Last Updated on June 17, 2024 by Suzy McCullough
Here it is our list of the best summer events across the South East to keep you busy all summer. This list includes events in Berkshire – Buckinghamshire – London – East Sussex – West Sussex – Hampshire – Isle of Wight – Kent – Oxfordshire – Surrey. All events are family-friendly. (please note we have no events for Oxfordshire – if you know of any please get in touch – major events only).
Please check with the attraction that everything is as advertised before you visit.
Amberley Museum – Summer Holidays – Sussex
When? 24th July – 1st September
Address: Amberley Museum, New Barn Road, Amberley, Arundel, Sussex, BN18 9LT
A Bit About – Info coming soon. Plus other events
More about Amberley Museum
Arundel Castle – Various Events – Sussex
When? See below
Address: Arundel Castle, Arundel, Sussex, BN18 9AB
A Bit About – 30th July – 4th August – Medieval Jousting tournament. 8th & 15th August history day. 16th-17th August Shakespeare open-air theatre. 24th – 26th August Festival of History. Find out more about each event.
More about Arundel Castle
Beaulieu – Various Events – Hampshire
When? See below
Address: John Montagu Building, Beaulieu, Brockenhurst SO42 7ZN
A Bit About – 3rd-4th August Beaulieu Super Car Weekend. 11th August Simply Mercedes. Pride and Prejudice open-air theatre on 13th August. Little Women open-air theatre on 14th August. Plus other events.
More About Beaulieu
Blackgang Chine – Summer Fest – Isle of Wight
When? 24th July – 28th August
Address: Ventnor PO38 2HN
A Bit About – Looking for some family fun this summer? Look no further than the Isle of Wight’s Summer Fest event! Our evening entertainment with fireworks is sure to thrill both young and old alike! And, with live music, you’ll be dancing and singing along all day. Don’t miss out on our foam, confetti, and laser party too! Find out more.
Bletchley Park – Summer Fun for Families – Buckinghamshire
When? 29th July – 30th August
Address: Bletchley Park, The Mansion, Sherwood Dr, Bletchley, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, MK3 6EB
A Bit About – There are exciting activities and interactive tours for the whole family on various dates in August, as well as plenty of wide-open space to run around and a playground to enjoy. With so many different areas to explore, go on an adventure and uncover some surprising stories! Plus other summer events.
More about Bletchley Park
Bluebell Railway – Unicorn Weekend – Sussex
When? 10th-11th August
Address: Bluebell Railway, Park Station, Uckfield, Sussex, TN23 3QL
A Bit About – Experience the enchantment of unicorns, not only in fairy tales but this weekend at the Bluebell Railway! Our exclusive unicorn-themed weekend is ready to add a touch of magic to your journey. Authentic and captivating, they’re designed to ignite joy and wonder. Don’t let this opportunity pass you by! Plus other events.
More about Bluebell Railway
Bocketts Farm – Summer of Fun – Surrey
When? 20th July – 1st September
Address: Bocketts Farm Park, Young St, Fetcham, Leatherhead, Surrey, KT22 9BS
A Bit About – Small Animal Encounters and Tractor Rides. Bubble disco. Craft Corner. Water Wars and Panning for Gold. Indoor and Outdoor Play. Meet and feed our friendly animals. Complete the Animal Passport Stamp Trail. Find out more.
More about Bocketts Farm
Buckinghamshire Railway Centre – Various Events – Buckinghamshire
When? See below
Address: Quainton Road Station, Station Road, Quainton, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP22 4BY
A Bit About – 11th August – Emergency services day. 26th August – Pre-1988 classic vehicle rally. Plus in the summer children can ride for £1 on special steaming days. Find out more.
More about Buckinghamshire Railway Centre
Butser Ancient Farm – Various Events – Hampshire
When? See Below
Address: Buster Ancient Farm, Chalton Ln, Chalton, Waterlooville, Hampshire, PO8 0BG
A Bit About – 20th – 21st July Anglo Saxon reenactment weekend. 23rd July – 1st September Summer of time travel. Join us this summer holiday for an action-packed month filled with ancient activities! Travel through time and fill out your Time Passport as you learn skills from each era. A great day out that’s fun for all the family — even the dog! 26th July Timeless summer. 27th-28th July Roman reenactment weekend. Summer activity camp and so much more into August.
