Oxfordshire 24th July - 3rd September
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 1 to 20.
Carnival
NEWPORT
Join in the carnival fun with Newport's Illuminated Procession!
Please see website for route details.
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…
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…
Festival
Ashey Road, Ryde
Summer’s just around the corner! - Celebrate the biggest feel-good hits at this year’s Jack Up Summer Party
Get ready to immerse yourself in the ultimate Summer celebration at this year’s Jack Up Summer Party! The two-day extravaganza, taking…
Carnival
SANDOWN
Join in the fun of Children's Day with Sandown Carnival Children's Procession! See website for carnival route.
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…
Comedy
Brighton and Hove
Discover the best in live comedy, featuring three top acts and an MC!
Boasting the hottest line-ups including Kiri Pritchard-McLean, Jordan Brookes, Olga Koch, Barbara Nice, Jarred Christmas, Nina Conti, Sara Barron, and many more!
Komedia is a…
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…
General event
Brighton
You will be hands on with your food preparation, this is not a cooking demonstration! So be ready to get to grips with the tools of our trade.
Most historians are inclined to believe that the macaron originated in Italy, probably Venice, and was…
Show / Display
Dover
Dover's most popular and anticipated event will return to the seafront this July!
Festivals
Tilford, Farnham
Weyfest is more like a mini-holiday than a music festival. It is a stress-free weekend in the country, with over 30 hours of the finest music, camping, posh loos, friendly staff and plenty to occupy the kids with music, drama and creative arts…
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.
Food
Aylesbury
Come and visit the annual Chilli Festival, held in the picturesque gardens of Waddesdon Manor in Buckinghamshire. Featuring a handpicked selection of passionate chilli exhibitors, including local artisans and independent traders from across the…
Guided Walk
Broadway, Winchester
Join one of Winchester's professional guides for a 90 minute walking tour, starting at Winchester Visitor Information Centre. The tour explores the historical sites in the upper part of the city including the Cathedral, High Street, Westgate and…
Festival
A weekend of free entertainment in the town centre and on the Quay Green.
Festivals
Basingstoke
Carfest South will be returning to Laverstoke Park Farm, Hampshire in August as One Big Carfest. The 2,500 acres farm, near Overton, is owned by ex-racing driver and 1979 Formula 1 World Champion Jody Scheckter.
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…
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
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…
Free Event
Windsor
Come and enjoy live band performances in the open air this summer. Windsor, Eton & Ascot Town Centre Partnership presents Windsor’s Live at the Bandstand programme 2024.
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