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, bouncing 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: 116
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Childrens Events
Burwash
Join Pete the Badger and his friends at Bateman's for a fun-filled summer adventure. Whether you're a super organiser or a little on the messy side, this family trail is perfect for everyone. Step right into Pete's story as he cleans and tidies up…
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,…
Festival
Reading
One of the biggest musical festivals in the world, every year over 90,000 people flock to the Richfield Avenue site to experience the iconic event.
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,…
Literature
Lechlade
Award-winning poet Robert Seater and acclaimed visual artist Jessica Palmer will bring the fascinating stories and compelling atmosphere of Kelmscot Manor to life as part of the Manor’s programme of learning and public engagement alongside an…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Faversham
PYO Fruit Weekends are a unique opportunity to pick your own unusual variety cherries, plums, gages, apples and pears from the Brogdale Collections orchards. PYO runs every weekend during fruit season from 21st June – 26th October (except event…
Food
Cowfold Roaf, Bolney
Cider and Pizza Served fresh from Wednesday to Sunday
Arts
Fawley, Henley-on-Thames
Welcome to our beginner-friendly make a mug workshop, set in the serene and inspiring surroundings of Oaken Grove Vineyard.
In this exciting pottery workshop, you'll learn how to hand build a mug and make a delightful biscuit bowl or tea bag…
Food
Tillington, Petworth
Enjoy a relaxed Friday evening with loved ones at our beautiful Petworth vineyard, sipping our exceptional vintage sparkling wines with a handmade pizza, whilst watching the sun go down. Our Sunset Sipping packages include a glass or bottle of our…
Indoor
Tonbridge
Balfour Winery knowledgeable tour guides will lead you in a fun and relaxed tasting of six, where you can learn the technique of wine tasting without the bravado.
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…
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…
Childrens Events
East Cowes
TV's Taskmaster challenge Join the Taskmaster challenge at Osborne this Summer! English Heritage has partnered with TV's Taskmaster to set challenges as you explore the historic seaside palace and gardens.
Fun activities Tackle silly tasks,…
Exhibitions
Guildford
10 July - 7 September 2025
Exploring Senses delves into how artists interpret and evoke the world around us through the fundamental act of drawing. Featuring a compelling collection of works by members of The Society of Graphic Fine Art, this…
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
Sandown
We will be opening our doors to our Sanctuary from 8:30am, so you can have a delicious breakfast with us while enjoying a rare early morning encounter with our rescued animals.
School Holidays
Beaconsfield
Magic comes to Bekonscot Model Village and Railway, Buckinghamshire this summer holidays
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…
Heritage & History
Winchester
The year 2025 marks 250 years since the birth of Jane Austen. To mark this significant anniversary, Winchester Cathedral joins local organisations to celebrate her legacy.
This anniversary presents a significant opportunity to bring her legacy to…
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.
…