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: 333
, currently showing 41 to 60.
Outdoor Event / Activities
Dover
Join us in the grounds of Dover Castle for hands-on activities this May half term. Enjoy family fun and games in the fresh air!
Arts
St Leonards, Stroud
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…
Food
Marlow, Marlow
Celebrate the joy of Easter with a delightful Afternoon Tea, perfect for sharing with family or friends.
Indulge in a seasonal selection of classic finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones, and beautifully curated sweet treats.
Choose from a…
Festival
Farnborough
Are you prepared to be Horrorfied?
A new 2 day event for fans of Horror that will include autograph signings, photo shoots, talks, workshops, make-up demos, a hall full of merchandise, displays, selfie spots and so much more! Taking place over the…
Theatre
Lymington
RUNNING TIME:
This walk about production lasts around 50 minutes.
FAMILY SHOW:
Aimed at children and families but this interactive rendition of the classic story of Alice and the White Rabbit can be enjoyed at any age.
The experience is ideal for…
Festival
Brighton
Established in 1967, Brighton Festival is the largest and most established annual curated multi-arts festival in England. Taking place over three weeks in May, the Festival is a celebration of music, theatre, dance, art, film, literature, debate,…
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!
Festival
Basingstoke
Always a great day out for all the family, whether you're a keen motor buff or you just want an interesting and enjoyable Sunday.
Basingstoke Deane Rotary have been running this event for the past few years, having taken over from the Thornycroft…
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…
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'…
Festival
Basingstoke
Over 800 assorted vehicles, autojumble & trade stalls Refreshments all day, fun and games for the kids.
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.
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…
Theatre
Chichester
Funny, profound, deeply moving and uplifting, The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry is a joyous new musical adapted by Rachel Joyce from her own multi million-selling novel, featuring irresistible modern folk songs by the chart-topping indie…
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, Finding Dory, plays out under the stars of…
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…
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…
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,…
Outdoor Event / Activities
New Forest
Join us as BBC Gardeners' World Spring Fair returns to the stunning grounds of Beaulieu from Friday 2nd to Sunday 4th May 2025.
What better way to inspire your gardening year ahead than by joining us for this much-loved show. Set in the beautiful…
Theatre
Brighton
Ready to thrill you with fun and naughty moments, Richard O’Brien’s legendary rock ‘n’ roll musical, The Rocky Horror Show returns to the UK as part of a sell-out worldwide tour, having been seen by over 30 million theatregoers.
Directed by…
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