24th May 25, Eastbourne
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 21 to 40.
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,…
Special Events
New Forest
All Porsche owners are invited to drive into Beaulieu on Sunday 1st June and park up within the museum parkland for a superb day out for both owners and enthusiasts.
Held in association with The Independent Porsche Enthusiasts' Club (TIPEC), all…
Food
Abingdon
Afternoon Tea Pricing: £19.95 per person without Prosecco, £25.00 per person with Prosecco. Special offer for two – £35.00 without Prosecco, £45.00 with Prosecco
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
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…
Heritage & History
Oxford
Journey back in time with an award-winning creative, producer, and historian to uncover the rich narratives of Black scholars in academia, law, politics, and the arts. Walk the paths they walked, discover where they shared ideas, and made their…
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.
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…
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.
Performance
Portsmouth
The ultimate drag day out (voted the number one Drag Brunch event in the UK) heads to Portsmouth!
Exhibitions
Chichester
An exhibition sharing the story of the Christian faith in Sussex, revealed through people, events and objects, from 1075 to the present day.
To mark our 950th anniversary, we are delighted to present Religion, Rebellion & Reformation, an exhibition…
Health & Wellbeing
North Stoke, Wallingford
Treat yourself to a full spa day at the 1893 Spa located in the Springs Resort, Wallingford, Oxfordshire.
Immerse yourself in the hydrotherapy pool and enjoy full use of our steam room, sauna and peaceful relaxation room. Experience total…
Arts
Chichester
Acclaimed visual artist Rana Begum RA transforms our historic staircase with No.1367 Mesh, her iconic suspended, colourful mesh clusters, creating a vibrant blend of history and contemporary art.
Food
Thame
Celebraing the array of independent food and drink establishments in the vibrant market town of Thame, this one day event encourages visitors and locals to enjoy the fabulous food and drink trail. Stop at various venues along the way to enjoy…
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,…
Childrens Events
Edenbridge
Do you have a budding artist or photographer in the family? This May Half Term holiday children can have a go at painting or photography for creative fun during Art Week at Hever Castle & Gardens from Saturday 24th May to Sunday 1st June 2025.…
Workshop
Tonbridge
Get creative at Balfour Winery in Kent this May with a fun Sip and Paint workshop.
Show / Display
Didcot
The most famous steam engine in the world - Flying Scotsman - comes to Didcot Railway Centre.
On the anniversary of the iconic Flying Scotsman and Pendennis Castle first meeting 100 years ago, we are delighted to be welcoming them to Didcot…
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…
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.
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