Categories What's On, Events - Surrey, Sussex, Kent, Hampshire, Berkshire, Bucks, Oxfordshire, Isle of Wight What's On May – May What's On, May Events, Events in May in the South East
Click Below for More Ideas for Things to Do
|
Free Newsletter
Subscribe to our free monthly newsletter:
For Regular Updates for What's On Follow Pink Bubbly on Twitter here
| Search |
What's On in MayWhat's On in May in the South East
|
| 2012 | January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December |
| Isle of Wight Walking Festival, Isle of Wight, 01983 823070 The Isle of Wight Walking Festival 5th-20th May. Since it began in 1999, the two-week Isle of Wight Walking Festival has grown to become the biggest event of its kind in the UK with over 200 walks and 21,000 people taking part. Walks are accompanied and graded, and range from short- story walks for kids to a 24-hour walk around the Island’s spectacular coastal path. The IW speed-dating walk has resulted in two ‘Wight’ weddings! The Island has over 500 miles of well- maintained and signposted footpaths around 30 miles of Heritage Coastline, while more than half of the Island is recognised as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. |
||
| Brighton Festival, Brighton, Sussex, 01273 700747
The 46th annual Brighton Festival runs from the 5th-27th May. Brighton comes alive with a powerful and exciting programme of cultural events in celebration of this year’s Guest Director - Vanessa Redgrave. Over the three weeks the festival will explore many of her interests which permeate the wide-ranging programme across music, theatre, dance, film, literature and from acting and politics to memory and nostalgia to homeland and story-telling, to humanitarian concerns and economic and social issues including those of the various charities she represents and in particular children’s needs in our world.
|
||
| Royal Windsor Horse Show, Home Pk, Windsor Castle, Berks, 01753 860633
Royal Windsor Horse Show 9th-13th May – Home of The Diamond Jubilee Pageant
In celebration of Her Majesty The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Anniversary, the showground will be staging The Diamond Jubilee Pageant during the evenings of the Horse Show.
Major International equestrian displays from the Pageant will also be taking part in the Horse Show during the day, offering visitors to the Horse Show the unique opportunity to see these displays, some of which have never been seen before in the UK. Royal Windsor Horse Show is the largest outdoor equestrian Show in the UK, with over 3000 horses and ponies taking part in more than 164 jumping, showing, championship and carriage driving classes. The event has been running for over 65 years and takes place in Her Majesty The Queen’s private grounds at Windsor Castle.
|
||
Ascot is Britain’s Premier Flat Racecourse and third best Jumps Racecourse. Following a major redevelopment programme, the racecourse has a new spectacular state-of-the-art grandstand offering fantastic facilities. Whether you are looking for a sporting or social day out, Ascot has a wonderful atmosphere for all to enjoy. With advance booking discounts, free parking at most race meetings and free admission for all children aged 16 and under, a day at Ascot is unbeatable value for everyone. Dating back over 300 years, Ascot is home to the most famous race meeting in the world, Royal Ascot, which is held annually in June. May Meetings: 11th May Race, Rattle 'N' Roll (Evening) 12th May Race, Rattle 'N' Roll Looking Ahead: Royal Ascot 19th - 23rd June Find out more information about Race Days in 2012 Children 17 and under go free at all race meetings, when accompanied by an adult read more... |
||
| The Chinnor & Princes Risborough Railway, Chinnor, Oxfordshire OX39, 01844 353535 Take a journey on a steam train from Chinnor station along seven miles of our standard gauge railway track on the old Great Western Branch line and take in the views and the history of the area. The railway opens for passenger services in March until Hallowe’en. Murder Mystery Dining Train Icon May 12th. Sherlock Holmes murder mystery evening with mixer quiz, prizes and certificates for the winners. Evening includes a 3 course meal served by our stewards on board the steam train. Railway Open Day May 19th. Pop down and see behind the scenes? Ever looked at a diesel engine compartment? See how the signals work, how the railway operates and lots more. Fish'n'Chip Quiz Evening May 26th. A general knowledge quiz whilst travelling on board the steam train. Fish and chip supper included in the evening. |
||
Modern restaurant and pub with rooms, in a traditional pub setting located in the Surrey countryside. The Mulberry has a fantastic reputation for both food and beer, along with a great atmosphere and nice staff! Enjoy a drink in the comfortable bar area with open fireplace, lightly coloured wood panelled walls, polished wooden floors and leather seats, or eat in the restaurant with its inviting decor of warm colours and solid modern wooden furniture, and fabulous food! Mums, Bumps and Baby Coffee Mornings, first Thursday of every month Live Music Nights New Spring Menu read more... |
||
| Chestnut Sunday, Bushy Park, Hampton Court, Surrey KT8, 020 8977 3416
Chestnut Sunday 13th May. Chestnut Sunday is an historic event. When Queen Victoria opened Bushy Park to the public it quickly became an attraction for London visitors, particularly on the Sunday nearest 11th May – when chestnut blooms were usually at their best. The celebration died out after WWII but was resurrected by the Hampton Wick Association to celebrate the Queen’s Silver Jubilee. Chestnut Sunday continues to this day.
