23rd - 25th May 26
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Number of results: 188
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Exhibitions
Chichester
This exhibition will mark Haroun Hayward's (b. 1983) first solo
institutional show. Hayward will present a new body of work,
created in dialogue with artworks in Pallant House Gallery's
collection by Wilhelmina Barns-Graham, Paul Nash,…
Childrens Events
Maidstone
Step into the rotten realities of the Middle Ages with Horrible Histories this May Half Term at Leeds Castle!
From 26th to 31st May 2026, join Queen Eleanor of Castile on a horribly hilarious journey back to 1278, where life was far from fairy…
Food
Faringdon
Weekend Breaks in The Vale Of the White Horse
Outdoor Event / Activities
Sarson Lane, Andover
Running over the May half term, Saturday May 23 – Monday June 1
10:00am-5:30pm
Join the Hawk Conservancy Trust over May half term as they celebrate their Secretary Bird's eighth 'hatchday'!
The Trust are throwing Angola a week-long birthday party,…
Arts
West Sussex
Unwind, create, and explore the delicate beauty of wire flower art.
In this 2-hour workshop, you'll be guided step by step through the enchanting process of crafting beautiful, everlasting flowers and leaves from metal wire.
You'll begin by…
Indoor
Tonbridge
Balfour Winery knowledgeable tour guides will lead you in a fun and relaxed tasting of six, where you can learn the technique of wine tasting without the bravado.
Childrens Events
Margate
An immersive experience by the UK's best known hobby brands - Hornby, Scalextric, Airfix, Corgi and Pocher
Childrens Events
New Forest
Horrible Histories® bring the Vile Victorians to Beaulieu!
From 23 May to 31 August follow Rattus, the cheeky rat from Horrible Histories, on a trail around the attraction packed with dreadful discoveries, delightfully disgusting details and plenty…
Theatre
Maidenhead
Musical Director James Church hosts a sparkling evening of musical theatre featuring West End star and four-time Olivier Award nominee Summer Strallen.
Summer is best known for her acclaimed performance in Top Hat, where she originated the Ginger…
Show / Display
Totton, Southampton
If you are looking for an extra reason to visit Longdown Activity Farm, Hampshire then Tractor Time is it! As well as the usual schedule of animal activities that run throughout the day on 30th - 31st May 26, visitors will be able to explore a…
Walking
Aylesbury
Using advanced acoustic technology, we are able to amplify the natural sounds of trees. Join us as we listen to these hidden noises and discover what happens behind the bark.
Whilst listening to the headphones hanging from the tree's branches you…
Free Event
Eastbourne
Beach Life returns this summer to a new venue at Eastbourne's iconic Bandstand, with non-stop live music, street food, stalls and entertainment.
Childrens Events
West Sussex
Get creative and design your very own spring-themed tote bag using a colourful selection of stencils and fabric pens. Add bright blooms, playful patterns and personal touches to make it completely unique, then take it away ready to fill with all the…
Walking
Reading
To celebrate 100 years of University of Reading campus history in 2026 a series of free guided walks will be running inviting visitors to discover the stories behind the University's rich history.
Gardens
Arlington
Bates Green Garden was designed and planted by the late Carolyn McCutchan over a period of many years from 1968. The tranquil 1.5-acre garden surrounds the farmhouse, which was originally a gamekeepers cottage built circa 1814.
Outdoor Event / Activities
Bracknell
Looking for things to do this May half term in Berkshire? Escape the ordinary and head to Go Ape Bracknell, for an unforgettable outdoor adventure.
Childrens Events
Wexham
xplore and get messy at Black Park!
Join us in Black Pines Camp for some fun in the woods! We have a variety of activities for your tot to go wild, including the mud kitchen, the sand pit, bug hunting, games stations, water play, weaving, balancing,…
Sporting Events
Freshwater
Explore our island through running Dramatic cliffs, beautiful coves, a stately home, a world famous pop festival site… the Isle of Wight Festival of Running boasts an unparalleled location!
Full programme of running events The Isle of Wight…
Food
Hurley, Maidenhead
The beautiful Hurley House Hotel located in the village of Hurley, Berkshire offers the ultimate sushi dining experience in its Omakase Sushi Bar.
Walking
The Hard, Portsmouth
Get ready to explore Portsmouth like a real‑life detective! With two treasure‑hunt walks, you’ll spot clues, solve puzzles, and discover amazing things you’ve never noticed before. It’s fun, it’s outdoors, and it’s perfect for curious kids (and…
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