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 21 to 40.
Arts
London
OPENING AT MUSEUM OF HOMELESSNESS ON 21 MAY: CRIMINAL: AN UNTOLD STORY OF HOMELESSNESS, RESISTANCE AND SURVIVAL
A historical exhibition exploring 400 years of criminalisation of homelessness featuring new work from 10Foot, Gemma Lees, Matt Bonner,…
Participatory Event
Little Horwood, Milton Keynes
Designed to pamper you from head to toe, come and experience the Instant Radiance Spa Day at Horwood House Hotel near Milton Keynes
Water Based Activities
Beaulieu
Beaulieu River Tours with New Forest Activities are great for those looking for a good amount of time out on the water.
Paddle down the Beaulieu River in the stable 'Canadian style' canoes and explore the history, wildlife of this beautiful part of…
Exhibitions
East Sussex
This exhibition of pioneering photographer Dorothy Bohm takes her declaration 'I think of women as the most natural subjects for me' as a starting point, revealing an astute awareness of the male gaze. Taken around the world and across decades,…
Childrens Events
Waterperry
Half-term fun at Waterperry Gardens.
Look carefully around our gardens to find the 8 cheeky little gnomes hiding.
When you find one, write their name next to their number. Be careful, trust gnome one, some of the gnomes may have written their…
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…
Childrens Events
Farnham
If you're truly dino-mad! … join us for interactive Dinosaur Shows running for nine days throughout May half-term
How to Train your Dinosaur!
Come and learn the art of dinosaur training with the help of the mischievous cheeky T.Rex called Baxter who…
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…
Vineyard / Wine
Wallingford
Take a tour and learn more about English wine production at Brightwell Vineyard in Oxfordshire. Located on the outskirts of the beautiful Wallingford village, guests can enjoy a one hour tour and the chance to taste three of the wines produced at…
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.
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…
Exhibition
Petworth
Towering sculptures by renowned ceramicist Felicity Aylieff come to Petworth House and Park for the first time.
Guided Walk
Worthing
A smalltown mystery is a digital activity where you read a story, search for clues, answer questions and solve a mystery. You walk in the town center for about an hour. After the walk it’s perfect to finish off with a coffee break to solve the…
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…
Childrens Events
Whiteley, Fareham
Make your Sundays better with
KIDS EAT FREE at The Parsons Collar
With on paying adult
A great wat to finish of your busy week. On Sunday's eat FREE with a paying adult. Not to be used in conjunction wiht any other offer or discount.
To book…
Exhibition
Aylesbury
An exhibition of light works exploring time and place, and the influence of nature, landscape and the environment by Bruce and Tink Munro come to the newly renovated Coach House Gallery at Waddesdon Manor from the 27th March 26.
Other
Eynsford, Eynsford
Eagle Heights is inviting all budding young artists to take part in our art competition over May half term.
To enter simply create a picture of your favourite animal that lives here at the Foundation and bring it along. You can use pencils,…
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…
Arts
Eton
This May, Eton Arts Week will put local artists’ creativity firmly on the map! Eton will be teeming with art and art-related events. There will be lots of beautiful art to view and to purchase as well as activities to get involved in for young and…
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.
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