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
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Exhibitions
New Forest
Experience the thrill of speed at Beaulieu as special display Icons of Formula 1 takes to the National Motor Museum stage.
From 24th May to 2nd November, a new special display in the National Motor Museum will mark 75 years since the inaugural…
Festival
Brighton
Established in 1967, Brighton Festival is the largest and most established annual curated multi-arts festival in England. Taking place over three weeks in May, the Festival is a celebration of music, theatre, dance, art, film, literature, debate,…
Exhibitions
Waddesdon
Art in Nature is a new and unique event that brings together leading land and environmental artists from across the UK to create and showcase new works inspired by and created in the beautiful grounds at Waddesdon.
Childrens Events
Goudhurst
The interactive family trail follows Stick Man on his journey as he tries to get back to the family tree. Enjoy the wonderful world of Stick Man as you complete lots of fun stick-based activities, discover tree-mendous facts and learn about forest…
Tour
Oxford
Explore the fascinating city of Oxford with ease, with a City Sightseeing Bus and Walking Tour.
With 20 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'…
Indoor
Thame
Relax and unwind with friends or a loved one on an Indulgence Spa Day at the Oxford Belfry.
Choose from both a 50-minute and 25-minute treatment from an extensive list including Wellbeing Massage, Full Body Scrube, Frangipani Foot Treatment,…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Blake's Lock, Reading
Have fun (re-)discovering Reading, spotting things you've never noticed before, with two quirky treasure hunt style heritage walks - a fun and affordable way to get some fresh air, whilst finding out more about Reading. Curious About Reading visits…
Tour
Southampton
The cruise will recognise the important 85th anniversary of Dunkirk and the role played by Southampton and Portsmouth in ‘Operation Dynamo’, and also the 80th anniversary of VE and VJ Day and the celebrations that took place in the two ports and…
Festival
Aldermaston
Well Read is a literary festival that invites acclaimed writers, nature lovers and wellness enthusiasts to gather in a spectacular woodland setting in the heart of Berkshire. Taking place on 25-26 May within the estate's ancient woodlands, Well Read…
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…