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 the East of England – Bedfordshire – Cambridgeshire – Essex – Hertfordshire – Norfolk – Suffolk. All events are family-friendly.
Please check with the attraction that everything is as advertised before you visit.
Audley End House and Gardens – All the King’s Horses – Essex
When? 24th-26th August
Address: Audley End House and Gardens, Audley End Rd, Audley End, Saffron Walden, Essex, CB11 4JF
A Bit About – Enjoy exceptional horsemanship as soldiers from the Restoration period compete against the backdrop of Audley End’s magnificent mansion. Who will reign supreme? Plus other events.
More about Audley End
Audley End Miniature Railway – Enchanted Summer – Essex
When? 20th July – 1st September
Address: Audley End Rd, Audley End, Saffron Walden, Essex, CB11 4JF
A Bit About – “Join us for a magical journey of exploration and discovery deep in the enchanted woods. This spectacular summer-long adventure is jam-packed with activities and entertainment, mythical creatures and magical surprises, ensuring a memorable day out in the great outdoors for the whole family. More event information.
More about Audley End Miniature Railway
Barleylands – Various Events – Essex
When? 22nd July – 3rd September
Address: Barleylands Farm Park, Barleylands Farm Office, Barleylands Rd, Billericay, Essex, CM11 2UDv
A Bit About – Summer Bubbles and Balloons – 5th-18th August. 5k Inflatable Obstacle Run – 17th August. Party of the Summer – 19th August – 1st September. Classic Motor Show and family fun day – 8th August. Further event information.
More about Barleylands Farm Park
Bressingham Steam and Gardens – Various Events – Norfolk
When? See below
Address: Bressingham Steam and Gardens, Low Rd, Diss, Norfolk, IP22 2AA
A Bit About – Fire engine rally – 27th-28th July. Steam in Miniature – 10th-11th August. Nights at the Museum – 23rd August. Buster’s 100th Birthday bash – 24th-26th August. More event information.
More about Bressingham Steam and Gardens
Burwell Museum – Classic Car & Bike Day – Cambridgeshire
When? 25th August
Address: Burwell Museum, Mill Cl, Burwell, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB25 0HL
A Bit About – Roll back the years and join us for a friendly classic and bike show. See fabulous vintage vehicles including a 1907 Holsman and Austin 7. More about the event.
More about Burwell Museum
Epping Ongar Railway – Various Events – Essex
When? See below
Address: Epping Ongar Railway, Station Approach, Chipping Ongar, Ongar, Essex, CM5 9BN
A Bit About – Come and see Paw Patrol – 4th August. Peppa Pig and George Visit – 26th August. 70 years of Routemaster service – 25th August. More information on the events can be found here.
More about the Epping Ongar Railway
Framlingham Castle – Various events – Suffolk
When? See below
Address: Framlingham Castle, Church St, Framlingham, Suffolk, IP13 9BP
A Bit About – Knights Tournament – 24th – 26th August. Go back in time and get up close to the action as rival knights compete in the ultimate test of strength and skill at the Framlingham Castle Knights’ Tournament. Medieval Season – 20th July – 1st September. Learn what life was like in medieval times. From jester workshops, have-a-go archery, storytelling and squire training to lessons in courtly etiquette there will be a different activity each week for children to take part in. More information can be found here.
More about Framlingham Castle
Hatfield House – Various Events – Hertfordshire
When? See below
Address: Hatfield House, Great North Rd, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, AL9 5HX
A Bit About – Peter Pan Immersion theatre – 29th July. A Midsummer night’s dream Immersion theatre – 9th August. Firework Champions – 10th August. Event information.
More about Hatfield House
Holkham Hall – Various Events – Norfolk
When? See below
Address: Holkham Hall, Holkham Rd, Wells-next-the-sea, Norfolk, NR23 1AB
A Bit About – Outdoor theatre The Lost World – 24th July. Outdoor theatre Five Children and It – 31st July. Outdoor theatre Beauty and the Beast – 28th August. Plus other events on selected dates.
More about Holkham Hall
Hylands Estate – Outdoor Theatre and Adventure Cinema – Essex
When? See Below
Address: Hylands Estate Park, London Rd, Writtle, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 8WQ
A Bit About – Outdoor Theatre Peter Pan – 21st August. Plus Adventure Cinema – Greatest Showman sing-a-long 23rd August. Frozen sing-along 24th August. Mamma Mia 24th August. The Gruffalo and Stickman 25th August. Sing 25th August. Top Gun 25th August. Happy Potter 26th August. Grease sing-a-long 26th August. More information about these events can be found here.
More about Hylands Estate
Kentwell Hall – Various Events – Essex
When? See below
Address: Kentwell Hall, Long Melford, Sudbury, Essex, CO10 9BA
A Bit About – Magic Weekend – 27th-28th July. From sorcery and trickery to alchemy and fairies, come for a day of interactive magical family fun in the Enchanted Gardens at Kentwell. WW1 Bringing the boys home – 2nd-4h August. Hands-on History – 10th-18th August. The whole Manor back in time to show many aspects of everyday life in the 16th Century, from Gentry to the meanest of lesser sorts. Kentwell through the ages – 24th – 26th August. More information here.
