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 41 to 60.
Childrens Events
Goudhurst
The interactive family trail follows Stick Man on his journey as he tries to get back to the family tree. Enjoy the wonderful world of Stick Man as you complete lots of fun stick-based activities, discover tree-mendous facts and learn about forest…
Childrens Events
Winchester
When the Science Centre doors close, the cinema screen will be rolling!
Are you ready for a completely unique cinema experience? Grab a seat, sit back and relax as one of Hollywood's biggest blockbusters, Night at the Museum, plays out under the…
Tour
Titsey, Oxted
Step back in time with a visit to Titsey Place and Gardens, located in the Surrey North Downs, a short drive from Limpsfield High Street.
Still occupied as a family home, this beautiful house is only open for selected days during the year from…
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…
Childrens Events
Gorelands Lane, Chalfont St. Giles
27 May – 11am to 4pm
Come to Chiltern Open Air Museum on 27 May for a fun-filled half term event!
No need to worry about entertaining your children during the school holidays! We have you covered with special themed family activities on Tuesdays…
Exhibitions
Aylesbury
The display of more than 20 works takes as its inspiration the new book Jewish Country Houses (edited by Juliet Carey and Abigail Green, Profile Books, 2024), which sheds new light on a previously overlooked category of country houses owned,…
Other
Bletchley
A fireside chat with Rachel Tobac, social engineer, on how AI is being used in scams and hacking attempts, demonstrating some of the tools scammers use.
During this event, you'll learn:
- How to spot modern AI-generated attacks and disinformation…
Theatre
Chichester
The bureaucrats in a remote provincial town are panicking. Word has gone round that a bigwig government inspector is heading their way. And things are far from ideal: for a start, the hospital's hopeless, the post office has gone to pot, and the…
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.
Heritage & History
Southsea
Take a vintage bus ride across the city this summer.
Food
Reading
Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and join us at The Reading Room Restaurant and Lounge for the best afternoon tea in Berkshire.
Water Based Activities
Cowes
Celebrating its 17th year, Cowes Classics Week is all about racing traditional yachts on the water and enjoying fabulous social events ashore.
Over 100 boats will be sailing varied courses set in the Solent including Metre boats, Classic Racing…
Markets
Whiteley, Fareham
Get ready for the ultimate shopping experience at the WHITELEY SHOPPING CENTRE ARTISAN MARKET!
In front of Cineworld
Saturdays 10am-5pm
Sundays 10:30:4pm
This brand new monthly market is bursting with stunning arts, crafts, unique gifts, delicious…
Walking
Sun Street, Canterbury
Have fun (re-)discovering Canterbury, 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 Canterbury visits not just the obvious places, but…
Food
Cowfold road, Bolney
Set amongst our 200 acre farm and orchards our stunning Taproom & Pizza Kitchen is open Wednesdays - Sundays and is honestly the best place to enjoy one of our ciders in the sun alongside a tasty handmade Pizza from The Safari Pizza company!…
Free Event
Cowes
Celebrating its 17th year, Cowes Classics Week is all about racing traditional yachts on the water and enjoying fabulous social events ashore.
Over 100 boats will be sailing varied courses set in the Solent including Metre boats, Classic Racing…
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…
Theatre
Winchester
The award-winning smash-hit comedy, as seen in the West End every week since 2022, and heard on BBC Radio 4, comes to you on a strictly limited tour.
The all-star Austentatious cast will improvise a hilarious new Jane Austen novel, inspired…
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.
Outdoor Event / Activities
Blake's Lock, Reading
Have fun (re-)discovering Reading, 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, whilst finding out more about Reading. Curious About Reading visits…