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 101 to 120.
Arts
Compton, Guildford
Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Pre-Raphaelite art through the evocative power of scent at Watts Gallery. Engage your sense of smell and gain a new appreciation for the artists' intentions and the cultural context in which they created…
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…
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.…
Arts
Bedgebury Road, Goudhurst
Established in 2018 by Forestry England, the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) and Parker Harris, Earth Photo is a world-leading international programme dedicated to engaging with still and moving image makers.
It's main objective is to reveal…
Childrens Events
Chatham
This summer holiday, the mini-figures from Brickwrecks: Sunken Ships in LEGO® Bricks are ready for a brand-new adventure at The Historic Dockyard Chatham.
Meet Deckster – a curious little LEGO® figure who has spent five whole months inside the…
Participatory Event
Little Horwood, Milton Keynes
Designed to pamper you from head to toe, come and experience the Instant Radiance Spa Day at Horwood House Hotel
Walking
High Street, Oxford
Have fun (re-)discovering Oxford, 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 city. Curious About Oxford visits not…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Hailsham
Get ready to climb this summer!
A thrilling mobile climbing wall is coming to Herstmonceux Castle, offering fun and adventure for all ages.
Time: 10:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Price: £5 per 10-minute session
Whether you're a first-time climber or a…
Outdoor Event / Activities
New Forest
Get set for a summer filled with thrilling adventures and treasured memories at Beaulieu!
Experience colourful characters, living history parades, phantasmagorical rides, and new displays throughout the attraction including Sculpture at Beaulieu…
Special Events
Woking
Treat yourself to a delightful two-night getaway with our dinner, bed, and breakfast package, complete with a complimentary bottle of house wine in your room upon arrival. Experience the cosy comfort of our accommodations as you relax and unwind…
Gardens
Test Valley
Houghton Lodge Gardens is proud to announce the launch of a new sculpture exhibition and trail, which invites visitors to explore the concept of flow in both nature and creativity.
Running until the 30th September 2025, Fluvii, which is Latin for…
Music
Brighton
Brighton's most popular live music nights, every Thursday at this popular city centre venue, with free entry.
From cover pop, funk & soul bands, to rock covers and even steam punk and blues…there is something for everyone to tap along to while…
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…
Walking
The Close, Winchester
Have fun (re-)discovering Winchester, 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 historic city. Curious About…
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.
Exhibitions
New Forest
Experience the thrill of speed at Beaulieu as special display Icons of Formula 1 takes to the National Motor Museum stage.
From 24th May to 2nd November, a new special display in the National Motor Museum will mark 75 years since the inaugural…
General event
Reading
Enjoy a luxurious night away with that special someone. The Roseate Reading is just 25 minutes from London and is the perfect place to relax and get away from the everyday stresses of life.
Community
Bracknell
Go Wild This August at The Lexicon's Summer Safari!
Embark on a wild adventure this August as The Lexicon is transformed into an immersive Summer Safari.
From 1–30 August, explore life-size animal recreations — including a giraffe, elephant,…
Childrens Events
Haywards Heath
Daily Kids Trail in the Woodland
This summer, step into a world of enchantment with our Woods of Wonder story trail! Join Warren the Flower Fairy on a magical adventure through Warren Wood – travel to imaginary lands, meet otherworldly creatures,…
Christmas
Tunbridge Wells
Join us at THE POLAR EXPRESS™ at Tunbridge Wells West on the Spa Valley Railway for a magical Christmas adventure—book your tickets today!
Step into the beloved story as THE POLAR EXPRESS™ departs from Spa Valley Railway, bringing the film to life.…