Carfest South

Carfest South, Basingstoke, Hampshire

22 - 24 August 2025

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, 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.

Family Day-Out Ideas

  • TV's Taskmaster at Carisbrooke Castle, Newport, Isle of Wight, running throughout August Bank Holiday Weekend
    Summer fun as TV's Taskmaster sets challenges as you explore the historic castle. 
  • Summer bubble fun at Winchester Science Centre, Winchester, Hanpshire, running throughout August Bank Holiday Weekend
    Don't just watch the action – discover the science of bubbles with every pop and get hands-on with bubble fun of all shapes and sizes!
  • Jousting at Hever Castle, Edenbridge, Kent, 22nd - 25th August 2025
    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.
  • Sunset at the Hawk Conservancy Trust, Andover, Hampshire, 23rd August 2025
    A special summer evening with feathered friends - you'll have the opportunity to meet a wide range of their incredible birds
  • Viking Raid at Chiltern Open Air MusuemChalfont St Giles, Buckinghamshire, 24th - 25th August 2025
    Explore the Viking and Saxon living history camps and watch as the clash between the two forces unfolds before your eyes.
  • Sunrise Breakfast at Wildheart Animal Sanctuary, Sandown, Isle of Wight, 25th August 2025
    Enjoy a rare early morning encounter with some of the rescued animals and a delicious breakfast 

Summertime Festivals & Shows

  • Rye Jazz & Blues FestivalRye, East Sussex, 21st - 25th August 2025
    Don't miss the Rye Jazz & Blues Festival, a sensational celebration of jazz and blues music
  • Reading Festival, Reading, Berkshire, 21st - 24th August 2025
    Offering a diverse lineup for a broad spectrum of musical tastes, with an eco-campsite, camping and glamping too.
  • CarFest South 2025, Basingstoke, Hampshire, 22nd - 24th August 2025
    Experience the ultimate celebration of cars, music, food, and family fun at CarFest,
  • Eastbourne BandstandEastbourne, Sussex, 22nd - 24th August 2025
    Open air tribute acts including ABBA, 80s Night and Phil Collins.
  • Victorious Festival, Southsea, Portsmouth, 22nd - 25th August 2025
    Bringing the best live music, comedy, and family entertainment to Southsea Common
  • Henley Country Craft Show, Henley-On-Thames, Oxfordshire 22nd - 25th August 2025
    The UK's biggest, quality craft show with over 200 stands!
  • Sandwich Festival, Sandwich, Kent, 23rd - 25th August 2025 (F)
    A weekend of free entertainment in the town centre and on the Quay Green.
  • Ryde Children's Carnival, Ryde, Isle of Wight, 23rd August 2025
    Lots of free entertainment and activities across locations in Ryde on the Isle of Wight
  • Ice Cream Festival at Kent Life Heritage Farm Park, Maidstone, Kent, 23rd - 25th August 2025
    There will be a wide range of ice cream, waffles and sundaes to choose from.
  • Brogdale Cider Festival, Faversham, Kent, 23rd - 24th August 2025
    Enjoy local ciders, music and family fun. Free shuttle bus to and from Faversham station.
  • Live at the Bandstand, Windsor, Berkshire, 24th August 2025 (F)
    Come and enjoy live band performances in the open air.

When is the next bank holiday?

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.  

August Bank Holiday Events Near Me

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:

Number of results: 130

, currently showing 1 to 20.

  1. Denbies Gallery Restaurant Cellar Wine Tasting & Lunch

    Type

    Type:

    Food

    Dorking

    A relaxed tour, tasting and lunch is the perfect way to immerse yourself in a complete winery experience at Denbies Vineyard in Dorking.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Aug 2025to28 Nov 2025Various Opening Times
  2. Eton College Heritage Tours

    Type

    Type:

    Tour

    Eton, Windsor

    Our seasonal programme of guided tours focuses on the historic heart of Eton College, featuring many of the earliest buildings and objects from the College Collections.

    Dates

    From:
    2 May 2025to19 Sept 2025Various Opening Times
  3. Brickwrecks: Sunken Ships in LEGO® Bricks

    Type

    Type:

    Exhibitions

    Chatham

    The internationally acclaimed exhibition, Brickwrecks: Sunken Ships in LEGO® Bricks, is making its UK debut at The Historic Dockyard Chatham. Designed by Certified Professional Ryan "The Brickman" McNaught in partnership with the Australian National…

    Dates

    From:
    8 Mar 2025to31 Aug 2025Open 10:00 - 17:00
  4. The Age of AI

    Type

    Type:

    Exhibition

    Bletchley, Milton Keynes

    Explore the history of AI and pioneers in this technology, including Codebreakers, smart speakers & chatbots, social media & search engines at the new Bletchley Park exhibition - The Age of AI

    Dates

    From:
    10 Feb 2025to1 Jan 2026
  5. The Rochester High Street Ghost Tour

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    16 May 2025to27 Sept 2025Open 20:00 - 22:30
  6. Pink Floyd: Dark Side of the Moon

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    23 Aug 2025Open 17:20 - 18:50
  7. Curious About Marlow

    Type

    Type:

    Walking

    West Street, Marlow

    Have fun (re-)discovering Marlow, 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, exploring this charming Thames town. Curious About Marlow visits not…

    Dates

    From:
    3 May 2025to3 May 2026
  8. Emily Gravett's Tidy Trail at Bateman's

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    14 June 2025to31 Aug 2025Open 10:00 - 16:30
  9. Jane Austen 250 in Reading

    Type

    Type:

    Heritage & History

    Reading

    In 2025, come and join the celebrations in Reading marking the 250th anniversary since the birth of Jane Austen, the treasured nineteenth century writer famed for Pride & Prejudice, Emma and Persuasion.

