A weekend of free entertainment in around the town centre and Quay Green in Sandwich, Kent

Sandwich Festival

Kent, 23 - 25 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, 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.

Family Day-Out Ideas

  • Summer fun with TV's Taskmaster at Carisbrooke Castle, Newport, Isle of Wight, running throughout August Bank Holiday Weekend
    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.
  • Viking Raid at Chiltern Open Air Musuem, Chalfont 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.

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Number of results: 116

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  1. 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
  2. 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
  3. Afternoon Tea

    Type

    Type:

    Food

    Hedge End

    Indulge in the timeless tradition of Afternoon Tea at Botleigh Grange Hotel & Spa. Savour delicate finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with clotted cream and jam, and an array of handcrafted bakes, all paired with tea and coffee. For an extra…

    Dates

    From:
    2 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025Open 12:00 - 16:00
  4. Henley Country Craft & Food Show

    Type

    Type:

    Shopping

    Henley-On-Thames

    Henley Country Craft Show

    Stonor Park, Henley-On-Thames

    Friday 22nd to Monday 25th August 2025

    THE UK'S LARGEST COUNTRY CRAFT SHOW WITH OVER 200 STALLS…

    Set against the breath-taking backdrop of Stonor Park, immerse yourself in a day of…

    Dates

    From:
    22 Aug 2025to25 Aug 2025Open 10:00 - 17:00
  5. The Longest Yarn 2

    Type

    Type:

    Exhibitions

    Gorelands Lane, Chalfont St Giles

    A wool art exhibition featuring knitted scenes of wartime Britain will be unveiled at Chiltern Open Air Museum, Chalfont St Giles, in August. The Britain at War exhibition – The Longest Yarn 2, will feature 61 knitted and crocheted scenes made by…

    Dates

    From:
    2 Aug 2025to31 Aug 2025Open 10:00 - 17:00
  6. 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
  7. Curious About Henley on Thames

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Hart Street, Henley on Thames

    Have fun (re-)discovering Henley on Thames, 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 about this lovely Thames town. Curious…

    Dates

    From:
    1 July 2025to31 Mar 2026Open 09:00 - 18:00
  8. 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
  9. Curious About Guildford

    Type

    Type:

    Walking

    Millmead, Guildford

    Have fun (re-)discovering Guildford, 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 charming town. Curious About Guildford…

    Dates

    From:
    3 May 2025to3 May 2026
  10. Ryde Children's Carnival Day

    Type

    Type:

    Carnival

    RYDE

    Join Ryde Carnival for some free family fun as we celebrate Children's Carnival Day. Lots of activities and entertainment will take place in different locations around Ryde town centre. Activities will include story time, junk modelling competition,…

    Dates

    From:
    23 Aug 2025Open 11:00 - 15:00
  11. Ice Cream Festival

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Lock Ln, Maidstone

    Kent Life welcomes back the Ice Cream Festival.

    Dates

    From:
    23 Aug 2025to25 Aug 2025Open 10:00 - 17:00
  12. A Natural History of Wonderland Trail

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Selborne, Alton

    This summer the March Hare, Cheshire Cat and other curious creatures that Alice encountered in Wonderland will be hiding in our gardens! Each creature has a challenge for you to complete. Collect a map, find the creatures and compete the challenges…

    Dates

    From:
    19 July 2025to7 Sept 2025Open 10:30 - 16:30
  13. Brogdale Cider Festival

    Type

    Type:

    Festival

    Faversham

    Dates: Saturday 23rd & Sunday 24th August 2025
    Open: 10am – 5pm

    Brogdale Cider Festival: Exciting new layout for 2025! Enjoy local ciders, music and family fun. Free shuttle bus to and from Faversham station.

    Savour the summer while you sample…

    Dates

    From:
    23 Aug 2025to24 Aug 2025Open 10:00 - 17:00
  14. 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
  15. Wine Tasting in the Cellars

    Type

    Type:

    Special Events

    Aylesbury

    Enjoy a relaxed and informative wine tasting, in our atmospheric Cellars with our wine experts, this informal wine tasting is ideal for novices and experts alike. Our team will guide you through a carefully curated selection of Rothschild and…

    Dates

    From:
    23 Aug 2025to24 Aug 2025
  16. 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