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 101 to 120.
Theatre
Chichester
Funny, profound, deeply moving and uplifting, The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry is a joyous new musical adapted by Rachel Joyce from her own multi million-selling novel, featuring irresistible modern folk songs by the chart-topping indie…
Shopping
Watlington
There's nothing like fresh fruit and vegetables from a local food market when on holiday.
The Undercroft Market takes place every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday in the market town of Watlington, Oxfordshire
Exhibitions
London
This display in the Painted Hall presents documents and artefacts belonging to two of the thousands of Wrens who completed their training at the Royal Naval College during the war years.
Childrens Events
Uckfield
Visit a magical realm with Bluebell Railway this May.
Special Events
Brighton Marina, Brighton
Looking for a unique and budget-friendly Valentine's Day date?
Glow crazy in love with the GLOBALLS Date Night Package! ️♀️ Choose from any of our stunning UV light mini golf courses or Carnival games for a night full of fun and unforgettable…
Childrens Events
Guildford
AirHop Guildford is delighted to offer a brand new indoor clip and climb centre with 19 different activities and 12 walls to visit.
Music
Eastbourne
With more than 100 concerts across the season, Eastbourne Bandstand has a packed line-up in 2025, including the return of the 1812 Proms & Firework Nights on Wednesday evenings from 11th June to 3rd September (except 18th June), and Traditional…
Exhibitions
Aylesbury
In 2024, a cataloguing project in the Waddesdon Archive led to the rediscovery of an extraordinary collection: 229 letters and papers written or signed by some of history's most influential figures, including Elizabeth I, Benjamin Franklin, Lord…
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.
Tour
Rochester
Tour runs on Fridays at 8pm and Saturdays at 6pm.
As night falls over Rochester's ancient High Street, step beyond the gas-lit charm and into the shadows, where history refuses to rest. The Rochester High Street Ghost Tour will take you on a…
Food
Woodstock
The Food Festival is one of our most popular events and is set to return between Saturday 24th - Monday 26th May 2025.
Special Events
New Forest
Owners of VWs are invited to drive into Beaulieu on Sunday 25th May and park up in the National Motor Museum grounds for a superb day for both enthusiasts and owners.
All ages and models of VW are welcome, which provides a great opportunity to…
Theatre
Brighton
Our popular backstage tours are back!
Outdoor Event / Activities
Weyhill, Andover
Saturday 31 May | Saturday 21 & 28 June | Saturday 12 & 26 July | Saturday 9 & 23 August.
5:45pm-9:00pm
The Hawk Conservancy Trust invites you to a special summer's evening with their feathered friends. Against a setting sun, you'll have the…
Tour
Eton, Windsor
Our seasonal programme of guided tours focuses on the historic heart of Eton College, featuring many of the earliest buildings and objects from the College Collections.
Childrens Events
Chatham
Plunge into May Half Term for an epic adventure on the high seas. Dive into the world of shipwrecks, pirates, and deep-sea adventures. Build your own adventure with interactive storytelling, get hands-on with shipbuilding, and navigate survival…
Food
Dorking
A relaxed tour, tasting and lunch is the perfect way to immerse yourself in a complete winery experience at Denbies Vineyard in Dorking.
Music
Brighton
Boasting four huge stages of music, the biggest '00s and '90s bands, artists and DJs from around the world, funfair rides, a '90s arcade, Retro Bars, an RnB Roller Disco, Gormet Street Food, Exclusive VIP area and so much more, this is the ultimate…
Festival
Oxford
Step back to the 90s at this amazing family friendly festival....with the best
90s music.... amazing DJs, great food, and retro gaming!
Special Events
Didcot
We are excited to announce that we will be welcoming back the iconic Flying Scotsman to Didcot Railway Centre to star alongside Pendennis Castle. On the 100th anniversary of their first meeting, we are beyond thrilled to bring them together again…
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