A weekend of free entertainment in around the town centre and Quay Green in Sandwich, Kent

Sandwich Festival

Kent 24th - 26th August

August Bank Holiday Weekend

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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. 

Things to do August Bank Holiday Weekend

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.

Family Day-Out Ideas

  • Camping Under the Stars at Farmer Palmer's Farm Park, Poole, Dorset, 23rd - 26th August 2024
    Experience breathtaking starry nights with minimal light pollution. Gaze up at the twinkling constellations and enjoy the wonder of the night sky.
  • Beachy Head Launch At The Bluebell Railway, Uckfield, East Sussex, 23rd August - 1st September 2024
    Be the first and have your chance to be a part of history as they launch this amazing locomotive into service on their railway.
  • Jousting at Hever Castle, Edenbridge, Kent, 25th - 28th August 2024
    The Knights of Royal England will be entertaining visitors with exhilarating displays of action, stunts, falls, and fights in an authentic arena complete with a Royal Box.
  • Light the South, Southampton, Hampshire, 13th July - 8th September 2024 (F)
    Southampton Hospitals Charity will be lighting up the south with a large-scale Wild in Art public art event
  • Gosport Vehicle Rally, Gosport, Hampshire, 26th August 2024 (F)
    Explore over 200 vehicles and stalls in Stokes Bay.
  • Steaming on the Solent 2024 for Steamship Shieldhall, Southampton, Hampshire, 26th August
    Shieldhall's in-house jazz band, The Stompers, will provide entertainment on her positional cruise to Poole on Bank holiday Monday
  • Sunrise Breakfast at Wildheart Animal Sanctuary, Sandown, Isle of Wight, 24th - 26th August
    Enjoy a rare early morning encounter with some of the rescued animals and a delicious breakfast 
  • Meet the Tudors: Awesome Archers at The Mary Rose, Portsmouth, Hampshire, 24th - 25th August
    Step into the world of 16th century archery and discover the prowess of the Tudor archer!
  • Clash of Knights at Dover Castle, Dover, Kent, 24th - 26th August
    Experience an all-action contest as teams of knights battle it out for victory in a gruelling test of strength and skill.

Go Ape 15% Discount Code for families to use

Summertime Festivals & Shows

  • Rye Jazz & Blues FestivalRye, East Sussex, 22nd - 26th August 2024
    Don't miss the Rye Jazz & Blues Festival, a sensational celebration of jazz and blues music
  • Military Odyssey, Maidstone, Kent, 24th - 26th August 2024
    A three-day living history show with military displays, vehicles, and battles.
  • Carfest South 2024, Basingstoke, Hampshire, 23rd - 25th August 2024
    Experience the ultimate celebration of cars, music, food, and family fun at CarFest,
  • Victorious Festival, Southsea, Portsmouth, 23rd - 25th August 2024
    Bringing the best live music, comedy, and family entertainment to Southsea Common
  • Sandwich Festival, Sandwich, Kent, 23rd - 25th August 2024 (F)
    A weekend of free entertainment in the town centre and on the Quay Green.
  • Henley Country Craft Show, Henley-On-Thames, Oxfordshire 23rd - 26th August 2024
    The UK's biggest, quality craft show with over 200 stands!
  • Beauty and the Beast: Outdoor Theatre at Winchester Cathedral, Winchester, Hampshire 24th August 2024
    Winchester Hampshire, Join Chapterhouse Theatre Company this summer for a brand-new telling of this classic fairy tale.
  • Live at the Bandstand, Windsor, Berkshire, 24th - 25th August 2024 (F)
    Come and enjoy live band performances in the open air.
  • Ice Cream Festival at Kent Life Heritage Farm Park, Maidstone, Kent, 24th - 26th August 2024
    Get involved with circus skills, big top shows, silent disco, live music, food stalls and other activities
  • Reading Festival, Reading, Berkshire, 21st - 25th August 2024
    Offering a diverse lineup for a broad spectrum of musical tastes, with an eco-campsite, camping and glamping too.
  • Ryde Children's Carnival, Ryde, Isle of Wight, 24th August 2024
    Lots of free entertainment and activities across locations in Ryde on the Isle of Wight

When is the next bank holiday?

