23rd - 25th May 26, Maidstone
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 21 to 40.
Tour
Broad Street, Oxford
Discover the vibrant history of the oldest university in the English-speaking world on the only official University of Oxford walking tour. Learn how Oxford grew from a small market town to become the city of dreaming spires.
Arts
Eton
This May, Eton Arts Week will put local artists’ creativity firmly on the map! Eton will be teeming with art and art-related events. There will be lots of beautiful art to view and to purchase as well as activities to get involved in for young and…
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…
Outdoor Event / Activities
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…
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
Waterperry
Half-term fun at Waterperry Gardens.
Look carefully around our gardens to find the 8 cheeky little gnomes hiding.
When you find one, write their name next to their number. Be careful, trust gnome one, some of the gnomes may have written their…
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
Bournemouth
Get ready to explore Bournemouth 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…
Exhibitions
Chatham
Experience the ocean like never before at The Historic Dockyard Chatham, as it hosts the UK debut of the Ocean Photographer of the Year exhibition.
Showcasing 116 award-winning photographs, this inspiring exhibition brings together the very best in…
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…
Childrens Events
Wexham
Explore 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 child to go wild and many Forest School skills to learn about. This includes crafts, tools, campfire skills…
Free Event
Eastbourne
One of the largest displays of emergency services in the UK. Climb aboard a fire engine, enjoy arena events and see heroic demonstrations from the police, fire brigade, ambulance, coastguard and RNLI Lifeboat.
Childrens Events
Farnham
If you're truly dino-mad! … join us for interactive Dinosaur Shows running for nine days throughout May half-term
How to Train your Dinosaur!
Come and learn the art of dinosaur training with the help of the mischievous cheeky T.Rex called Baxter who…
Childrens Events
Chipping Norton
Step into a world of fantasy at Fairytale Farm from 23rd to 31st May 2026 for Once Upon a Unicorn and Dragon. Meet the Unicorn Queen, learn to command a baby dragon, enjoy themed crafts, trails and magical family fun — plus be among the first to…
Walking
Sun Street, Canterbury
Curious About Canterbury takes you to the famous sights and the hidden gems, with surprises tucked around every corner. Each walk takes 1–2 hours, and both are wheelchair and buggy friendly.
Outdoor Event / Activities
Titmus Drive, Crawley
Looking for things to do this May half term in Sussex? Escape the ordinary and head to Go Ape Crawley, set among the rolling woodland in Tilgate Park, for an unforgettable outdoor adventure.
Perfect for families, friends, and thrill seekers, Go Ape…
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
Sandown
Enjoy some PAWsome fun at the Wildheart Animal Sanctuary in Sandown on the Isle of Wight, this May half term.
Special Events
Woking
Treat yourself to a delightful two-night getaway with our dinner, bed, and breakfast package, complete with a complimentary bottle of house wine in your room upon arrival. Experience the cosy comfort of our accommodations as you relax and unwind…
Food
Reading
Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and head to The Reading Room Restaurant and Lounge for the best afternoon tea in Berkshire.
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