24th May 25, Eastbourne
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: 130
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Heritage & History
Reading
In 2025, come and join the celebrations in Reading marking the 250th anniversary since the birth of Jane Austen, the treasured nineteenth century writer famed for Pride & Prejudice, Emma and Persuasion.
From April 2025, as part of the 250th…
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, Jumanji, plays out under the stars of the…
Exhibitions
London
This display in the Painted Hall presents documents and artefacts belonging to two of the thousands of Wrens who completed their training at the Royal Naval College during the war years.
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…
Performance
Portsmouth
The ultimate drag day out (voted the number one Drag Brunch event in the UK) heads to Portsmouth!
Walking
Dorking
The two hour walking Secret Vineyard Trail takes you at a leisurely pace to some of the most beautiful viewing points in the vineyard and areas not normally accessible to the public, including the Yew Tree Vineyard. Selected wine tastings will be…
Childrens Events
Chatham
Plunge into May Half Term for an epic adventure on the high seas. Dive into the world of shipwrecks, pirates, and deep-sea adventures. Build your own adventure with interactive storytelling, get hands-on with shipbuilding, and navigate survival…
Water Based Activities
Dengemarsh Road, Lydd
Would you like to paddle on the whole lake, having some "you time" and just chill with like minded people.
Monday & Thursday mornings 9:30am and 10:30am, is the best time to bring your own SUP or use one of ours as you enjoy the tranquillity of the…
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
Brighton Marina, Brighton
Looking for a unique and budget-friendly Valentine's Day date?
Glow crazy in love with the GLOBALLS Date Night Package! ️♀️ Choose from any of our stunning UV light mini golf courses or Carnival games for a night full of fun and unforgettable…
Exhibitions
Aylesbury
The display of more than 20 works takes as its inspiration the new book Jewish Country Houses (edited by Juliet Carey and Abigail Green, Profile Books, 2024), which sheds new light on a previously overlooked category of country houses owned,…
Outdoor Event / Activities
New Forest
Have an action packed May Half-Term at Beaulieu!
From 24th May – 1st June, join us for an enchanting half-term! Learn about New Forest Folklore with a fairy, witches and dragon trail in our wonderful grounds and gardens, and see fascinating…
Health & Wellbeing
North Stoke, Wallingford
Treat yourself to a full spa day at the 1893 Spa located in the Springs Resort, Wallingford, Oxfordshire.
Immerse yourself in the hydrotherapy pool and enjoy full use of our steam room, sauna and peaceful relaxation room. Experience total…
Heritage & History
Ramsgate
Commemoration of the 85th Anniversary of Operation Dynamo, Ramsgate takes place with a series of events from Friday 16 to Monday 26 May 2025.
In May 1940, a rescue operation was implemented by the Royal Navy to evacuate British, French and…
Tour
Eton, Windsor
Our seasonal programme of guided tours focuses on the historic heart of Eton College, featuring many of the earliest buildings and objects from the College Collections.
Food
Shaves wood Lane, Albourne
Join us on Saturday, 24th May for a fantastic Sussex Cheese & Wine evening, where we'll be highlighting the award-winning High Weald Dairy with a carefully curated cheese tasting and paired wine flight.
Throughout the evening, you will learn about…
Food
Thame
Celebraing the array of independent food and drink establishments in the vibrant market town of Thame, this one day event encourages visitors and locals to enjoy the fabulous food and drink trail. Stop at various venues along the way to enjoy…
Music
Dorchester-on-Thames
The English Music Festival celebrates the brilliance, innovation, beauty and rich musical heritage of Britain with a strong focus on unearthing overlooked or forgotten masterpieces of the late-nineteenth to mid-twentieth century.
The eighteenth…
Heritage & History
Winchester
The year 2025 marks 250 years since the birth of Jane Austen. To mark this significant anniversary, Winchester Cathedral joins local organisations to celebrate her legacy.
This anniversary presents a significant opportunity to bring her legacy to…
Comedy
Winchester
Britain's Got Talent 2024 finalist, Alex Mitchell is an autistic comic with functional neurological disorder (FND). He uses self-deprecating humour - laughing at himself, his neurodivergence, disability and sexuality - to reflect on some of the most…
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