Carfest South

Carfest South, Basingstoke, Hampshire

22 - 24 August 2025

August Bank Holiday Weekend

Share this with

x

  • Accommodation Search

  • Things to Do Search

  • What's On Search

  • Food & Drink Search

Accommodation Search

Arrival Date:
Add Room
Type:
Area:
Keyword:

Things to Do Search

Type:
Area:
Keyword:

What's On Search

Type:
Area:
Keyword:
Dates

Food & Drink Search

Type:
Area:
Keyword:

Accommodation Search

Arrival Date:
Add Room
Type:
Area:
Keyword:

Things to Do Search

Type:
Area:
Keyword:

What's On Search

Type:
Area:
Keyword:
Dates

Food & Drink Search

Type:
Area:
Keyword:

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 101 to 120.

  1. Scented Visions: Smell in Art 1850-1915

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    15 May 2025to9 Nov 2025
  2. The Sussex Guild Contemporary Craft Show at Pashley Manor Gardens

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    23 Aug 2025to25 Aug 2025Open 10:00 - 17:00
  3. 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
  4. Earth Photo 2025

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    17 June 2025to3 Sept 2025Open 08:00 - 20:00
  5. Brickwrecks: Time Travellers Assemble

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    23 July 2025to31 Aug 2025Open 10:00 - 17:00
  6. Instant Radiance Spa Package

    Type

    Type:

    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

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025
  7. Curious About Oxford (Colleges)

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    1 July 2025to31 Mar 2026Open 09:00 - 18:00
  8. Mobile Climbing Wall at Herstmonceux Castle

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    22 Aug 2025Open 10:30 - 16:00
    From:
    23 Aug 2025Open 10:30 - 16:00
    From:
    24 Aug 2025Open 10:30 - 16:00
  9. Summer Holiday Fun

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    19 July 2025to5 Sept 2025Open 10:00 - 18:00
  10. Wine & Dine Break at The Talbot

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2025to1 Dec 2025
  11. Fluvii Sculpture Exhibition & Trail

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    30 June 2025to30 Sept 2025Open 10:00 - 17:00
  12. Live Music Thursday's at Bohemia

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    14 Aug 2025to30 July 2026
  13. Sculpture at Beaulieu

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    13 June 2025to7 Sept 2025Open 10:00 - 18:00
  14. Curious About Winchester

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    3 May 2025to3 May 2026
  15. Reading Festival

    Type

    Type:

    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.

    Dates

    From:
    21 Aug 2025to24 Aug 2025
  16. Icons of Formula 1

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    24 May 2025to2 Nov 2025Open 10:00 - 17:00
  17. Love & Luxury Romance Package at the Roseate

    Type

    Type:

    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.

    Dates

    From:
    1 June 2025to1 Oct 2025
  18. The Lexicon

    Type

    Type:

    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,…

    Dates

    From:
    1 Aug 2025to30 Aug 2025Open 09:00 - 18:00
  19. The Woods of Wonder - Kids Summer Trail

    Type

    Type:

    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,…

    Dates

    From:
    19 July 2025to7 Sept 2025Open 10:00 - 17:00
  20. THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride Spa Valley

    Type

    Type:

    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.…

    Dates

    From:
    27 May 2025to30 Nov 2025Open 11:00 - 19:10