26th - 30th May, Isle of Wight
Discover colourful carnivals, dramatic jousting, arts, comedy, and some great free family fun 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 making the most of the long weekend. Whether you live here or are just in the region for a day out or enjoying a weekend away, take a look and discover what's on this half term holidays.
Find something near you to enjoy in our featured list below from value-added activities to family-friendly events. Whether you are looking for something to do over half term in Hampshire or along the South Coast, in the Surrey countryside, or planning on touring around the destination, use the links above to search what's on or head to the bottom of the page for a full listing of events across the South East over the half term holidays.
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. Our newsletter archive and YouTube channel is also a great place to discover things to do in South East England.
May half term runs from Saturday 24th May to Sunday 1st June across South East England and includes the Spring Bank Holiday on Monday 28th May. This is the last of the three bank holidays in the UK in May. The May holidays generally bring brighter longer days, more consistent weather and see the South East welcoming a host of music events and food festivals, outdoor trails and evening events to keep everybody thoroughly entertained.
Find hundreds more events and things to do in Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, Sussex, Kent, Surrey, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Dorset this May Half Term holiday and Spring Bank holiday in our guide below. Whether you're looking for something near you, or 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: 138
, currently showing 1 to 20.
School Holidays
Yarmouth
Shaun is back! Get ready to hop, skip, and jump into Shaun the Sheep: Farmathlon Live! at Tapnell Farm Park this May half term!
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…
Food
Dorking
Join us for a relaxing afternoon on the lawn at Denbies Wine Estate with live music from different musicians
Walking
The Hard, Portsmouth
Have fun (re-)discovering Portsmouth, 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 fascinating port. Curious About…
Childrens Events
Winchester
Get set for some Brontosaurus-sized fun! Join us on a prehistoric time travel adventure to find out how our dinosaur friends lived in this exciting live science show.
The Dino Show is an action-packed family-friendly 20-minute live show that takes…
Music
Portsmouth
Get set for a sizzling summer of free live music - with an array of styles and genres.
Free Event
Cowes
Celebrating its 17th year, Cowes Classics Week is all about racing traditional yachts on the water and enjoying fabulous social events ashore.
Over 100 boats will be sailing varied courses set in the Solent including Metre boats, Classic Racing…
Childrens Events
Winchester
When the Science Centre doors close, the cinema screen will be rolling!
Are you ready for a completely unique cinema experience? Grab a seat, sit back and relax as one of Hollywood's biggest blockbusters, Night at the Museum, plays out under the…
Special Events
New Forest
All Porsche owners are invited to drive into Beaulieu on Sunday 1st June and park up within the museum parkland for a superb day out for both owners and enthusiasts.
Held in association with The Independent Porsche Enthusiasts' Club (TIPEC), all…
Music
Eastbourne
With more than 100 concerts across the season, Eastbourne Bandstand has a packed line-up in 2025, including the return of the 1812 Proms & Firework Nights on Wednesday evenings from 11th June to 3rd September (except 18th June), and Traditional…
Music
Fawley, Henley-on-Thames
Join us on the wine terrace for a celebration of the legendary Cole Porter, the master of wit, romance, and melody behind timeless classics like Night and Day, Let's Do It (Let's Fall in Love), and Ev'ry Time We Say Goodbye.
School Holidays
Farnham
Don't miss out on this prehistoric extravaganza! Grab your family and friends for a dino-themed adventure!
Theatre
Winchester
The award-winning smash-hit comedy, as seen in the West End every week since 2022, and heard on BBC Radio 4, comes to you on a strictly limited tour.
The all-star Austentatious cast will improvise a hilarious new Jane Austen novel, inspired…
Walking
West Street, Marlow
Have fun (re-)discovering Marlow, 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, exploring this charming Thames town. Curious About Marlow visits not…
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…
Arts
Fawley, Henley-on-Thames
Learn how to paint gorgeous Summer flowers using watercolours in the beautiful setting of Oaken Grove Vineyard.
Water Based Activities
Cowes
Celebrating its 17th year, Cowes Classics Week is all about racing traditional yachts on the water and enjoying fabulous social events ashore.
Over 100 boats will be sailing varied courses set in the Solent including Metre boats, Classic Racing…
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.…
Childrens Events
Cuckfield, Haywards Heath
Step through the doors of our academies and discover the wonderful world of performing arts. Our project-based learning approach in musical theatre, film and drama nurtures skills for stage, screen, and the everyday scene.
Our exciting creative…
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.
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