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 101 to 118.
Walking
Hart Street, Henley on Thames
Curious About Henley on Thames 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.
Vineyard / Wine
Wickham, Fareham
Looking to learn more about English wine in Hampshire?
Lasting up to two and half hours Quob Park Estate in Wickham, Hampshire offers the chance to explore its vineyard and winery, taking guests on tour of the 180-acre vineyard set in the heart of…
Tour
Oxford
Explore the fascinating city of Oxford with ease, with a City Sightseeing Bus and Walking Tour.
With 18 bus stops to hop on and off at, entry to the Carfax Tower to enjoy views of Oxford and a 45 minute walking tour 'Stepping Through Oxford' this…
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…
Music
Abingdon
From the laid back Friday night vibes to fun timeless Tribute Nights, find the music you like at the Hilton Garden Inn Abingdon Oxford
Childrens Events
New Forest
Horrible Histories® bring the Vile Victorians to Beaulieu!
From 23 May to 31 August follow Rattus, the cheeky rat from Horrible Histories, on a trail around the attraction packed with dreadful discoveries, delightfully disgusting details and plenty…
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…
Food
Maidstone
This may the Magic of Thailand Festival returns to Mote Park in Maidstone. This two day Thai festival brings the Thai culture, food and performances to the Kent countryside.
Festival
REIGATE
Get ready for a weekend of flavour, fire, and family fun at the Reigate Cheese & Chilli Festival – an exciting celebration of food and entertainment in the heart of Reigate.
This vibrant two-day festival brings together a fantastic mix of artisan…
Walking
Millmead, Guildford
(Re)Discover Guildford with two lively treasure‑hunt walks packed with clues, surprises and “I’ve never noticed that!” moments.
Exhibition
Petworth
Towering sculptures by renowned ceramicist Felicity Aylieff come to Petworth House and Park for the first time.
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
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,…
Outdoor Event / Activities
West End, Southampton
Looking for things to do this May half term in Hampshire? Escape the ordinary and head
to Go Ape Southampton, set among the rolling woodland just outside the city centre, for an unforgettable outdoor adventure.
Perfect for families, friends, and…
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.
Festival
Edenbridge
The Festival Theatre events run throughout the year in our gorgeous locations at: Hever Castle – including our flagship stunning theatre re-built in 2024, Chiddingstone Castle and Penshurst Place & Gardens.
Childrens Events
Haywards Heath
This half term, bring your family and join Ethan, the Eco Explorer, who loves discovering ways to look after nature and care for our planet.
As you explore the Garden, uncover fun facts, solve puzzles, and collect natural treasures in your 'nature…
Theatre
Chichester
In the kitchen of an old Devon rectory, the daughter who stayed and the son who moved away make conversation with their current and former partners, the milkman, the postman, the care workers. They talk about the weather, the roads, the toaster, the…
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