South East England family holidays and breaks

Embracing Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, Sussex, Kent, Surrey, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire and Oxfordshire, South East England is fabulous for family days out, short breaks or traditional summer holidays.

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Things to do with kids in South East England

See our detailed destination guides to Hampshire including the New Forest, the Isle of Wight, Sussex and Kent.

Discover Berkshire, especially LEGOLAND Windsor, one of the leading family themeparks in the UK, best for ages 12 and under, and Windsor Castle. You could also head for Ascot Racecourse for one of its Family Fun days, offering kids' entertainment between the races, check out the Look Out Discovery Centre, a hands-on science and nature exhibition in Bracknell Forest, or head for Beale Park, a Thames-side venue with gardens, play areas, animals and activities.

Swing your family through the trees, slide across high wires, and zip back down to the ground with Go Ape!, the award-winning high-wire forest adventure course with several courses across the South East (and lots more across the UK), including Surrey and Kent.

Discover Surrey with its indoor and outdoor atrractions, from National Trust properties to castles and observatories, plus Mercedes Benz World, with interactive play zones and kids' driving, and the adrenaline seekers' paradise, the themepark Thorpe Park. Although dammed by the phrase ‘commuter belt’, Surrey has some delightful spots, including the UK's largest bird park, Birdworld.

Roam Oxfordshire. Oxford itself may not seem like the best place to take the kids, but it’s actually a fantastic destination for children of all ages. You don’t have to drag them round colleges all day – have a quick peak at Christ Church then a run around the wonderful Botanic Garden, or punt up the river then take a ghost walk. If you're here for the weekend, take a drive to Didcot Railway Centre and don't miss Blenheim Palace, World Heritage Site and birthplace of Winston Churchill, with heaps of family activities. See also our destination guide to the Cotswolds, which embraces part of Oxfordshire.

Check out Buckinghamshire's award-winning attractions and enjoy the stunning countryside of its Chiltern Hills and Aylesbury Vale – see our feature In the Footsteps of Roald Dahl, also embracing some attractions in neighbouring Hertfordshire.

Head to Bedfordshire to see some of the world’s most magnificent creatures close-up at Woburn Safari Park, where you can take a safari drive, be a ranger for the day, or let off steam in the indoor and outdoor activity areas, and at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo, sister to London Zoo.

Eat

Seasonal local produce is a highlight of South East England – if you're self-catering, make the most of farmers' markets and local delivery services. There are plenty of child-friendly eateries across the region, from cosy pubs to familiar chains.

When to go to South East England

Great family days out and short breaks are to be had year-round in the South East, but to fully appreciate the great outdoors in the region, May to September is best.

How to get to South East England

The South East has great transport links by virtue of its proximity to both London and the English Channel, whether you travel by air, sea, rail or road, 

Cost

With heaps of self-catering accommodation available, the South East can be a great-value staycation destination. Days-out attractions can be expensive however, so do look out for special offers and discount vouchers to keep costs down.

Family friendly places to stay in South East England

See also our detailed destination guides for accommodation in Hampshire including the New Forest, the Isle of Wight, Sussex and Kent.

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  New Barn Farm, North Bedfordshire Wolds, South East England

  A great place to relax and toast marshmallows on warm summer evenings whilst the kids run free.

  Special offer

  Exclusive Feather Down Farm Days offer

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  Mega Pod Glamping Pod at Lee Wick Farm, South East England

  Spacious glamping Pod in Essex, where you can get your locally grown veg and just a short drive from the beach.

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  Malmaison Oxford, South East England

  Luxury boutique hotel in the centre of Oxford, with quirky and unusual décor in this former Victorian prison.

  Special offer

  Find a place to stay with Booking.com

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  Holiday Inn Chessington, South East England

  Family-friendly hotel within the grounds of Chessington World of Adventures.

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  The Crash Pad, South East England

  On-site family-friendly hotel rooms in container-style cabins; ideal for short breaks at Thorpe Park in Surrey.

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  Legoland® Windsor Resort Hotel, South East England

  A fun place to stay with the family; the whole place is decked from floor to ceiling with everything you can image LEGO.

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  Holiday Inn Reading M4 Jct10, South East England

  Only a 20-minute drive from Legoland Windsor - you can enjoy a day at the park then some more time exploring the wonders of Berkshire and nearby Surrey.

  Special offer

  Expedia top deals for holidays and city breaks

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  Highfield Grange Holiday Park, South East England

  Get ready for fun, fun and more fun at this exciting lively Holiday Park in Essex.

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  Cliveden House, South East England

  So much space to enjoy, inside and out, plus a swimming pool and babysitting service for those evenings when you want a romantic meal for 2.

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  Haven The Orchards, South East England

  Family activities and great entertainment from pools to beach picnics, nr Clacton.

  Special offer

  Haven last minute deals

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  Martello Beach Holiday Park, South East England

  An excellent location to base yourself for the beach and explore the area.

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Family friendly organised days out in South East England

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  Chessington World of Adventures

  A family-favourite theme-park, animal park and sealife centre a short hop from London.
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  Thorpe Park

  A thrill-seekers' paradise not far from London, with a few rides for younger visitors too.
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  Legoland

  The younger kids' themepark, with rides and attractions for children up to 12.