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 1 to 20.
Outdoor Event / Activities
Near Farnham
Looking for things to do this May half term in Surrey? Escape the ordinary and head
to Go Ape Alice Holt, for an unforgettable outdoor adventure.
Perfect for families, friends, and thrill seekers, Go Ape Alice Holt offers action-
packed outdoor…
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…
Walking
Town Quay, Southampton
Explore Southampton’s big sights and hidden corners, uncover quirky stories, and enjoy 1–2 hours of fresh‑air exploring on each fully wheelchair and buggy‑friendly route. Fun, affordable and perfect for all ages.
Childrens Events
Wexham
xplore 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 tot to go wild, including the mud kitchen, the sand pit, bug hunting, games stations, water play, weaving, balancing,…
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…
Exhibitions
Chichester
This major exhibition will bring the British landscape to life
through the eyes of some of the 20th century's most inspiring
artists. It will explore works from 1910 to 1970 that reimagined
the countryside and coastlines of the British Isles as…
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…
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…
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
Chatham
f you're a fan of the hit series and you've been wondering where Call the Midwife is filmed, put yourself in the picture and explore where the real drama happens with a Call the Midwife Official Location Tour at The Historic Dockyard Chatham…
Childrens Events
Sevenoaks
Join us in the tipi over half term for this lovely, old fashioned craft activity. Bring your peg pal to life with the help of fabric, wool, ribbons and some imagination. All materials supplied, suitable for all ages, and their families.
All welcome…
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.
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.
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…
Museums
Churchill Way West , Basingstoke
Head to Milestones Museum in Basingstoke this May half term for the top secret clue solving, mystery and secrets.
Sherlock Holmes returns to Milestones for a brand new case when a top secret submarine design is stolen from Thornycroft Engineering…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Ashley Heath, Ringwood
Looking for things to do this May half term in Dorset? Escape the ordinary and head
to Go Ape Moors Valley, set among the rolling woodland just outside Bournemouth, for an unforgettable outdoor adventure.
Perfect for families, friends, and thrill…
Food
Faringdon
Weekend Breaks in The Vale Of the White Horse
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…
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…
Tour
Ryde
For a unique experience only offered on the South Coast, try a Hovercraft Experience Flights on your next visit to Portsmouth or the Isle of Wight
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