August Bank Holiday Weekend

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

• 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.

Summertime Festivals & Shows

• Rye Jazz & Blues Festival, Rye, 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.
• Feastival, Eastbourne, Sussex, 24th - 25th August 2024
  A family food, music & culture festival The Feastival returns for its 9th year.
• 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.
• Eastbourne Bandstand, Eastbourne, Sussex, 22nd - 25th August 2024
  Open air tribute acts including Kate Moss, Queen and Phil Collins.
• 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.