August Bank Holiday Weekend

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 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 Festival, Rye, 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 Bandstand, Eastbourne, 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 31st  August 2026, which means the August bank holiday weekend runs from Saturday 29th August to Monday 31st August 2026. 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.