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 26th 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: 342
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Talks
Winchester
Kendal Mountain Tour 2025: A Night Of Adventure Films + Guest Speaker
Prepare for an unforgettable night of adventure as the Kendal Mountain Tour 2025 comes to life!
Join us on a journey through the world's most breathtaking landscapes with a…
Free Event
Portsmouth
Get your bag for life ready — there’s never been a more exciting time to shop the market.
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…
Arts
Compton, Guildford
Step into the enchanting world of Cicely Mary Barker (1895 - 1973), the creator of the much-loved Flower Fairies, in this playful exhibition.
Experience the timeless appeal of Cicely Mary Barker's creation, the Flower Fairies. First published in…
Special Events
Haywards Heath
Join award-winning garden photographer Molly Hollman for an inspiring summer photography workshop. Whether you're a seasoned photographer or just starting out, Molly will guide you through the creative techniques needed to help elevate your flower…
Childrens Events
Bletchley
Hop to Bletchley Park for egg-stra special fun for all ages this Easter – try our egg-ceptional activities for families or join an egg-citing family tour!
Discover the amazing machines of Bletchley Park in our activities for families. Find out…
Free Event
Shoreham-by-Sea
Paper Daisy Events return to Shoreham on Easter Saturday - 19th April for their annual and much anticipated Easter Makers Fair!
A fully curated event showcasing some extremely talented & highly original makers, artists & foodies, with some beautiful…
Food
Bolney
Find the tastiest Pizzas around every Wednesday - Sunday we are in Bolney serving at the Cider Tap at Wobblegate . Set in beautiful Apple orchards and with a bar menu to die for the and the best Pizzas in the UK and local craft cider , beer and…
Heritage & History
Winchester
Commemorating 100 years since the opening of Winchester College's tranquil private war memorial, these thought-provoking tours bring to life the stories of the pupils and teachers from Winchester who died in both World Wars and subsequent conflicts,…
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…
Tour
Oxford
Explore the fascinating city of Oxford with ease, with a City Sightseeing Bus and Walking Tour.
With 20 bus stops to hop on and off at, entry to the Carfax Tower to enjoy views of Oxford and a 45 minute walking tour 'Stepping Through Oxford'…
Pop Up Event
Horsham
We are excited Leonardslee Comedy Club is back for 2025.
Let's laugh, smile, and share good times!
Head along to Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens, West Sussex for an evening filled with laughter and the very best of stand-up comedy.
With a…
Festival
Abbey Square, Reading
The 2025 Reading Walks Festival takes place between 10-18 May and is more diverse than ever. The Festival includes 50 walks in and around Reading plus two bike rides and a talk.
Each walk in the Reading Walks Festival is led by a local volunteer…
Special Events
Lancing
Bookings have now opened for this years Lambing at Coombes Farm
Food
Shaves wood Lane, Albourne
Join us on Saturday, 24th May for a fantastic Sussex Cheese & Wine evening, where we'll be highlighting the award-winning High Weald Dairy with a carefully curated cheese tasting and paired wine flight.
Throughout the evening, you will learn about…
Childrens Events
Ampfield, Romsey
Hop into Sir Harold Hillier Gardens’ gorgeous spring surroundings and the whole family is sure to enjoy the self-guided Easter trail filled with fun games and activities amongst the blossoming flowers.
Show / Display
Petworth
Head to Petworth House and Park, West Sussex from the 5th - 27th April and welcome in springtime, at the annual Spring Festival.
Festival
Havenstreet
Kick start your May Bank Holiday with a visit to the Steam Railway and the famous Real Ale Festival.
Enjoy a pint of your favourite best brew, or maybe try something new. With beers sourced from brewers all over the country, including many…
Tour
Selborne, Alton
Tour Tuesday
Want to know more about the House and Gardens?
Join us on Tour Tuesday for an extra special experience.
Join one of our garden team in the morning to learn more about the history of the Garden, Gilbert White as a gardener and the work…
Childrens Events
Haywards Heath
This Easter, get ready for a truly rotten visit to Wakehurst as Roald Dahl's iconic story The Twits is brought to life in our stunning spring landscape! Outwit those rotten Twits by following an exciting fun-filled trail inspired by the book. Find…