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. The Labyrinth Challenge

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Horsham

    This summer, get ready for the ultimate inflatable adventure on one of the UK's largest inflatable obstacle courses! With over 34 unique obstacles spread across 5 exciting zones, the Labyrinth Challenge is a test of skill, stamina, and bravery.…

    Dates

    From:
    22 Aug 2025to25 Aug 2025Open 09:30 - 19:10
  2. 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
  3. Women at War: Wrens at Greenwich and Beyond

    Type

    Type:

    Exhibitions

    London

    This display in the Painted Hall presents documents and artefacts belonging to two of the thousands of Wrens who completed their training at the Royal Naval College during the war years.

    Dates

    From:
    12 Oct 2024to1 Jan 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  4. Summer fun with TV's Taskmaster at Osborne

    Type

    Type:

    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,…

    Dates

    From:
    19 July 2025to31 Aug 2025
  5. 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 2025to3 May 2026
  6. The Bognor Regis Time Portal

    Type

    Type:

    Heritage & History

    Bognor Regis

    A brand-new immersive experience by artist Matt Reed comes to Bognor Regis Esplanade until September 2025

    Dates

    From:
    29 Mar 2025to1 Sept 2025
  7. Turner's Vision at Petworth

    Type

    Type:

    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,…

    Dates

    From:
    21 June 2025to16 Nov 2025Open 10:30 - 16:30
  8. Rye International Jazz & Blues Festival

    Type

    Type:

    Festival

    Rye

    Exceptional artists hit the heart of Rye for the International Jazz and Blues Festival.

    Dates

    From:
    21 Aug 2025to25 Aug 2025
  9. Stick Man Activity Trail at Bedgebury

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Goudhurst

    The interactive family trail follows Stick Man on his journey as he tries to get back to the family tree. Enjoy the wonderful world of Stick Man as you complete lots of fun stick-based activities, discover tree-mendous facts and learn about forest…

    Dates

    From:
    5 Feb 2025to31 Dec 2025Open 09:30 - 04:30
  10. Viking Raid

    Type

    Type:

    Heritage & History

    Gorelands Lane, Chalfont St Giles

    The Vikings have arrived and taken over a Saxon settlement at the museum!

    Explore the Viking and Saxon living history camps and watch as the clash between the two forces unfolds before your eyes.
    Get involved in games, music, storytelling and fun…

    Dates

    From:
    24 Aug 2025to25 Aug 2025Open 10:00 - 17:00
  11. Curious About Hastings

    Type

    Type:

    Walking

    Hastings

    Have fun (re-)discovering Hastings, 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 exploring this historic seaside town. Curious About…

    Dates

    From:
    3 May 2025to3 May 2026
  12. Top Hat

    Type

    Type:

    Theatre

    Chichester

    You're invited to the musical equivalent of a finest vintage champagne. Effervescent, elegant and exhilarating, Top Hat is a heady romantic cocktail laced with sparklingly witty dialogue, stunning choreography, lavish sets and gorgeous costumes.…

    Dates

    From:
    14 July 2025to6 Sept 2025
  13. Summer fun with TV's Taskmaster at Carisbrooke Castle

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Carisbrooke, Newport

    TV's Taskmaster challenge Join the Taskmaster challenge at Carisbrooke Castle this Summer! English Heritage has partnered with TV's Taskmaster to set challenges as you explore the historic castle. 

    Fun activities Tackle silly tasks, hunt…

    Dates

    From:
    19 July 2025to31 Aug 2025
  14. Choir

    Type

    Type:

    Theatre

    Chichester

    Heartwarming, funny and packed with glorious arrangements of contemporary songs, Gurpreet Kaur Bhatti's new comedy with music promises a thoroughly entertaining night out.

    Morgan runs a community choir who meet weekly in a room above the local pub…

    Dates

    From:
    2 Aug 2025to30 Aug 2025
  15. Summer of Creativity at Kelmscot Manor

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    5 June 2025to25 Oct 2025
  16. Pablo Bronstein: The Temple of Solomon and its Contents

    Type

    Type:

    Exhibitions

    Waddesdon

    Celebrated leading artist Pablo Bronstein presents a bold exhibition featuring a new body of work in response to Waddesdon Manor as a Jewish country house, with a grand assembly of paintings reimagining the legendary Temple of Solomon.

    Dates

    From:
    16 July 2025to2 Nov 2025Open 11:00 - 16:00
  17. 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
  18. MEXICAN MONDAYS

    Type

    Type:

    Food

    Portsmouth

    Every Monday | 5pm to 8pm
    Come down to Parson's Collar and enjoy large nachos and a pint of beer, lager, house wine or soft drink*
    £10 per person
    *Terms and conditions apply
    Book online at solenthotel.co.uk/food-drink/parsons-collar call 01489…

    Dates

    From:
    6 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025Open 17:00 - 20:00
  19. Cocktails Two for One

    Type

    Type:

    Food

    Portsmouth

    Cocktails
    Two for One
    Every Monday to Thursday from 5pm
    Come down to Parson's Collar and indulge in a delicious cocktail or two. We have a choice of Passion Fruit Martini, Espresso Martini
    and Strawberry Daiquiri.

    Dates

    From:
    6 Jan 2025to1 Jan 2026Open 17:00 - 22:30
  20. Jane Austen School Tour

    Type

    Type:

    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. 

    Dates

    From:
    23 Aug 2025