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 61 to 80.
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,…
Childrens Events
Ashford
Step into a world of mystical magic this May Half Term at the Rare Breeds Centre, where a spellbinding adventure awaits the whole family. Enjoy a truly magical day out filled with enchanting moments, themed fun and unforgettable surprises around…
Show / Display
Beaconsfield
This summer, the National Film and Television School (NFTS) puppet exhibition returns to Bekonscot Model Village and Railway in Buckinghamshire. with “A visit to the circus!” - brought to life through a brand new collection of puppets.
Indoor
Turners Hill, Crawley
Escape to the multi award-wining Utopia Spa at Alexander House in the West Sussex countryside.
Childrens Events
New Forest
Step back in time this May half-term at Beaulieu!
Horrible Histories is coming to Beaulieu this May! This half-term from the 23 – 31 May, be one of the first to dive into the connections between Beaulieu and its Victorian past and uncover facts you…
Exhibitions
East Sussex
Infused with wit and shaped by her surrealist sensibility, this playful display in the Farleys Gallery Café focuses on Lee Miller's animal subjects. From taking 'pet portraits' at the request of rich clients in her New York Studio, to rescuing a…
Walking
Hastings
Get ready to explore Hastings like a real‑life detective!
Curious About Hastings takes you to famous places and secret corners, with surprises hiding around every turn. Each walk takes 1–2 hours, and both are wheelchair and buggy friendly, so…
Food
Faringdon
Weekend Breaks in The Vale Of the White Horse
Countryside
Cades Road, Worth
Explore Ham Fen and see the evidence of beaver activity since their introduction to the reserve 20 years ago.
Ham Fen is an exceptionally special reserve, home to the UK's first official beaver release project and Kent's last remaining fenland.…
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…
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…
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…
Health & Wellbeing
North Stoke, Wallingford
Treat yourself to a full spa day at the 1893 Spa located in the Springs Resort, Wallingford, Oxfordshire.
Childrens Events
Ashford
Pukka Putters is coming to the Rare Breeds Centre this May!
Pukka Putters is the UK's only self-contained, walk in mini golf course built entirely inside a lorry! You don't just play mini golf you step into a themed jungle world on wheels!
The…
Workshop
Sandown
Step into the world of wildlife photography right here at the Sanctuary with our new Bear Photography Workshops — enjoy a half-day experience designed especially for beginners and keen amateurs.
Exhibitions
Maidstone
An Audience With Eleanor: Unveiling the World's First AI Queen Experience
Immerse yourself in the life of medieval England's most remarkable and misunderstood queen through a groundbreaking exhibition featuring the world's first interactive…
Arts
London
OPENING AT MUSEUM OF HOMELESSNESS ON 21 MAY: CRIMINAL: AN UNTOLD STORY OF HOMELESSNESS, RESISTANCE AND SURVIVAL
A historical exhibition exploring 400 years of criminalisation of homelessness featuring new work from 10Foot, Gemma Lees, Matt Bonner,…
Summer
Sevenoaks
Follow a loop around the lower level of Riverhill Himalayan Gardens and marvel at over 60 sculptures in an array of mediums. Open Wednesdays to Sundays and included in the standard garden admission tickets, the trail works in perfect harmony with…
Walking
The Close, Winchester
Have fun (re)discovering Winchester 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.
Water Based Activities
Romney Marsh
Paddleboarding is a great fun activity for all the family (and dogs are welcome too). Head along to Lydd in Kent and try the Action Watersports paddleboarding experience package which includes tuition before you head out onto the water, handy tips…
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