The next bank holiday is Monday 26th August, which means the August bank holiday weekend runs from Saturday 24th August to Monday 26th 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.  

August Bank Holiday Events Near Me

You can find hundreds more events and things to do this August bank holiday 2023 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.

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Number of results: 151

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  1. Bates Green Garden

    Type

    Type:

    Gardens

    Arlington, Nr Polegate

    This Plantswoman's tranquil garden provides interest through the seasons. Woodland Garden created around a majestic oak tree. Colour themed Middle Garden. Courtyard Gardens with seasonal container displays. Front Garden a spring and autumn joy with…

    Dates

    From:
    28 Feb 2024to23 Oct 2024Open 10:00 - 16:00
  2. 'A Taste of Denbies' Sparkling Vineyard Train & Gallery Dinner

    Type

    Type:

    Food

    Dorking

    Enjoy the summer evening commencing with our Outdoor Vineyard Train tour, your evening commences with an Outdoor Vineyard Train tour, offering spectacular views of the vineyard, overlooking Box Hill and Dorking. Sparkling wine will be served during…

    Dates

    From:
    18 May 2024to31 Aug 2024Open 18:00 - 21:00
  3. Gruffalo fun day at Bedgebury National Pinetum

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Goudhurst

    Come along to meet the Gruffalo himself at our fun day!
    The Gruffalo will be appearing at various times throughout the day and there will be lots of Gruffalo-themed activities on offer.

    Appearance times
    The Gruffalo will be appearing at 11am,…

    Dates

    From:
    25 Aug 2024Open 09:00 - 16:00
  4. Churchill 150

    Type

    Type:

    Special Events

    Oxfordshire, Oxford

    Celebrate the extraordinary life of Sir Winston Churchill with us this year as we mark 150 years since his birth. Discover the pivotal moments that unfolded here at Blenheim Palace – from his birth to his heartfelt proposal to beloved wife…

    Dates

    From:
    12 Mar 2024to31 Dec 2024Open 10:00 - 17:00
  5. Summer Fun at Fort Nelson

    Type

    Type:

    Family

    Fareham

    An action-packed summer of fun awaits visitors to Fort Nelson.

    Dates

    From:
    20 July 2024to1 Sept 2024
  6. Island Steam Fair @ Isle of Wight Steam Railway

    Type

    Type:

    Heritage & History

    HAVENSTREET

    Now in its 49th year, the Island Steam Fair is back for another action-packed year. It’s the bank holiday event on the Island with bundles of fun and explosive acts in the main arena. Enjoy a fabulous collection of vintage transport, traditional…

    Dates

    From:
    23 Aug 2024to26 Aug 2024
  7. Bournemouth Air Festival with Steamship Shieldhall

    Type

    Type:

    General event

    Western Docks, Southampton

    Steamship Shieldhall is delighted to announce that they will be spending time in Poole, visiting this year's Bournemouth Air Festival. With great views of the aerial action, anchored between Bournemouth and Boscombe Piers, looking towards the…

    Dates

    From:
    26 Aug 2024Open 10:00 - 16:00
  8. Curious About Henley on Thames

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Hart Street, Henley on Thames

    Have fun (re-)discovering Henley on Thames, 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 finding out about this lovely Thames town. Curious…

    Dates

    From:
    1 July 2024to31 Mar 2025Open 09:00 - 18:00
  9. WOOD ENGRAVING PRINTS by Kate Dicker and her Master Class.

