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, 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.
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: 130
, currently showing 1 to 20.
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.…
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…
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.
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,…
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…
Heritage & History
Bognor Regis
A brand-new immersive experience by artist Matt Reed comes to Bognor Regis Esplanade until September 2025
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,…
Festival
Rye
Exceptional artists hit the heart of Rye for the International Jazz and Blues Festival.
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…
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…
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…
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.…
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…
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…
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…
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.
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…
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…
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.
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.