The ultimate family guide to summer holidays across the South East

From dinosaurs and steam trains to outdoor theatre, wildlife encounters and food festivals, here are some of the best family-friendly events, attractions and days out to enjoy this summer.

Summer is here and, with the school holidays stretching ahead, there’s no shortage of family-friendly fun to enjoy across the region. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, fascinating history, live entertainment, hands-on activities or simply a great day out in the sunshine, there’s something for every age and interest.

National Trust adventures and outdoor play

National Trust properties are once again pulling out all the stops with their popular Summer of Play programmes. At Greys Court, children can take to the stage, design their own gardens, create giant artworks and enjoy den building and mud kitchens. Basildon Park unveils its new Walled Garden play hub, packed with creative zones, fashion-themed activities and classic games with a twist.

Across Surrey and Hampshire, families can enjoy outdoor theatre, cinema screenings and themed trails at properties including Polesden Lacey, Hatchlands Park, Winkworth Arboretum, The Vyne, Mottisfont, Hinton Ampner and Uppark House, where visitors can step into the whimsical world of The Tale of Peter Rabbit.

Animals, dinosaurs and wildlife

Animal lovers are spoiled for choice this summer. Wellington Country Park hosts a prehistoric Dino Takeover from 1st-3rd August, with life-sized dinosaurs including a T. rex and Triceratops. The park’s new Big Weekender from 14th-16th August adds magic shows, storytelling, silent discos and creative workshops, while Inflatables in the Park promises giant bouncy fun over the August Bank Holiday weekend.

Elsewhere, families can meet thousands of animals at Whipsnade Zoo, enjoy hands-on experiences at Kew Little Pigs, visit Beale Wildlife Park and Cotswold Wildlife Park, or spend time with rescue animals at Island Farm Donkey Sanctuary. Nature lovers can also enjoy the beautiful grounds and family trails at Gilbert White’s House and Gardens.

History, heritage and hands-on discovery

There are plenty of opportunities to step back in time this summer. Explore local treasures at Abingdon County Hall Museum, discover the world of William Morris at Kelmscott Manor, or climb aboard vintage locomotives at Didcot Railway Centre, where unlimited train rides run throughout the holidays.

Railway enthusiasts can also enjoy heritage journeys through the Chilterns on the Chinnor & Princes Risborough Railway, while Crofton Beam Engines celebrates its famous Steam Days in July. At Wilton Windmill, the only working windmill in Wessex, visitors can enjoy spectacular countryside views.

For living history enthusiasts, West Horsley Place recreates King Henry VIII’s visit with jousting, falconry and Tudor festivities, while Chiltern Open Air Museum hosts Viking raids, heritage crafts and family-friendly historical events. The annual Festival of Archaeology also returns to Greys Court.

Festivals, food and family entertainment

Foodies can start the summer at the Wantage International Food & Drink Festival, where international flavours, live music and free children’s activities create a lively family atmosphere.

Over the August Bank Holiday weekend, the hugely popular Henley Country Craft Show returns to Stonor Park, featuring more than 200 artisan stalls, demonstrations, food and family entertainment.

Festival fans can enjoy EdFest in Didcot, with live music, food and free family activities, while Hampshire’s DellFest offers a relaxed countryside vibe, excellent food and uplifting live music. Visitors can also enjoy the Great British Food Festival at West Horsley Place and the South Downs Show at Queen Elizabeth Country Park.

Theatre, music and outdoor cinema

Summer is the perfect season for outdoor entertainment. Dinton Pastures hosts open-air cinema screenings including Mamma Mia!, Dirty Dancing, Magic Mike and a Wicked sing-along.

At Waddesdon Manor, outdoor theatre returns with productions including The Tempest, The Railway Children and A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Music lovers can head to Farnham Castle for a special outdoor Stevie Wonder tribute concert featuring acclaimed performers Derek Nash and Noel McCalla.

Meanwhile, Wycombe Swan presents a packed summer programme, including the touring production of High Society starring Helen George and Felicity Kendal.

Thrills, science and big days out

For adrenaline-fuelled family fun, Brooklands Museum celebrates 100 years since Britain’s first Grand Prix with its Summer of Speed, featuring interactive exhibitions, family activities and science shows.

At Guards Polo Club in Windsor, the Coronation Cup offers the chance to watch world-class polo up close, while LEGOLAND Windsor welcomes back its popular LEGO Festival, packed with brick-building challenges, live shows and favourite characters.

Science takes centre stage at Winchester Science Centre, where visitors can enjoy explosive demonstrations, meet South Downs minibeasts and journey through space in one of the UK’s largest planetariums.

For classic family days out, there’s always Longleat, with its famous safari park and attractions, or Bowood House and Gardens, where adventure playgrounds, pirate ships and beautiful grounds await.

Slow down and savour summer

If a gentler pace is more your style, enjoy a relaxing canal boat trip aboard the Rose of Hungerford, wander the beautiful gardens at Buscot Park, explore the ancient landscape of Avebury Stone Circle, or spend an afternoon beneath the big top with Giffords Circus and its new show, Waterfield.

Wherever you choose to go, this summer offers countless opportunities to explore, discover and make memories with family and friends. The only challenge may be fitting it all in.

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