More about Butser Ancient Farm
Carisbrooke Castle – Various Events – Isle of Wight
When? See below
Address: Castle Hill, Newport PO30 1XY
A Bit About – Pirates at Carisbrooke – 30th July – 1st August. Knights Tournament – 6th-8th August. Legendary Joust – 13th – 15th August. Experience an exhilarating spectacle of speed and skill as four legendary knights compete in the grand medieval joust. See lances shatter, feel the thunder of hooves and hear the roar of the crowd as reputations are won and lost. Find out about all the events.
More About Carisbrooke Castle
Chessington World of Adventures – Summer Festival – London
When? 20th July – 1st September
Address: Leatherhead Rd, Chessington KT9 2NE
A Bit About – Summer Festival is perfect for festival-goers of all ages, so whether it’s your first festival ever or your first one this year – don’t miss out! Get ready for a jam-packed adventure filled with live music, silent disco, circus performers, foam party and delicious bites.
More about Chessington
Chiltern Open Air Museum – Various Events – Buckinghamshire
When? See below
Address: Chiltern Open Air Museum, Newland Park, Gorelands Ln, Chalfont Saint Giles, Buckinghamshire, HP8 4AB
A Bit About – 27th-28th July – Heritage Crafts weekend. Terrific Tuesday craft activities throughout the summer holidays. 3rd-4th August – Clash of the Queens. 10th-11th August – Britain at war. 17th-18th August – Victorian Weekend. 25th-26th August – Viking Raid. Further event information.
More about Chiltern Open Air Museum
Dover Castle – Various Events – Kent
When? See below
Address: Castle Hill Rd, Dover CT16 1HU
A Bit About – 3rd – 4th August Pirates at Dover Castle. 24th-26th August Clash of Knights. 20th July – 1st September Medieval Season. Join us at Dover Castle every day of the summer holidays to learn what life was like in medieval times. From sword schools to medieval fun and games, there will be a different activity each week for children to take part in. Further information.
More about Dover Castle
Eltham Palace and Gardens – Various events – London
When? See below
Address: Eltham Palace and Gardens, Court Yard, London, London, SE9 5QE
A Bit About – 20th July – 1st September Medieval Season. Join us at Eltham Palace every day of the summer holidays to learn what life was like in medieval times. From storytelling to have-a-go archery, there’s something for children of all ages during Medieval Season. Activities will change from week to week.
More about Eltham Palace
Gullivers Land – Summer Sparks Spectacular – Buckinghamshire
When? 31st August
Address: Gullivers Land Theme Park, Livingstone Dr, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, MK15 0DT
A Bit About – Celebrate another magical summer season at Gulliver’s Land Milton Keynes with our Summer Sparks Spectacular! Enjoy extra ride time with our extended opening hours (10:30 am – 8:30 pm) ahead of a fantastic fireworks display starting at approximately 8:45 pm!
More about Gulliver’s Land
Hampton Court Palace – Henry VIII Joust – Surrey
When? 20th – 21st July
Address: Hampton Ct Way, Molesey, East Molesey KT8 9AU
A Bit About – Experience the thrill of the Tudor joust as the country’s greatest knights battle it out at Hampton Court Palace. Other events.
More about Hampton Court Palace
Hatchlands Park National Trust – Treasure in the Park – Surrey
When? 13th July – 1st September
Address: East Clandon, Guildford GU4 7RT
A Bit About – Follow the clues and see how many treasure chests you can find in the parkland, enjoy sea-themed games and dressing up and explore the pirates’ lair. Plus a summer of play and other summer events.
More about Hatchlands Park.
Hever Castle – Various Events – Kent
When? See below
Address: Hever Rd, Hever, Edenbridge TN8 7NG
A Bit About – Jousting Events on selected days in July and August. This summer the Knights of Royal England will be entertaining visitors with exhilarating displays of action, stunts, falls and fights in an authentic arena complete with a Royal Box. Battling it out in the saddle and on foot in one-to-one combat, the valiant knights will then compete for points to find this season’s ultimate champion. Plus other events.
More about Hever Castle
Isle of Wight Steam Railway – Island Steam Fair – Isle of Wight
When? 23rd – 26th August
Address: The Railway Station, Main Rd, Havenstreet, Ryde PO33 4DS
A Bit About – Now in its 49th year, the Island Steam Fair is back for another action-packed year. It’s the bank holiday event on the Island with bundles of fun and explosive acts in the main arena. Enjoy a fabulous collection of vintage transport, traditional fairground, live entertainment, plus steam trains running on the line. Plus other summer events.
