Discover what’s on across South East England this May half term, including family events, festivals, outdoor activities and free days out. Find ideas by date, location or interest.
From dramatic jousting, birds of prey, art trails, food festivals, bus tours, and some free family days out across South East England this May half term. The Spring Bank holiday weekend also means you'll find an ever-growing number of events and activities for all ages, to get you out and about and making the most of the long weekend. Whether you live in the South East, are just visiting the for a day-out or enjoying a weekend away, discover what's on this half term holidays.
Half-term and bank holiday Monday events in South East England
Find something near you to enjoy in the featured list below, or use the search above to find out what's on for a specific date or in a specific county - alternatively use the 'map view' button to find something local. Scroll to the bottom of the page for lots of ideas and inspiration from the full list of events across the South East this school holidays.
- The Big Eat Festival, Royal Victoria Country Park, Netley Abbey, Southampton, Hampshire (F)
23rd - 24th May 2026
Returning for its fourth year, this free-to-attend festival is a celebration of local food and musical talent with all the profits being donated to local food banks.
- Explore the historic City of Oxford by bus and on foot, City Sightseeing Oxford, Broad Street, Oxford, Oxfordshire
23rd - 31st May 2026
A great to experience Oxford with 18 bus stops to hop on and off at, entry to the Carfax Tower to enjoy views of Oxford and a 45 minute walking tour.
- The Queens Joust, Leeds Castle, Maidstone, Kent
23rd - 25th May 2026
Exhilarating display of combat and action and medieval living and feasting this May bank holiday
- Eton Arts Week, Eton, Berkshire (F)
23rd - 31st May 2026
With the launch event En Plein Air Eton on the 23rd, the Eton Art Trail showcasing local artists, talks, workshops and family activities to enjoy.
- May Half Term Activities, Cutty Sark, Royal Museums Greenwich, Greenwich, London
23rd May - 31st May 2026
Hands on craft workshops themed around stars and navigation, historical characters to meet and a family trail to follow around the ship.
- Birds of Prey Weekend, Bekonscot Model Village and Railway, Warwick Road, Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire
24th - 25th May 2026
See birds of prey up close, the brand new NFTS 1930s circus themed model exhibition and enjoy the chance to explore the oldest original model village in the world.
- The Napoleonic Experience, Chiltern Open Air Museum, Newland Park, Gorelands Lane, Chalfont St Giles, Buckinghamshire
24th - 25th May 2026
Epic arena battles and encampments with over 150 re-enactors, cannons and weaponry, bringing history to live and the chance to meet Jason Salkey from TV show Sharpe.
- Mystical Magical May Half Term, Rare Breeds Centre, Highlands Farm, Woodchurch, Ashford, Kent
25th May - 29th May 2026
Follow the mystical trail, try your hand at spell writing, explore the farm and meet the enchanting themed characters as they wander around the farm
- Steam Days, Didcot Railway Centre, Didcot, Oxfordshire
30th - 31st May 2026
Unlimited steam rides, get hands on in the signalling centre, explore the 1932 engine shed, let of some steam in the outdoor adventure park
- Sportive Cycle Ride, Hook Norton Brewery, Brewery Lane, Hook Norton, Oxfordshire
31st May 2026
Fantastic cycle ride through the Oxfordshire countryside with two distances available and full support provided - 39 miles or 60 miles
Planning a May half-term holiday
Discover great value accommodation across the South East for a spring getaway. You can also search by destinations to link up with the local offical tourism websites across the region. Head over to the newsletter archive and YouTube channel to discover some of the great places to visit in South East England. The month of May generally brings brighter and longer days, more consistent weather and sees a host of music events and food festivals, outdoor trails and evening events added to the what's on calendar, keeping everybody thoroughly entertained.
When is the May half-term Holiday 2026?
May half term in South East England runs from late May to early June and includes the Spring Bank Holiday Monday, making it ideal for short breaks and family days out.
Is May half-term the same across all the South East counties?
Yes, this May half term all of the counties are running the same holidays from Saturday 23rd May to Sunday 31st May 2026, which includes the Spring Bank Holiday on Monday 25th May 2026. This is the second bank holiday Monday in the UK in May.
Half-term activities near me
Find over a hundred events across Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, Sussex, Kent, Surrey, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, this May Half Term and Bank holiday weekend.
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