22nd May - 2nd June 25, Oxfordshire
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.
Tour
Reading
Book now to enjoy an official Abbey Quarter Tour, Reading which includes exclusive access to Jane Austen's school.
Available from Saturday 5 April 25 until 27th September 2025, explore the heart of Reading with an official Reading Museum tour guide.
Music
Eastbourne
With more than 100 concerts across the season, Eastbourne Bandstand has a packed line-up in 2025, including the return of the 1812 Proms & Firework Nights on Wednesday evenings from 11th June to 3rd September (except 18th June), and Traditional…
Music
Horsham
Leonardslee Family Nights - a family friendly extension of our sell-out event, Leonardslee Lates.
Unwind under the Sussex skies and join us for the return of this Leonardslee Family Nights at Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens this spring half-term. Enjoy…
Heritage & History
Gorelands Lane, Chalfont St. Giles
31 May & 1 June – 10am to 5pm
Step back in time and immerse yourself in the grandeur of the Napoleonic era at this special Napoleonic Living History Weekend this June.
Witness the military encampments of Wellington, Blucher, and Napoleon's armies,…
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…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Weyhill, Andover
Saturday 31 May | Saturday 21 & 28 June | Saturday 12 & 26 July | Saturday 9 & 23 August.
5:45pm-9:00pm
The Hawk Conservancy Trust invites you to a special summer's evening with their feathered friends. Against a setting sun, you'll have the…
Food
Cowfold Roaf, Bolney
Cider and Pizza Served fresh from Wednesday to Sunday
Music
Winchester
Featuring The Lindy Hop Dance Company and The Harry Strutters Hot Rhythm Orchestra
Take a step back into 1920/30s New York City and through the doors of Harlem's hottest nightclub, The Cotton Club!
For one night only, Swinging at the Cotton Club…
Music
Portsmouth
Get set for a sizzling summer of free live music - with an array of styles and genres.
Music
Brighton
Join the friendliest choir in town!
The Free Brighton Choir is a volunteer-led singing group, open to everyone, regardless of age, singing ability or experience. No auditions, no requirements, no cost.
Performing Arts
Oxfordshire
Giffords Circus is commemorating its 25th anniversary with the debut of their new 2025 show, Laguna Bay, at Blenheim Palace. Set in the buoyant and sunny era of 1950’s America, Laguna Bay is a spectacular blend of fun, excitement and charm.
Arts
Haywards Heath
Visit the Sussex Guild Show at Ardingly College, a 19th century Gothic style red brick building steeped in history and set in 250 acres of beautiful West Sussex countryside. Meet contemporary craft makers from whom you may buy directly, or…
Festival
Burley
Set in the heart of the New Forest, Dogstival is a totally unique….and slightly bonkers festival dedicated to our four-legged friends. On 31st May & 1st June Burley Park will be transformed into a doggy paradise with paw-dropping arena displays,…
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.
Food
Hedge End
Indulge in the timeless tradition of Afternoon Tea at Botleigh Grange Hotel & Spa. Savour delicate finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with clotted cream and jam, and an array of handcrafted bakes, all paired with tea and coffee. For an extra…
Food
Dorking
Join us for a relaxing afternoon on the lawn at Denbies Wine Estate with live music from different musicians
Gardens
Grayshott
On 25th & 26th May over 35 gardens & attractions are opening their gates in the village. Whether you want ideas on how to transform a new build plot, experience the amazing views our gardens offer or just be inspired then this two-day event is…
Other
Southampton
A fun-filled day out for dogs and their families
Treat your best friend to a day out designed with them in mind. Set in the beautiful River Hamble Country Park with heaps of 'have a go' activities and your dog's enjoyment as a top priority
It's…
Food
Portsmouth
Cocktails
Two for One
Every Monday to Thursday from 5pm
Come down to Parson's Collar and indulge in a delicious cocktail or two. We have a choice of Passion Fruit Martini, Espresso Martini
and Strawberry Daiquiri.
Walking
West Street, Chichester
Have fun (re-)discovering Chichester, 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. Curious About Chichester visits not just the obvious places, but…
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