What's on in Sussex in the Summer Holidays

Discover the Best Summer Holiday Events in Sussex 2026

Looking for unforgettable things to do in Sussex this summer? Whether you're planning a family day out, a weekend escape, or a full holiday adventure, Sussex is bursting with exciting events and festivals for all ages.

With seaside celebrations, countryside performances, and hands-on activities, Sussex offers the perfect blend of culture, fun, and fresh air. Wherever you are in Sussex you'll find a packed calendar of summer holiday events to keep the whole family entertained.

Start planning your summer now and explore what’s on in Sussex – your ultimate guide to family-friendly festivals, outdoor adventures, and unforgettable experiences.

What to do in Sussex with children

outdoor play area at Leonardslee Lake & Garden showing wooden climbing structures and a spiral slide

Teen activities in Sussex - the ultimate guide

Family Friendly Sussex

Family fun at Leonardslee Gardens - a family pond dipping in the sunshine

Scare Taxi play at Alive at the Barn

Alive at the Barn 2026 is back for a fourth year, with a line-up of legends, loud guitars, sharp…

Jul 25

Sandpit Searchers - Festival of Archaeology

Fishbourne Roman Palace
Jul 27, 2026 - Jul 31, 2026

Have a go at excavating like an archaeologist at Fishbourne Roman Palace. Dig around a giant sandpit…

Sandpit Searchers - Festival of Archaeology

Jul 27

Run Love Festival

Aug 29, 2026 - Aug 31, 2026

Run Love is a two day, one night running and wellness festival set in the Sussex countryside. Start…

Aug 29

Big Bank Holiday Pop Party

Wave your hands in the air at Hastings’ ultimate party night featuring Jon & Jo from S Club with…

Nov 07

Port of Cool

A Family Store Festival is coming to Newhaven. Bringing together some of the UK's most exciting…

Jul 25

Borde Hill Summer Series

Aug 13, 2026 - Aug 15, 2026

Introducing a brand-new festival weekend set in the stunning grounds of Borde Hill, Haywards Heath…

Aug 13

Chubstock

Eastbourne's best independent music festival is back for its second year and it's even…

Oct 03

All Things Fungi Festival

Gravetye Estate
Sep 18, 2026 - Sep 20, 2026

Situated on the edge of Ancient woodland in the rolling hills of the Sussex countryside. Join us for…

Sep 18

East Preston Food & Drink Festival

East Preston Food & Drink Festival is back! Spend a fun summer's day eating, drinking and…

Aug 29

Good Vibrations Society

Jul 31, 2026 - Aug 3, 2026

Good Vibrations Society is an event for old and young to enjoy music and wellness in the beautiful…

Jul 31

Kawson Sacka Afrobeat Live

As part of the Hidden Beach Summer of Culture, Kawson Secka brings vibrant West African rhythms to…

Jul 31

The UK Truffle Festival

The UK Truffle Festival returns to Hickstead, West Sussex on Saturday 14 November 2026. Taste fresh…

Nov 14

Good Vibrations Society

Jul 31, 2026 - Aug 2, 2026

Good Vibrations Society is an event for old and young to enjoy music and wellness in the beautiful…

Jul 31

East Sussex Living History Festival

Michelham Priory House & Gardens
Aug 29, 2026 - Aug 31, 2026

Join us for the East Sussex Living History Festival, a vibrant three-day celebration of the past set…

Aug 29

Ouse Valley Folk Festival

Aug 28, 2026 - Aug 29, 2026

The Ouse Valley Folk Festival celebrates the rich musical heritage of the Ouse Valley alongside the…

Aug 28

The Poetic Funk Afterparty

Poetic Funk Afterparty lands in Hastings with a deep dive into funk, soul, Afro Brasilica and jazz…

Aug 08

Search for events during the Summer Holidays

Refine your search using the categories and areas below or enter a key words to find your next summer adventure

Coast

4 Active days on the Sussex Coast

8 min read

An itinerary for the adventurous! Why put your feet up on holiday? You can do that at home. This…

Coast

Top Instagrammable spots on the Sussex Coast

3 min read

A veritable treasure trove of dramatic coastlines and unique seaside towns. If you want to stand out…

Top Instagrammable spots on the Sussex Coast

Things to Do

Starring Sussex! Top Sussex Coast TV & Movie filming locations

7 min read

Spotted Sussex on Screen? Here are the favourite filming locations on the Sussex Coast Sussex boasts…

Starring Sussex! Top Sussex Coast TV & Movie filming locations

Attractions

Discover the stunning gardens of Sussex

7 min read

If you’re looking for inspiration for a day trip where you can make the most of your natural…

Cycling

Cycling routes in Sussex

3 min read

What better way to explore Sussex than on two wheels. The county boasts some of the best cycle…

Itineraries

Slow Horsham: Pause, breathe and explore Sussex at your own pace

7 min read

Spend a week or two tuning into nature in Sussex. This itinerary invites you to slow down, take a…

Slow Horsham: Pause, breathe and explore Sussex at your own pace

Aldingbourne Country Centre

Come along to Aldingbourne County Centre and eat, drink, laugh and learn together, all whilst…

Out of Bounds

Golfers Lane

Out of Bounds – Adventure for All Ages in West Sussex Out of Bounds in Angmering is the…

Drusillas Park

Drusillas Zoo Park

Enjoy a great family day out at one of the top kids days out in Sussex. Widely regarded as the best…

Harbour Park

Windmill Rd

Harbour Park is Littlehampton’s go-to seaside adventure for young families! From…

Hastings Aquarium

Rock-A-Nore Road

Step inside to head below the waves and discover what's roaming our oceans. From our own native…

Butlin's Bognor Regis day visits

Butlin’s is pulling out all the stops to ensure its day visits are packed full of fun for the whole…

Sky Park Farm

Located in West Harting, Sky Park Farm is a working deer farm. Enjoy a day out and experience the…

Cowdray Estate

Cowdray Estate Office

Located in Midhurst at the heart of the South Downs National Park, Cowdray Estate is a treat for…

Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens

Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens is described as ‘The Finest Woodland Gardens in England’. Its rich…

Borde Hill Garden

Borde Hill Lane

Borde Hill is a 2,000-acre Estate which has been owned by the Stephenson Clarke family for over 130…

Smugglers Adventure

Priory Road

Smugglers Adventure is an underground network or ancient caves and caverns, filled with secret…

Paradise Park & Gardens

Avis Road

Paradise Park offers fun for all ages across its 10-acre site. Discover the Planet Earth Museum…

Knockhatch Adventure Park

Hailsham Bypass

Animals Explore the Jungle Kingdom when you slide through the meerkat enclosure, go nose to nose…

Go Ape Crawley

Tilgate Park

Located in southeast Crawley you can find Go Ape nestled in popular Tilgate Park. With stunning…