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: 326
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Walking
Millmead, Guildford
Have fun (re-)discovering Guildford, spotting things you've never noticed before, with two quirky treasure hunt style heritage walks - a fun and affordable way to get some fresh air, whilst exploring this charming town. Curious About Guildford…
Childrens Events
Selborne, Alton
Join Timothy the Tortoise for our interactive sessions connecting your child to the natural world in a fun, engaging and sensory way.
Sessions include stories, songs, craft and activities exploring Gilbert's Garden and the Museum with a welcome from…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Titmus Drive, Crawley
Looking for exciting family activities this Easter? Go Ape Crawley,
near Crawley is the perfect destination for outdoor
adventures and unforgettable memories. From 5th April to 21st April,
2025, join us for a thrilling Easter holiday experience in…
Festival
Abingdon
Visit Earth Trust this May Day Bank Holiday weekend for a fun-filled day of nature-based play and fun on the farm!
This year's Spring Festival is set to be bigger than ever, with more on offer than ever before! Visit Earth Trust this May Day Bank…
Childrens Events
Winchester
When the Science Centre doors close, the cinema screen will be rolling!
Are you ready for a completely unique cinema experience? Grab a seat, sit back and relax as one of Hollywood's biggest blockbusters, National Treasure, plays out under the…
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…
Childrens Events
Uckfield
May The 4th be with you!
A must-attend event for all Star Wars fans! On May 4th, prepare for an epic galactic adventure as Darth Vader & Stormtroopers take over the Bluebell Railway!
Bank Holiday
Near Wadhurst
Pashley Manor's spectacular Tulip Festival is a riot of colour.
Easter
Aylesbury
This Easter trail is jam-packed with lots of fun games and creative activities. Follow your map, get involved in each activity and don’t forget to collect your chocolate egg at the end!
Exhibitions
Henley-on-Thames
We have lift off for all you space enthusiasts out there with The Space Vault Exhibition coming to the River & Rowing Museum this July.
Using immersive audio and visuals, and comprising one of the UK's largest private collections of space…
Music
Worthing
Fun Monthly Sunday afternoon Jam session in Worthing for all Blues enthusiasts, singers, musicians and fans.
Performers/Jammers: All will get a chance up on stage if they wish, we work on a first in, first up basis, so come early to ensure a good…
Outdoor Event / Activities
New Forest
Embark on a journey of wonder as Beaulieu's Mill Pond Walk once again becomes home to the mythical Fairy and Dragon willow sculpture trail!
From 1st May to 8th June, the tranquil meandering path of the Mill Pond Walk will be transformed as woven…
Childrens Events
Arlesford
Make your way along the trail and find 10 games & activities for the whole family. The trail takes place between 5 - 21 April 2025, from 10am to 5pm, with last entry at 4.30pm, so come along and explore the beautiful gardens of Hinton Ampner. Each…
Music
Winchester
Featuring Fisher Stevens
From London's West End, this internationally acclaimed production celebrates the music of Neil Diamond.
From the hits he penned during his time in the Brill Building, to the Jazz Singer and countless live concerts, Neil…
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…
Community
Haywards Heath
We're excited to announce that our annual FREE community festival is just around the corner! Spring into Community is a wonderful opportunity for families, friends, and community groups to come together. Discover the international reach of the…
Free Event
Portsmouth
Sunday 18th May, 11am - 3pm
The perfect setting...for a magical wedding
To view our wedding brochure,simply scan the below QR code
Come and meet the team who can turn your dream day into a reality.
In conjunction with Hampshire Wedding Network…
Childrens Events
Winchester
When the Science Centre doors close, the cinema screen will be rolling!
Are you ready for a completely unique cinema experience? Grab a seat, sit back and relax as one of Hollywood's biggest blockbusters, Night at the Museum, plays out under the…
Comedy
Winchester
Britain's Got Talent 2024 finalist, Alex Mitchell is an autistic comic with functional neurological disorder (FND). He uses self-deprecating humour - laughing at himself, his neurodivergence, disability and sexuality - to reflect on some of the most…
Walking
West Street, Chichester
Have fun (re-)discovering Chichester, spotting things you've never noticed before, with two quirky treasure hunt style heritage walks - a fun and affordable way to get some fresh air. Curious About Chichester visits not just the obvious places, but…