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 61 to 80.
Cycling
Hook Norton, Banbury
Join the Hook Norton Brewery Sportive road cycle ride through the Oxfordshire countryside leaving from one of the best breweries in the Cotswolds taking you along the most scenic routes.
Exhibitions
Guildford
Watts Gallery presents a major exhibition celebrating one of Britain's most influential designers. The Art of Wallpaper: Morris & Co is a vibrant exhibition exploring the beauty, craftsmanship and enduring appeal of William Morris's iconic designs.…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Sandling, Maidstone
Weekend Wellness: Mindful Walk and Cyanotype Sun Prints invites you to engage with the natural world in a mindful and creative way. Using simple tools, and nature as your inspiration, you'll feel the benefits of getting out into the great outdoors…
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…
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
Show / Display
Beaconsfield
This summer, the National Film and Television School (NFTS) puppet exhibition returns to Bekonscot Model Village and Railway in Buckinghamshire. with “A visit to the circus!” - brought to life through a brand new collection of puppets.
Exhibitions
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.
Free Event
Eastbourne
One of the largest displays of emergency services in the UK. Climb aboard a fire engine, enjoy arena events and see heroic demonstrations from the police, fire brigade, ambulance, coastguard and RNLI Lifeboat.
Exhibition
Bletchley, Milton Keynes
Explore the history of AI and pioneers in this technology, including Codebreakers, smart speakers & chatbots, social media & search engines at the new Bletchley Park exhibition - The Age of AI
Childrens Events
New Forest
Horrible Histories® bring the Vile Victorians to Beaulieu!
From 23 May to 31 August follow Rattus, the cheeky rat from Horrible Histories, on a trail around the attraction packed with dreadful discoveries, delightfully disgusting details and plenty…
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…
Indoor
Turners Hill, Crawley
Escape to the multi award-wining Utopia Spa at Alexander House in the West Sussex countryside.
Childrens Events
Chipping Norton
Step into a world of fantasy at Fairytale Farm from 23rd to 31st May 2026 for Once Upon a Unicorn and Dragon. Meet the Unicorn Queen, learn to command a baby dragon, enjoy themed crafts, trails and magical family fun — plus be among the first to…
Childrens Events
New Forest
Step back in time this May half-term at Beaulieu!
Horrible Histories is coming to Beaulieu this May! This half-term from the 23 – 31 May, be one of the first to dive into the connections between Beaulieu and its Victorian past and uncover facts you…
Sporting Events
Folkestone
This event is an exhilarating, fast and flat race along the seafront. In recent years, we have included an elite wave to the race so that runners of all abilities can enjoy the wonderful race-day buzz of Folkestone Coastal. The chance of a fast time…
Music
Abingdon
From the laid back Friday night vibes to fun timeless Tribute Nights, find the music you like at the Hilton Garden Inn Abingdon Oxford
Gardens
Uckfield
Sat 2 May – Sun 7 June 2026
Step into the magical world of Alice in Wonderland at Sheffield Park and Garden for an enchanting trail through the garden, filled with characters and games inspired by Lewis Carroll's classic tale.
Follow the white…
Walking
West Street, Chichester
Have fun (re)discovering Chichester 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.
Health & Wellbeing
North Stoke, Wallingford
Treat yourself to a full spa day at the 1893 Spa located in the Springs Resort, Wallingford, Oxfordshire.
Walking
Hart Street, Henley on Thames
Curious About Henley on Thames takes you to the famous sights and the hidden gems, with surprises tucked around every corner. Each walk takes 1–2 hours, and both are wheelchair and buggy friendly.
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