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, 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.
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: 116
, currently showing 21 to 40.
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…
Childrens Events
Churchill Way West, Basingstoke
Throughout the summer holidays, breathe in the fresh air and soak up the sunshine on our vintage sports green. See generations come together as Milestones invites you to experience the spirit of sporting history in a relaxed, welcoming setting -…
Exhibitions
Chichester
Acclaimed visual artist Rana Begum RA transforms our historic staircase with No.1367 Mesh, her iconic suspended, colourful mesh clusters, creating a vibrant blend of history and contemporary art.
Theatre
Reading
Enjoy a delicious two-course meal and tickets to enjoy the theatre show - Don't Rock the Boat at the Mill at Sonning near Reading.
This brilliant comedy follows the story of a property tycoon Arthur Bullhead is on a mission to seal the deal of…
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…
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…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Blake's Lock, Reading
Have fun (re-)discovering Reading, 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 Reading. Curious About Reading visits…
Exhibitions
New Forest
Sculpture at Beaulieu returns for 2025, featuring the works from acclaimed sculptors from 13th June – 14th September.
Following the success of Sculpture at Beaulieu in 2019, 2021 and 2023, the event returns for a fourth year! This year's display…
Festival
Rye
Exceptional artists hit the heart of Rye for the International Jazz and Blues Festival.
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…
Arts
Nr Wadhurst
The Sussex Guild is exhibiting over the August Bank Holiday weekend at Pashley Manor Gardens, described as one of the finest gardens in England.
Guild designers will be showing their work in a large marquee in front of the Grade I listed oak…
Family
Fareham
An action-packed summer of fun awaits visitors to Fort Nelson.
Festival
Reading
One of the biggest musical festivals in the world, every year over 90,000 people flock to the Richfield Avenue site to experience the iconic event.
Arts
Fawley, Henley-on-Thames
Welcome to our beginner-friendly make a mug workshop, set in the serene and inspiring surroundings of Oaken Grove Vineyard.
In this exciting pottery workshop, you'll learn how to hand build a mug and make a delightful biscuit bowl or tea bag…
Free Event
Waddesdon
Bring the whole family to enjoy the summer holidays with our range of fun activities for our Summer of Play, included with admission. Until 28 August, children get free admission to the house and grounds at Waddesdon!
Walking
Sun Street, Canterbury
Have fun (re-)discovering Canterbury, 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. Curious About Canterbury visits not just the obvious places, but…
Childrens Events
Ashford
This summer holidays, we're going BIG, and we mean giant! Join us for family-friendly fun with oversized versions of your favourite games, including Giant Noughts and Crosses, Giant Jenga, and Guess Moo (Guess Who with cows!).
Additionally,…
Walking
Goudhurst
Join Wallace and Gromit for the ultimate forest walkies!
Bond with your pooch by taking on dog-tastic challenges together, solve crossword clues and have lots of fun along the way – with everyone's favourite dog and owner duo for company.
This…
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…
Food
Cowfold road, Bolney
Set amongst our 200 acre farm and orchards our stunning Taproom & Pizza Kitchen is open Wednesdays - Sundays and is honestly the best place to enjoy one of our ciders in the sun alongside a tasty handmade Pizza from The Safari Pizza company!…