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 301 to 320.
Food
Abingdon
Sunday Carvery Dates for the Diary New Year New Carvery!! 5 Courses plus Tea and Coffee £19.95 per person / £14.95 under 12's / under 3 eat free
23.02.2025 09.03.2025 23.03.2025 06.04.2025 20.04.2025 04.05.2025 18.05.2025
Theatre
Winchester
Don your deerstalker, grab your magnifying glass and get your 'finger of suspicion' at the ready because Edinburgh Fringe favourites, Degrees of Error, are bringing back their multiple sell-out show for your sleuthing pleasure.
They'll create a…
Shopping
Faversham
This event is the perfect way to spend a spring day, browsing the variety of plants on sale and gathering great ideas for your garden for the coming season. It is also a great opportunity to get some advice on how to get the very best out of the…
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…
Childrens Events
Berwick
Make wild memories this May half term at Drusillas Zoo Park!
Keep the kids half term happy with a zooper day out at Drusillas Park - voted one of the best days out with kids in Sussex!
Get nose-to-nose with 80 species of animal in our interactive…
Arts
Rusper, Horsham
Step-by-step painting workshops in pubs and bars across Surrey, Sussex, Hampshire and Kent. Even if you haven't painted since school you will be able to create your very own work of art at a pub with The Paint Club. This time, we're painting a…
Exhibitions
Chichester
Dive into the life and work of Dora Carrington – a remarkable artist who defied social norms with her bohemian lifestyle.
Dance / Dancing
Winchester
Jaw-dropping dance-circus
Internationally renowned dance-circus company Motionhouse returns to Winchester, with its brand-new production Hidden, which will premiere in the UK in February 2025.
A continuation of artistic director Kevin Finnan's…
Festival
Petworth
Our Spring Festival will run from Saturday 5 to Sunday 27 April and will include talks, demonstrations, a community art installation, art and craft workshops, and family activities.
On Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 April there will be a two-day Makers…
Food
Ascot
Ascot Farmers' Market offers a great choice of fresh produce, pies and pastries, dairy products and plants whilst on-site parking means a stress-free shopping experience.
Food
Hedge End
Join us every Sunday from 12PM – 5PM for a delicious feast! Our buffet-style carvery features succulent roast meats, crispy golden potatoes, colourful seasonal vegetables, and rich homemade gravy — all served fresh and piping hot! Starters and…
Talks
Bletchley
Abram Games was one of the 20th Century's most innovative graphic designers. During World War Two he produced maps for the Army Bureau of Current Affairs, as well as book covers and insignias.
In 1942 he was appointed 'Official War Poster Artist'…
Walking
ISLANDWIDE
Walk this way! The Isle of Wight Walking Festival will return in Spring 2025 (10th - 18th May) and Autumn 2025 (4th - 12th October).
An event for keen hikers, relaxed wanderers, and curious explorers alike, the Isle of Wight Walking Festival is…
Heritage & History
Nr Wheatley
We're excited to announce that our Museum of Rural Life will have been open for 25 years on 10th & 11th May 2025.
To celebrate this amazing milestone, our group of amazing volunteers are hosting a day of fun and informative celebrations.
Do pop…
Childrens Events
Nr Wheatley
Hop along to Waterperry Gardens this Easter holiday dressed as a bunny (optional) to find the missing carrots our bunny has dropped and take in the beautiful Spring gardens at the same time.
Our Waterperry bunny has dropped carrots all around our…
Walking
The Close, Winchester
Have fun (re-)discovering Winchester, 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 finding out more about this historic city. Curious About…
Childrens Events
Hosham
Join us this Easter holiday at Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens for an exciting nature trail to discover how things grow! Packed with fascinating facts, complete the sticker booklet along the trail, with a special prize waiting at the end.
Garden Entry…
Easter
Reading
Join the free Easter Trail between 5th - 21st April and find the 12 Easter eggs hidden in shop windows around Reading town centre! Simply grab your Easter Trail map from The Oracle Customer Service Desk, Reading Museum, Broad Street Mall,…
Festival
Poole
A two day Thai Festival to experience the taste of Thailand this summer at Harbourside Park is brought to you by Magic of Thailand, previously known as Poole Thai Festival.
Treat yourself to a weekend wonder and bring along your families and…
Arts
St Leonards, Ringwood
Step-by-step painting workshops in pubs and bars across Surrey, Sussex, Hampshire and Kent. Even if you haven't painted since school you will be able to create your very own work of art at a pub with The Paint Club.
This is not your usual art…