for a relaxing afternoon on the lawn at Denbies Wine Estate with live music from different musicians
Heritage & History
Gorelands Lane, Chalfont St Giles
The Vikings have arrived and taken over a Saxon settlement at the museum!
Explore the Viking and Saxon living history camps and watch as the clash between the two forces unfolds before your eyes.
Get involved in games, music, storytelling and fun…
Heritage & History
Reading
In 2025, come and join the celebrations in Reading marking the 250th anniversary since the birth of Jane Austen, the treasured nineteenth century writer famed for Pride & Prejudice, Emma and Persuasion.
From April 2025, as part of the 250th…