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 81 to 100.
Childrens Events
Arundel
Dive into the wonderful world of wetland insects with Lloyd and his new friend Dart the dragonfly.
Lloyd and friends will join our own cast of wetland minibeasts. Follow the trail to help Lloyd and tour guide Dart the dragonfly find Lloyd's friends…
Childrens Events
Ashford
Pop the dates in your diary and head down to the farm for a sheep-load of fun during our much-loved Woolly Week!
If you enjoyed meeting our lambs over Easter, you'll be thrilled with what we've got in store. We're going full-on fluffy with a whole…
Heritage & History
Reading
In 2025, come and join the celebrations in Reading marking the 250th anniversary since the birth of Jane Austen, the treasured nineteenth century writer famed for Pride & Prejudice, Emma and Persuasion.
From April 2025, as part of the 250th…
Water Based Activities
Dengemarsh Road, Lydd
Would you like to paddle on the whole lake, having some "you time" and just chill with like minded people.
Monday & Thursday mornings 9:30am and 10:30am, is the best time to bring your own SUP or use one of ours as you enjoy the tranquillity of the…
Walking
Dorking
The two hour walking Secret Vineyard Trail takes you at a leisurely pace to some of the most beautiful viewing points in the vineyard and areas not normally accessible to the public, including the Yew Tree Vineyard. Selected wine tastings will be…
Exhibitions
New Forest
Experience the thrill of speed at Beaulieu as special display Icons of Formula 1 takes to the National Motor Museum stage.
From 24th May to 2nd November, a new special display in the National Motor Museum will mark 75 years since the inaugural…
Family
Farnham
Immerse yourself in serenity at Wetland Waders, where you can observe a stunning variety of bird species using their unique beaks to feed from shallow and deep waters, while others soar and swoop gracefully all around you, creating a truly immersive…
Music
Brighton
Weekly free entry, live music takes place at Bohemia in the heart of the historic Lanes at this artistic and quirky high-end cocktail bar & restaurant. Full line up of bands can be viewed on Bohemia's website. Food tables can also be booked via…
Tour
Rowlands Castle
A knowledgeable tour guide takes you on a guided tour of the historic Stansted House.
Theatre
Winchester
The UK's Premier Tribute to Global Phenomenon… Ms Rachel!
Bringing Ms Rachel's character to life in a FUN, interactive LIVE on stage performance with lots of audience participation for the little ones!
With over 5 billion views and over 8 million…
Music
Portsmouth
Get set for a sizzling summer of free live music - with an array of styles and genres.
Childrens Events
Cuckfield, Haywards Heath
Step through the doors of our academies and discover the wonderful world of performing arts. Our project-based learning approach in musical theatre, film and drama nurtures skills for stage, screen, and the everyday scene.
Our exciting creative…
Festival
Brighton
Established in 1967, Brighton Festival is the largest and most established annual curated multi-arts festival in England. Taking place over three weeks in May, the Festival is a celebration of music, theatre, dance, art, film, literature, debate,…
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
Music
Winchester
Brighten up your lunchtime with musical performances from local musicians, and pupils of schools and colleges from around the county.
A Lunchtime Concert Series will take place at the Cathedral, in the Lady Chapel, from 1.15pm – 1.50pm most…
Childrens Events
Portsmouth
Saturday 31st May | 11am to 12.30pm
Come down to Parson's Collar and create your own pizza, add toppings of your choice and cook them in our very own pizza oven!
Create your own milkshake to eat alongside your pizza with follow-up ice cream from our…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Bournemouth
Have fun (re-)discovering Bournemouth, spotting things you've never noticed before, with two quirky, self-guided treasure hunt style heritage walks - a fun and affordable way to get some fresh air, whilst finding out more about this charming seaside…
Outdoor Event / Activities
New Forest
Have an action packed May Half-Term at Beaulieu!
From 24th May – 1st June, join us for an enchanting half-term! Learn about New Forest Folklore with a fairy, witches and dragon trail in our wonderful grounds and gardens, and see fascinating…
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
Food
Reading
Available from 12 - 14pm at The Reading Room, Roseate Hotel in Reading, this exquisite seven-course tasting menu is a highlight of the a la carte menu, with the choice of accompanying wine flight and tea pairing. With both vegan and vegetarian…
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