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 41 to 60.
Arts
Aylesbury
An exhibition of light works exploring time and place, and the influence of nature, landscape and the environment by Bruce and Tink Munro.
Bruce's work has long been rooted in the emotional and physical inspiration of place and memory, while Tink is…
Outdoor Event / Activities
West End, Southampton
Looking for things to do this May half term in Hampshire? Escape the ordinary and head
to Go Ape Southampton, set among the rolling woodland just outside the city centre, for an unforgettable outdoor adventure.
Perfect for families, friends, and…
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…
Exhibitions
Maidstone
An Audience With Eleanor: Unveiling the World's First AI Queen Experience
Immerse yourself in the life of medieval England's most remarkable and misunderstood queen through a groundbreaking exhibition featuring the world's first interactive…
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…
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…
Special Events
Woking
Treat yourself to a delightful two-night getaway with our dinner, bed, and breakfast package, complete with a complimentary bottle of house wine in your room upon arrival. Experience the cosy comfort of our accommodations as you relax and unwind…
Walking
The Close, Winchester
Have fun (re)discovering Winchester with two quirky treasure‑hunt walks that get you spotting things you’ve never noticed before.
It’s a fresh‑air adventure that’s fun, affordable, and perfect for all ages.
Food
Milton Keynes
Experience a delicious afternoon tea, where every bite celebrates the season's bounty amidst the relaxing ambience of Horwood House, Buckinghamshire.
Food
Maidstone
This may the Magic of Thailand Festival returns to Mote Park in Maidstone. This two day Thai festival brings the Thai culture, food and performances to the Kent countryside.
Walking
High Street, Oxford
Explore Oxford’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.
Childrens Events
Arundel
March 20-May 31
Included in your admission price, book in advance and save 10%
This spring, WWT Arundel is teaming up with Macmillan Children's Books to explore the wonderful world of wetlands with Gozzle the gosling, from Julia Donaldson and Sara…
Walking
Reading
To celebrate 100 years of University of Reading campus history in 2026 a series of free guided walks will be running inviting visitors to discover the stories behind the University's rich history.
Childrens Events
Chatham
For the first time this Spring, step into a real‑life storybook at The Historic Dockyard Chatham as Jack and Nancy leap from the pages of Sir Quentin Blake's much‑loved tale and into an unforgettable family adventure.
Become the adventurer you've…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Binsted
Experience dinosaurs like never before with our roaming T. rex, baby dino meet-and-greets, and thrilling live shows. Take the dinosaur trail around the Park and discover all the fun facts about these prehistoric creatures, you never know what you…
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.
General event
Reading
Enjoy a luxurious night away with that special someone. The Roseate Reading is just 25 minutes from London and is the perfect place to relax and get away from the everyday stresses of life.
Walking
Henley-on-Thames
Ready for the ultimate vineyard trail? Oaken Grove is thrilled to be part of the Walk Works Henley Vineyards Trail 2026 for a series of unforgettable journeys through the Chilterns. Explore local English vineyards, master the "vine to glass" story…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Sarson Lane, Andover
Running over the May half term, Saturday May 23 – Monday June 1
10:00am-5:30pm
Join the Hawk Conservancy Trust over May half term as they celebrate their Secretary Bird's eighth 'hatchday'!
The Trust are throwing Angola a week-long birthday party,…
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…
© Visit South East England 2026. All Rights Reserved
.png){kind=icon}