More about the Isle of Wight Steam Railway
Kent Life – Summer Holiday Fun – Kent
When? 24th July – 1st September
Address: Kent Life, Lock Ln, Maidstone, Kent, ME14 3AU
A Bit About – Our summer holiday schedule is packed full of entertainment and plenty of fun every day! Why not enjoy an owl flying demonstration, join in with animal feeding sessions, catch a show in our Big Top and so much more? You can also step back in time and visit the Vintage Village, explore the Victorian Petts Farmhouse, or enjoy the 1950s Sandling Farmhouse. There are also indoor and outdoor play areas, fun farm rides, pop-up Olympic activities and more. Plus other summer events.
More about Kent Life
Leonardslee Gardens – Open-air cinema – Sussex
When? Various dates in the summer
Address: Brighton Rd, Lower Beeding, Horsham RH13 6PP
A Bit About – Join us this summer for an open-air cinema series with a great selection of films and food & drink for a fun evening outdoors at Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens. Plus other events.
More about Leonardslee Gardens
Penshurst Place – Various Events – Kent
When? Various dates
Address: Penshurst Place and Gardens, Penshurst, Tonbridge, Kent, TN11 8DG
A Bit About – 24th July – 28th August – Camp Wilderness. Escape the ordinary and walk on the wild side this summer holiday at Camp Wilderness join us every Wednesday to teach archery, axe-throwing and s’more making along the Woodland Trail! Plus summer crafts and The Wind in the Willows – This summer walk into a world of imagination and storytelling as Aardvark Productions join us in the formal gardens to share the tale of The Wind in the Willows. On Sundays throughout the holidays. Find out more about these events.
More about Penshurst Place
Polesden Lacey – Summer of Play – Surrey
When? 13th July – 8th September
Address: Polesden Lacey, Polesden Road, Great Bookham, Leatherhead, Surrey, RH5 6BD
A Bit About – The visitors will start their journey by entering through a Fantasy Castle Archway, before they step into a large castle made out of straw. Inside the castle, they can find a variety of play items suitable for creative, active, and performance activities. Following on from this, they can find a maze with a podium and additional play equipment. Plus other summer events.
More about Polesden Lacey
Riverhill Himalayan Gardens – A Himalayan Summer – Kent
When? 20th July – 1st September
Address: Riverhill Himalayan Gardens, Riverhill, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN15 0RR
A Bit About – This summer let’s have an exotic staycation as we turn to the Himalayas for inspiration for our craft activities. Find out more about their summer events.
More about Riverhill
Spa Valley Railway – Various events – Kent
When? See below
Address: Spa Valley Railway, West Station, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN2 5QY
A Bit About – 8th, 15th, 22nd & 29th August – Jolly Roger’s swashbuckling ride. Packed full of slapstick comedy, thrills and spills – its set to be another sell-out show, departing from Tunbridge Wells West at intervals throughout the day. The performance is brought to you by the Radtastic Theatre – the team who brought you “Little Red Riding Hood’s Easter Train Ride”. 2nd-4th August Summer Diesel Gala. More events.
More about Spa Valley Railway
Tapnell Park – Various events – Isle of Wight
When? See below
Address: Tapnell Farm House, Newport Rd, Yarmouth PO41 0YJ
A Bit About – Moo-mania kids’ rave – every Tuesday night during the summer holidays. Join us for the ultimate one-stop, all-weather destination for the Island’s most epic kids rave! DJ, live entertainment and much more! Plus Farm fun and moo-vie nights – every Thursday during the summer holidays. Enjoy all the fun of the Farm Park and then settle down for a screening of the best kids’ films in the under-cover, all-weather events barn. Further event information.
Waddesdon Manor – Summer of Play – Buckinghamshire
When? 24th July – 26th August
Address: Waddesdon Manor, Waddesdon, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP18 0JH
A Bit About – Various events on different days. From garden games to theatre performances, Street art to birds of prey and more. Find out more here.
More about Waddesdon Manor
Wellington Country Park – Summer Fun – Berkshire
When? 29th July – 1st September
Address: Wellington Country Park, Odiham Road, Riseley, Reading, Berkshire, RG7 1SP
A Bit About – Join us this summer at Welly Park for an array of exciting daily activities to add to your adventure with us! 4th August Sandhurst Brasshoppers. 5th – 9th August – Animal Farm Week. 10th – 11th August – Riseley Tennis Club. 12th – 16th August – Tic Tac Skate School. 17th – 18th – Reading FC Community Trust football skills. 19th – 23rd August – Craft Week. 21st August – Thames Valley Police. 24th – 26th August Inflatable Weekend. 28th August – South Central Ambulance Team.
More about Wellington Country Park
Comments