More about Kentwell Hall
Knebworth – Classic Motor Show – Hertfordshire
When? 25th-26th August
Address: Knebworth House, Old Knebworth Lane, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, SG3 6PY
A Bit About – The Classic Motor Show is not to be missed – there will be a static display as well as a show arena hosting parades. Vehicles include saloons, sports, American, commercial, military and classic motorcycles. Plus have a go archery on various dates. Peter Pan theatre and more. Find out more here.
More about Knebworth House
Marsh Farm – Bubble n’ Bop – Essex
When? 23rd July – 1st September
Address: Marsh Farm, Marsh Farm Rd, South Woodham, Ferrers, Essex, CM3 5WP
A Bit About – Don’t miss Marsh Farm’s summer children’s festival ‘Bubble ‘n Bop’ it’s bursting with bubbles and exploding with excitement. There will be so much going on including our BRAND NEW Dinosaur Adventure to Explore, the much-loved foam machine, our popular Splash Pool & Beach, our Train Ride, Fairground Rides & so much more! Marsh Farm events.
More about Marsh Farm
Old Macdonalds Farm – Summer Circus – Essex
When? 20th July – 1st September
Address: Old MacDonald’s Farm and Fun Park, Weald Rd, Brentwood, Essex, CM14 5AY
A Bit About – Trapeze by the elegant Emily. Clown Tolly’s health and safety comedy routine. Clown Rocko’s comedy bin surprise and more. Plus other shows and entertainment.
More about Old Macdonalds
Pettitts Animal Adventure Park – Character Days – Norfolk
When? See Below
Address: Pettitts Animal Adventure Park, Church Rd, Reedham, Norwich, Norfolk, NR13 3UA
A Bit About – 21st July Paw Patrol Marshall & Rubble. 27th July Bluey. 10th August Meet Peppa Pig. 25th August Meet JJ. Character days at Pettitts.
More about Pettitts
Roarr! – Dinos in the Dark – Norfolk
When? 24th August
Address: Roarr! Dinosaur Adventure, Lenwade, Norwich, Norfolk, NR9 5JW
A Bit About – Are you brave enough to explore Valley of the Dinosaurs once the sun’s gone down, take on Predator High Ropes after dark, or handle creepy crawlies at our Animal Encounters? As well as our well-known epic attractions being open, there will also be the opportunity to conquer our two NEW rides coming in the summer. Get ready for a ROARR-some summer night and indulge in mouth-watering delights from incredible street food businesses.
More about Roarr!
Sandringham – Summer Family Forest Fun – Norfolk
When? Tuesdays 6, Wednesday 7 and Thursday 8 August, Tuesday 13, Wednesday 14 August, Tuesday 20, Wednesday 21, and Thursday 22 August
Address: Sandringham Estate, Sandringham, Norfolk, PE35 6EN
A Bit About – Choose from a morning or afternoon session. A laid-back, traditional forest school in the beautiful ancient woodlands adjacent to the Play Area. Bugs, crafts, sensory learning, swamp, scavenger hunts, hammocks, swings and slack line, campfire (if conditions allow). Come and be guided by Nana Lavender an experienced teacher and enjoy the spectacular Summer Woodlands. Suitable for all the family. Booking is Essential.” Plus other events
More about Sandringham
Shuttleworth – Various Events – Bedfordshire
When? See Below
Address: The Shuttleworth Collection, Old Warden Aerodrome, Hill Ln, Biggleswade, Bedfordshire, SG18 9EP
A Bit About – Summer Fete – 27th July. ModelAir – Wings, Wheels, Water – 27th & 28th July. NSRA Hot Rod Supernationals – 4th Augustt. Family weekend air show camping – 8th-12th August. Proms weekends and so much more.
More about Shuttleworth
West Stow – Various Events – Suffolk
When? See below
Address: West stow country park and Anglo-Saxon village, Icklingham Road, West Stow, Bury Saint Edmunds, Suffolk, IP28 6HG
A Bit About – The Real Middle Earth tour – 20th July – 22nd August. Find out about the links between Tolkien and the Anglo-Saxon world on a guided tour from a member of the Tolkien Society and a Middle-earth enthusiast. Plus other events including a Long Bow Experience and archery experience. Summer camps and more.
More about West Stow
Wrest Park – Wrest at War – Bedfordshire
When? 17th – 18th August
Address: Wrest Park, Silsoe, Bedfordshire, MK45 4HR
A Bit About – Attention! Head to Wrest Park for an action-packed weekend as you’re propelled into wartime Britain. Experience WWI and WWII through the grounds of Wrest Park, train like a soldier and hear stories of the battlefield as you wander through our living history encampments. Other events at Wrest Park.
More about Wrest Park
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