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: 145
, currently showing 1 to 20.
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.
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…
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
Uckfield
Visit a magical realm with Bluebell Railway this May.
Festival
Burley
Set in the heart of the New Forest, Dogstival is a totally unique….and slightly bonkers festival dedicated to our four-legged friends. On 31st May & 1st June Burley Park will be transformed into a doggy paradise with paw-dropping arena displays,…
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…
Health & Wellbeing
North Stoke, Wallingford
Treat yourself to a full spa day at the 1893 Spa located in the Springs Resort, Wallingford, Oxfordshire.
Immerse yourself in the hydrotherapy pool and enjoy full use of our steam room, sauna and peaceful relaxation room. Experience total…
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…
Theatre
Winchester
One of the best-loved and most versatile opera stars of the last 40 years, Sir Willard White's illustrious career has taken him to the most prestigious opera houses and concert halls throughout the world.
Sir Willard will be accompanied by the…
Festival
Aldermaston
Well Read is a literary festival that invites acclaimed writers, nature lovers and wellness enthusiasts to gather in a spectacular woodland setting in the heart of Berkshire. Taking place on 25-26 May within the estate's ancient woodlands, Well Read…
Heritage & History
Westerham
Discover the fascinating connections between the London Foundling Hospital and Westerham in a special new tour, midday on Fridays this spring at Quebec House.
Limited places. Pre-booking essential. Tickets £5 for National Trust members and…
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,…
Indoor
Tonbridge
Balfour Winery knowledgeable tour guides will lead you in a fun and relaxed tasting of six, where you can learn the technique of wine tasting without the bravado.
Heritage & History
Ramsgate
Commemoration of the 85th Anniversary of Operation Dynamo, Ramsgate takes place with a series of events from Friday 16 to Monday 26 May 2025.
In May 1940, a rescue operation was implemented by the Royal Navy to evacuate British, French and…
Food
Cowfold Roaf, Bolney
Cider and Pizza Served fresh from Wednesday to Sunday
Tour
Southampton
The cruise will recognise the important 85th anniversary of Dunkirk and the role played by Southampton and Portsmouth in ‘Operation Dynamo’, and also the 80th anniversary of VE and VJ Day and the celebrations that took place in the two ports and…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Maidstone
Join us at Leeds Castle for our medieval jousting event this May bank holiday for an exhilarating display of combat and action, elegant and unusual equestrian, and medieval living and feasting.
Special Events
New Forest
All Porsche owners are invited to drive into Beaulieu on Sunday 1st June and park up within the museum parkland for a superb day out for both owners and enthusiasts.
Held in association with The Independent Porsche Enthusiasts' Club (TIPEC), all…
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…
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
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