Wildheart Animal Sanctuary, Isle of Wight
Make the most of the August Bank Holiday with our exciting list of activities and events across South East England. It's the perfect time to holiday in the UK and create lasting memories with family and friends, whether you're seeking a relaxing getaway, thrilling family day out, or the chance to dive right into one of the many cultural festivities on offer.
Delve into our featured bank holiday events below and discover thrilling medieval jousts, fantastic family fun, magical live performances, delicious food and drink, and some great festivals to soak up the last of the summer sunshine. In case the weather takes a turn, you will also find some fantastic indoor adventures to keep everyone busy no matter what the UK bank holiday weather brings plus some cost-effective ways to keep the kids entertained and out of the house.
The next bank holiday is Monday 25th August, which means the August bank holiday weekend runs from Saturday 23rd August to Monday 25th August. This three-day long weekend makes it an ideal opportunity to get away for a city break, or to head out for a day trip, or to enjoy one of many events on your doorstep. This upcoming bank holiday is the last one before Christmas and is a great opportunity to spend time with family and friends outdoors before the winter months start to draw in again.
You can find hundreds more events and things to do this August bank holiday 2025 in our events guide below, we cover those in Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, Sussex, Kent, Surrey, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, and Dorset including the August Bank Holiday Monday.
If you are travelling to a part of South East England for a short break or day trip, use the 'map view' button to find something local.
Number of results: 130
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Food
Milton Keynes
Experience a delicious afternoon tea, where every bite celebrates the season's bounty amidst the relaxing ambience of Horwood House, Buckinghamshire.
Childrens Events
Ashford
This summer holidays, we're going BIG, and we mean giant! Join us for family-friendly fun with oversized versions of your favourite games, including Giant Noughts and Crosses, Giant Jenga, and Guess Moo (Guess Who with cows!).
Additionally,…
Theatre
Hailsham
Elizabethan theatre is flourishing. But will a brand-new Tudor musical romp, in which Good Queen Bess takes to the stage herself, be the making of this heroine or spell the beginning of her downfall?
The stage is set for regicidal rivalries,…
Tour
Rochester
Tour runs on Fridays at 8pm and Saturdays at 6pm.
As night falls over Rochester's ancient High Street, step beyond the gas-lit charm and into the shadows, where history refuses to rest. The Rochester High Street Ghost Tour will take you on a…
Exhibitions
Petworth
For the first time in 20 years, a wide range of JMW Turner's artistic studies of the extraordinary landscape at Petworth House and Park will be exhibited in the very place that inspired him. Visitors will be able to discover more about his methods,…
School Holidays
Woodstock
At Britain's Greatest Palace, there’s a whole host of fun to be had for you and your family over the summer holidays. Choose from a wide range of exciting activities to plan your perfect family day out and create cherished memories together.
Exhibitions
Canterbury
Migration has long played a major role in Britain's national life. It is the movement of people from one place to another, nationally or internationally, permanently or temporarily.
Lives in Motion features 51 stories dating from the 11th century…
Childrens Events
Waterperry
Put on your maddest laughing hat because you're invited to the greatest trail around – a family orienteering fun trail throughout the summer holidays!
Follow the clues and compass directions to find the 9 hidden Alice in Wonderland characters,…
Walking
Goudhurst
Join Wallace and Gromit for the ultimate forest walkies!
Bond with your pooch by taking on dog-tastic challenges together, solve crossword clues and have lots of fun along the way – with everyone's favourite dog and owner duo for company.
This…
Heritage & History
HAVENSTREET
The family friendly Bank Holiday event of 2025! The Island Steam Show celebrates 50 glorious years.
Enjoy a vast collection of vintage transport, traditional fairground, live entertainment, plus majestic steam trains running along the line.
…
School Holidays
Reading
Get ready for a baa-rilliant summer adventure in Reading town centre! Shaun the Sheep is coming to town from 5 July to 31 August and he’s bringing his fleecey friends along for the ride!
Tour
Reading
Book now to enjoy an official Abbey Quarter Tour, Reading which includes exclusive access to Jane Austen's school.
Available from Saturday 5 April 25 until 27th September 2025, explore the heart of Reading with an official Reading Museum tour guide.
Music
Winchester
Immerse yourself in the original, psychedelic, fulldome Planetarium visualisation of Pink Floyd's iconic album, The Dark Side of the Moon.
Head off on an emotional and inspiring journey into the heart and themes of the iconic album and songs. Fly…
Childrens Events
Bedgebury Road, Goudhurst
Come along to meet Stick Man himself at our fun day!
Stick Man will be appearing at various times throughout the day and there will be lots of Stick Man-themed activities on offer at Bedgebury.
Appearance times: Watch our Forestry England…
Community
Bracknell
Go Wild This August at The Lexicon's Summer Safari!
Embark on a wild adventure this August as The Lexicon is transformed into an immersive Summer Safari.
From 1–30 August, explore life-size animal recreations — including a giraffe, elephant,…
Theatre
Reading
Enjoy a delicious two-course meal and tickets to enjoy the theatre show - Don't Rock the Boat at the Mill at Sonning near Reading.
This brilliant comedy follows the story of a property tycoon Arthur Bullhead is on a mission to seal the deal of…
Festivals
Basingstoke
Carfest South will be returning to Laverstoke Park Farm, Hampshire in August as One Big Carfest. The 2,500 acres farm, near Overton, is owned by ex-racing driver and 1979 Formula 1 World Champion Jody Scheckter.
Outdoor Event / Activities
Lock Ln, Maidstone
Kent Life welcomes back the Ice Cream Festival.
Festival
Faversham
Dates: Saturday 23rd & Sunday 24th August 2025
Open: 10am – 5pm
Brogdale Cider Festival: Exciting new layout for 2025! Enjoy local ciders, music and family fun. Free shuttle bus to and from Faversham station.
Savour the summer while you sample…
Walking
High Street, Rochester
Have fun (re-)discovering Rochester, spotting things you've never noticed before, with two quirky treasure hunt style heritage walks - a fun and affordable way to get some fresh air, whilst discovering more about this fascinating town. Curious…
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