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: 118
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Childrens Events
Wexham
Play your way through nature at Black Park!
Join us at Black Pines Camp for Forest Play! Children can play and explore through activities like the mud kitchen, games, sand pit, bug hunting, water play, balancing and more. Outdoor play is proven to…
Childrens Events
Gillott's Lane, Henley-on-Thames
Active Reality delivers immersive, adventure-driven VR experiences for all ages, designed to bring people together through fun, memorable, and engaging gameplay. With a focus on social connection and light physical activity, Active Reality…
Walking
Millmead, Guildford
(Re)Discover Guildford with two lively treasure‑hunt walks packed with clues, surprises and “I’ve never noticed that!” moments.
Gardens
Churt, Farnham
Enjoy art in nature - suitable for all ages.
Wander through stunning sculptures hidden amongst beautiful woodland, lakes and winding trails. The perfect mix of fresh air, inspiration and adventure.
Whether you're bringing family, friends or…
Childrens Events
Binsted
Experience dinosaurs like never before with our roaming T. rex, baby dino meet-and-greets, and thrilling live shows. Take the dinosaur trail around the Park and discover all the fun facts about these prehistoric creatures, you never know what you…
Walking
West Street, Marlow
Have fun (re)discovering Marlow with two quirky treasure‑hunt walks that get you spotting things you’ve never noticed before. It’s a fresh‑air adventure that’s fun, affordable, and perfect for all ages.
Food
Wickham, Fareham
Set within the serene embrace of Quob Park Estate’s 180-acre vineyard, Wine & Pairings offers a dining experience as breathtaking as its surroundings. Following our Estate-To-Glass-&-Plate ethos, Michelin-trained chefs craft seasonal, innovative…
Theatre
Chichester
On an English country estate during the blazing summer of 1935, 13 year-old Briony Tallis witnesses a passionate scene between her elder sister Cecilia and the son of their housekeeper, Robbie. In a disastrous desire for drama but only a dim…
Walking
High Street, Rochester
Rediscover Rochester with two lively treasure‑hunt walks packed with clues, surprises and “I’ve never noticed that!” moments.
Fun, affordable and perfect for all ages.
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
Folkestone
The historic Leas Bandstand in Folkestone welcomes a series of summer bandstand concerts, ranging from tribute acts to brass bands, country and western to sea shanties.
Outdoor Event / Activities
Newchapel, Lingfield
There's no better place to meet Britain's wonderful wildlife than the British Wildlife Centre. The Centre will be opening its doors for the summer half term, from Sat 23 May to Sun 31 May. Home to the UK's finest collection of native wild species,…
Tour
Oxford
Explore the best of Oxford with a combined ticket from City Sightseeing Oxford, including a hop-on hop-off bus tour and entry to some of the city’s top attractions. Perfect for a day out in Oxford, this bundle offers a convenient way to discover…
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,…
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
Great Missenden
From 10am to 4.30pm.
Drop in to our pop-up LEGO® making room and create your own marvellous animal.
You can follow guides to make a chicken, fox or badger. Or simply use the LEGO to create your own awesome animal. Once you're done, break it all up…
Arts
Waddesdon
Land and nature-based artists from across the world will once again be encouraging everyone, young and old, to release their inner artist and get creative with foraged natural materials from around the grounds. Get hands-on with large scale…
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…
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…
Outdoor Event / Activities
BRANDY ISLAND, BUSCOT
This half term Cotswold Boat Hire are open from 9am until 5pm every day so you can escape for a countryside adventure on the beautiful rural Upper Thames.
From an hour to overnight electric powered self drive boats offer a chance to get away from it…