    From April 2025, as part of the 250th…

    Dates

    From:
    5 Apr 2025to31 Oct 2025Open 11:00 - 22:00
  10. Go Ape x Summer Adventures 2025 - Boring Ends Here

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Titmus Drive, Crawley

    Based in the heart of Tilgate Park, just two miles from the centre of Crawley,
    adventure awaits. Whether you're a thrill-seeker looking for a unique activity or simply
    after some quality time with friends and family, Go Ape have you covered.…

    Dates

    From:
    1 June 2025to31 Aug 2025Open 10:30 - 16:00
  11. Jack Up Events Presents - Ticket to Ryde

    Type

    Type:

    Festival

    Esplanade, Ryde

    Organised by Jack Up Events with the support of Ryde Town Council, Ticket to Ryde has become a Bank Holiday highlight, now in its 11th year! In 2025, the event will be staged over both the Late May (Spring) Bank Holiday and the August Bank Holiday…

    Dates

    From:
    23 Aug 2025to24 Aug 2025Open 10:00 - 20:00
  12. Bug, Bird, Beast

    Type

    Type:

    Free Event

    Waterperry

    BUG, BIRD, BEAST – a 'free to enter' exhibition in our gallery from 12th June to 1st September 2025.

    This summer the gallery presents an exhibition featuring exquisite works inspired by the animal kingdom. Beginning with Lizzie Wheeler's glorious…

    Dates

    From:
    12 June 2025to1 Sept 2025Open 10:00 - 17:00
  13. Summer of Peace at Bletchley Park

    Type

    Type:

    Heritage & History

    Bletchley

    This summer, join Bletchley Park to mark 80 years since the end of World War Two with Summer of Peace, a season of reflection, creativity, and hope.

    Commemorating the anniversaries of VE Day and VJ Day, Summer of Peace explores what peace means…

    Dates

    From:
    28 July 2025to31 Aug 2025Open 09:30 - 17:00
  14. Exploring Senses: The Society of Graphic Fine Art

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    10 July 2025to7 Sept 2025
  15. Curious About Southampton

    Type

    Type:

    Walking

    Town Quay, Southampton

    Have fun (re-)discovering Southampton, spotting things you've never noticed before, with two quirky treasure hunt style heritage walks - a safe, fun and affordable way to get some fresh air, whilst discovering more about this fascinating and…

    Dates

    From:
    3 May 2025to3 May 2026
  16. Summer Adventures at Bekonscot!

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Beaconsfield

    Enjoy 10% off Your Next Adventures at Bekonscot this Summer!

    Summertime is perfect for outdoor family adventures and there is lots going on at Bekonscot over the school holidays to keep your mini explorers entertained.

    Established in 1929,…

    Dates

    From:
    2 July 2025to31 Aug 2025Open 10:00 - 17:00
  17. Henley Country Craft & Food Show

    Type

    Type:

    Shopping

    Henley-On-Thames

    Henley Country Craft Show

    Stonor Park, Henley-On-Thames

    Friday 22nd to Monday 25th August 2025

    THE UK'S LARGEST COUNTRY CRAFT SHOW WITH OVER 200 STALLS…

    Set against the breath-taking backdrop of Stonor Park, immerse yourself in a day of…

    Dates

    From:
    22 Aug 2025to25 Aug 2025Open 10:00 - 17:00
  18. Zooper Summer Holidays at Drusillas Park

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Berwick

    The Best Summer Holiday Days Out For Kids in Sussex

    Make WILD memories at Drusillas Park this Summer Holidays. Get nose-to-nose with over 80 species of animal in Drusillas interactive zoo, including capybaras, red pandas, meerkats, and lynx –…

    Dates

    From:
    23 July 2025to1 Sept 2025Open 10:00 - 18:00
  19. Cowdray's Maize Maze

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Midhurst

    Cowdray's Maize Maze is Back – With a Wild West Twist!


    Looking for a brilliant day out with the kids this summer? Cowdray's Maize Maze is returning this August - and it's bigger, better, and more exciting than ever, with a brand-new Wild West…

    Dates

    From:
    1 Aug 2025to31 Aug 2025Open 10:00 - 17:00
  20. A Natural History of Wonderland Trail

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Selborne, Alton

    This summer the March Hare, Cheshire Cat and other curious creatures that Alice encountered in Wonderland will be hiding in our gardens! Each creature has a challenge for you to complete. Collect a map, find the creatures and compete the challenges…

    Dates

    From:
    19 July 2025to7 Sept 2025Open 10:30 - 16:30