25th - 27th May 24, Maidstone
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: 324
, currently showing 261 to 280.
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…
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…
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,…
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
Thame
Celebraing the array of independent food and drink establishments in the vibrant market town of Thame, this one day event encourages visitors and locals to enjoy the fabulous food and drink trail. Stop at various venues along the way to enjoy…
Markets
Whiteley, Fareham
Get ready for the ultimate shopping experience at the WHITELEY SHOPPING CENTRE ARTISAN MARKET!
In front of Cineworld
Saturdays 10am-5pm
Sundays 10:30:4pm
This brand new monthly market is bursting with stunning arts, crafts, unique gifts, delicious…
Special Events
Southampton
Come together in Southampton to celebrate the 80th Anniversary of VE Day with a Street Party organised by the Carlton and Bedford Place Community, with support from Southampton City Council and Go! Southampton.
Childrens Events
Birchington
Collect your Spring Passport and set off on an egg-citing quest through the Museum! Help our animals find their missing eggs as you explore the galleries and use your discoveries to decorate your own wooden egg to take home.
Adult: £5
Concession:…
Food
Abingdon
Afternoon Tea Pricing: £19.95 per person without Prosecco, £25.00 per person with Prosecco. Special offer for two – £35.00 without Prosecco, £45.00 with Prosecco
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…
Childrens Events
Faversham
Join us at Belmont for some Easter fun. Explore our beautiful gardens to find the hidden eggs each with a letter to help you uncover the secret Easter word and win a tasty chocolate treat. Afterwards, visit the Orangery to unleash your creativity…
Arts
Winchester
Gain an insight into the technique of Calligraphy, and learn how to master it yourself, with the help of an experienced Scribe.
This workshop, led by Sunita a Scribe at Winchester Cathedral, will focus on the Uncial Hand.
Uncial hand is an…
School Holidays
Gorelands Lane, Chalfont St Giles
Discover fascinating historic buildings at Chiltern Open Air Museum this Easter School Holidays!
Discover the fascinating historic buildings and expansive grounds, taking in the sights and sounds of spring. Travel back in time in our collection…
Childrens Events
Aylesbury
This Easter, our 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!
Pick up your trail sheet on arrival at the entry kiosks.…
Childrens Events
Winchester
Spring into a new season of exciting science fun!
Head off on an oviparity Easter egg hunt, discover if fire can dance in live science show, The Sound Show, zoom into the stars for a family space adventure during Solar System Quest in The…
Gardens
Lingfield
The Garth, based in Lingfield, run a series of open days in support of various charities throughout the year.
Visit the beautiful gardens with its carpets of bluebells and wild garlic on one of the garden open days in May. Wander along…
Outdoor Event / Activities
New Forest
Simply British will return on Sunday 27th April 2025. All owners of British cars and motorcycles are invited to drive into the Beaulieu parkland and park up for a superb day out for both owners and enthusiasts.
From Sunbeam, Austin, Riley and…
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…
Heritage & History
Winchester
The year 2025 marks 250 years since the birth of Jane Austen. To mark this significant anniversary, Winchester Cathedral joins local organisations to celebrate her legacy.
This anniversary presents a significant opportunity to bring her legacy to…
Food
Chipping Norton
Have you ever foraged for wild foods before? Would you like to learn what is in season that can be foraged? Includes makes & bakes/refreshments at the end. Participants are also welcome to go wild swimming in the lake! Max 20 people, adults only,…
© Visit South East England 2025. All Rights Reserved
.png){kind=icon}