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Selborne, Alton

    An insight into the world of engraving on wood. This print medium produces fine and delicate marks which are created by the engraver to produce an end grain block ready for hand printing. The exhibition shows a variety of styles, and prints are for…

    Dates

    From:
    3 July 2024to6 Oct 2024Open 10:30 - 05:00
  10. The Space Vault Exhibition

    Type

    Type:

    Exhibitions

    Henley-on-Thames

    We have lift off for all you space enthusiasts out there with The Space Vault Exhibition coming to the River & Rowing Museum this July.

    Using immersive audio and visuals, and comprising one of the UK's largest private collections of space…

    Dates

    From:
    1 July 2024to1 July 2025
  11. Farmyard Summer Fun!

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Ashford

    Join us this summer holidays at The Rare Breeds center for 6 weeks of Farmyard Summer Fun! Starting on 22nd July, each week will be focused on a different animal with animal themed activities, all available at no extra cost to your entry ticket.…

    Dates

    From:
    22 July 2024to30 Aug 2024Open 10:00 - 17:00
  12. Vintage Afternoon Tea Cruises with Hobbs of Henley

    Type

    Type:

    Participatory Event

    Henley On Thames

    A quintessentially English afternoon tea on the Thames at Henley on the spectacular New Orleans

    Venue

    Hobbs of Henley Boat Trips, Oxfordshire

    Hobbs of Henley Boat Hire, Oxfordshire

    Dates

    From:
    25 Aug 2024
  13. The Game Is Afoot

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Chatham

    BECOME A DOCKYARD DETECTIVE THIS SUMMER
    The year is 1887 and Chatham Dockyard is awash with whispers of treachery.

    Rumours are rife that secrets have been sold to foreign lands, sparking a scandal that threatens the very foundation of the Royal…

    Dates

    From:
    27 July 2024to1 Sept 2024Open 10:00 - 17:00
  14. Family Summer Fun at Bletchley Park

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Milton Keynes

    Bletchley Park is a great place to visit during the summer: for adults and children alike!

    There are exciting activities and interactive tours for the whole family on various dates during the summer, as well as plenty of wide-open space to run…

    Dates

    From:
    29 July 2024to30 Aug 2024Open 09:30 - 17:00
  15. Cowdray's Maize Maze

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Midhurst

    Cowdray's Maize Maze and Sunflower Picking Patch

    After the success of last summer's event, the Maize Maze is returning this year with a theme of 'Farming Through the Ages'. This involves Farmer Barney reflecting on farming practices including how…

    Dates

    From:
    1 Aug 2024to26 Aug 2024Open 10:00 - 17:00
    From:
    1 Aug 2024to26 Aug 2024Open 10:00 - 17:00
  16. James and the Giant Peach Storytelling

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Great Missenden

    Listen to some of your favourite extracts from James and the Giant Peach, performed by our storytelling experts. Our Museum storytellers will bring the words to life and you can join in with noises and actions.

    Storytelling is suitable for all…

    Dates

    From:
    20 Aug 2024to1 Sept 2024Open 10:00 - 16:00
  17. Summer Concert Series

    Type

    Type:

    Music

    Sherwood Drive, Bletchley

    Every Saturday in August, visitors to Bletchley Park will be treated to live vintage music with our Summer Concert Series.

    Dates

    From:
    24 Aug 2024Open 12:00 - 14:15
  18. Clash of Knights

    Type

    Type:

    Heritage & History

    Dover

    Experience an all-action contest as teams of knights battle it out for victory in a gruelling test of strength and skill.

    Dates

    From:
    24 Aug 2024to26 Aug 2024
  19. Guided Tour of Stansted House

    Type

    Type:

    Tour

    Rowlands Castle

    A knowledgeable tour guide takes you on a guided tour of the historic Stansted House.

    Dates

    From:
    25 Aug 2024Open 11:00 - 12:00
  20. Curious About Windsor

    Type

    Type:

    Walking

    Peascod Street, Windsor

    Have fun (re-)discovering Windsor, 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 finding out more about this royal town. Curious About…

    Dates

    From:
    3 May 2024to3 May 2025