10 fun family-friendly events to attend in the south of England this summer

As the school holidays begin and with them, hopefully a little bit of sunshine, it’s time to fill your family’s calendar with fun activities to keep the little ones entertained.

Fortunately, there are plenty of events and activities to choose from in the south of England this summer. From exploring the outdoors to learning about history and even marvelling at some of mankind’s greatest inventions, there’s something for everyone.

Below, you can read about a selection of exciting day trips designed for children of all ages.

1. Northlands Farm Summer Festival 2024, West Sussex, 6 July onwards

Northlands Farm is a picturesque site nestled in the West Sussex countryside, and this year their summer festival promises to be an event to remember.

Come along on selected dates through July and August to meet the adorable animals of Northlands, including donkeys, alpacas, micro pigs, and pygmy goats. While you’re there, you can also enjoy some tasty food and refreshing drinks (including a licensed bar for the adults), a nature trail, scavenger hunt, and rowing boat.

2. Farm Olympics at Barleylands Farm Park, Essex, 20 July – 4 August

The world may be watching athletes compete in Paris, but this summer you can take part in something a little closer to home as Barleylands Farm Park hosts the Farm Olympics. Events such as ferret racing, water pistol zones, and egg and spoon races will bring out your family’s competitive streak.

In addition, the farm park will be running its usual fun-packed schedule, including chick and duck handling, bird of prey talks, and tractor rides.

3. Medieval season at Battle Abbey, East Sussex, 20 July – 1 September

Throughout the summer holidays, Battle Abbey is taking visitors back in time to experience life in the medieval period. Try your hand at all manner of skills, including jester workshops, archery, and squire training, or enjoy storytelling and magnificent falconry displays.

Activities will change from week to week, so be sure to check online to make sure you don’t miss your favourites.

4. Portsmouth International Kite Festival, Southsea, 27 – 28 July

Globally renowned kite flyers will gather at Southsea Common on 27 and 28 July to showcase some awe-inspiring displays of beautiful kites in this free-to-attend event.

You can witness demonstrations about kite flying and making while also admiring a range of different kite types, from intricately appliquéd single-line kites to some enormous 3d structures.

5. Medway’s summer trails, Kent, 27 July – 31 August

Medway’s summer trails take you and your family on a journey through some of Kent’s most historic hotspots while also giving you the opportunity to win badges as you complete them.

You can navigate trails around Rochester Castle, Upnor Castle, Rochester Guildhall Museum, and Eastgate House, giving you a fantastic opportunity to explore this beautiful region with your family.

6. Just get over it, Essex, 30 July and selected dates through August

If you’re looking for a way to prise your children away from the screens, this event may be for you. It’s a 90-minute outdoor obstacle course featuring both land and water obstacles, with options for under-11s and over-11s.

What’s more, no adults are allowed on the course, so it’s the perfect opportunity to grab a leisurely lunch while your children enjoy themselves in the fresh air.

7. Bignor Sunflower Maze, West Sussex, 1 – 28 August

Back by popular demand, the Bignor Sunflower Maze is the perfect picturesque day out. Once you’ve found your way through the maze, you can also pick some flowers yourself from the dedicated picking patch so that you can take a little bit of sunshine home with you.

8. Pirates and Knights at Dover Castle, 3 – 4 August and 24 – 26 August

If your children like to learn about history, Dover Castle is the place to be this summer.

On 3 and 4 August, some of the world’s most infamous pirates will be in attendance, telling tales of their adventures on the high seas and demonstrating some of their most impressive sword-fighting skills.

From 24 – 26 August, the castle will host the “clash of knights”. Witness knights battle it out in a gruelling contest and enjoy live musicians playing traditional tunes from the Middle Ages.

9. Dinosaur World Live, Colchester, 13 – 15 August

Colchester’s Mercury Theatre will play host to some of the most fearsome characters from the pre-historic era this August in an interactive show that’s guaranteed to be both exciting and educational.

Audience members will witness a tyrannosaurus rex, triceratops, giraffatitan, microraptor, and segnosaurus and learn about how they roamed the earth hundreds of millions of years ago.

10. Bournemouth Air Festival, 29 – 31 August

The Bournemouth Air Festival returns for another season this August, featuring spectacular aerial displays from aircraft including the RAF Red Arrows, Typhoon, and Battle of Britain planes. Additionally, enjoy some unmissable sunset shows along one of Britain’s most picturesque coastlines.

In-between shows, you can also enjoy funfair rides, peruse trade stands, and explore an Armed Forces village.

Get in touch

Come rain or shine, our team at HarperLees is here to support you in building a financial plan that helps you in achieving your long-term goals. To learn more, email us at info@harperlees.co.uk or call 01277 350560.  We’ll be very happy to help.

Please note

This article is for information only.