At 12.30pm a parade leaves Teddington Gate and travels down Chestnut Avenue to the Diana Fountain. The parade features marching bands, vintage bicyles, motorbikes and military vehicles. Many people bring picnics and make a day of it.
|
||
| Plumpton Racecourse, Plumpton, Sussex BN7, 01273 890383 Small racecourse with views over the South Downs. Sixteen National Hunt meetings take place between September and May. There are three enclosures, one of which is the Course Enclosure where visitors can take picnics or make use of the Course bar. Children under 16 free provided they are with a paying adult. 13th May Ladies Day |
||
Exbury Gardens and Steam Railway is a magical place in the New Forest National Park. The Gardens are a spectacular 200 acre (100 hectare) site, world-famous for the Rothschild Collection of rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias and rare trees and shrubs. This earthly paradise offers a riot of colour in spring, an oasis of tranquility in summer followed by a splendid show as the leaves change in the autumn. Discover Exbury’s hidden beauty and escape the cares of the world as you explore a myriad of pathways. Let the train take the strain on a 20 minute journey or ride a chauffeur driven buggy to tour the Gardens. Numerous events take place across the year at Exbury Gardens. April's Events An African Summer at Exbury until Sunday 15th JulyThe Glory of the Garden until 10th June Four Seasons Art Exhibition now until 10th June Exbury's Bluebell Wood From late April until 13th May Find out about more events throughout the summer
|
||
Racing at Royal Windsor Racecourse offers a fantastic atmosphere located on the banks of the River Thames! Windsor Racecourse's fashionable summertime Monday night race meetings are becoming star-studded occasions attended by many sporting, pop and television celebrities. Pimms and champagne are the order of the day and the Paddock Lawn with its romantic river frontage and stunning castle view becomes a massive garden part.
May Meetings:
Monday 14th May World of Food Festival Evening Racing
Monday 21st May Curry Festival Evening
Racing
Monday 28th May Real Ale & Hog Roast Festival Evening Racing
Open Air Concert:
25th June Live band "The Wickermen"
30th June Top Acapella group "The Magnets"
2nd July Dance the night away to an electrifying mix of sounds from the "Floridita All Stars"
9th July Classical Night best-selling string quartet "Bond"
16th July Ronnie Scott's Night
23rd July Irish Night with the Saw Doctors
Find out more information about more Race Days in 2012
Under 18's free of charge when accompanied by a paying adult! read more...
|
||
Traditional country pub in the remote setting of Friday Street, nestled in the woods beside a beautiful lake. The Stephan Langton welcomes drinkers, diners and walkers with their four legged friends. Enjoy a drink in the traditional pub setting or taste the fabulous food on offer from baguettes at the bar to the al a carte menu available in the bar or spacious restaurant.
read more...
|
||
A world of adventure awaits you! Fun for all the family at the 36-hole Florida-style miniature golf course, with a lost island theme! Walk around the spectacular scenery, past cascading waterfalls, through caves and beside wreckage of planes and cars! Adventure Golf appeals to all ages and golfers and non-golfers like!
2 for 1 Voucher read more...
|
||
The Abinger Hatch has it all! A charming country pub welcoming drinkers in a cosy environment, serving real ales, premium beers, carefully selected wines and juices from the long oak bar. Delicious food served in the restaurant, pub and gardens prepared with produce from local suppliers. A large garden offering an outside bar in the warmer months, outdoor games and barbeques. But that’s not all, the Abinger Hatch is a fantastic family community pub running different events throughout the year. Whether you are adults, families, walkers or cyclists you will love the Abinger Hatch!
Lazy Sundays - Enjoy a roast up until 8pm. Book a table for four or more people after 3pm and ger a FREE carafe of wine
Hatch Quiz - Every other Sunday!
Family Time - Evening opening hours for supper brought forward to 6pm, so families can enjoy an early meal
|
||
Widely regarded as the best small zoo in the country, Drusillas Park offers an opportunity to get nose to nose with hundreds of fascinating and entertaining creatures from monkeys to otters to penguins and meekats. You can be certain there will be plenty of animal magic to enthral and excite everyone from the youngest to the oldest visitor.
But animals are only half the fun, Go Bananas!, Go Wild!, Amazon Adventure and the a-MAZE-ingly fun and interactive maze Eden’s Eye are paradise for anyone who needs to let off steam and Thomas the Tank Engine offers a train service 362 days a year.
It’s no wonder Drusillas have been voted South East England’s number one attraction and the best day out in East Sussex.
read more...
|
||
Fun for all the family at Jurassic Encounter Adventure Golf, the 18-hole Florida Styled miniature golf course with a Jurassic theme! Take a trip along the beautifully landscaped course putting past cascading waterfalls, over island greens and through prehistoric caves! Adventure Golf appeals to all ages and golfers and non-golfers like!
|
||
| Fontwell Park Racecourse, Fontwell, Sussex BN18, 01243 543335 Horse Racing. Fontwell Park is a small racecourse set in landscaped gardens. The course is a mile round, with a figure-of-eight steeplechase course. Various type of racing events take place throughout the year including family days and evening racing with entertainment afterwards. British Heart Foundation Charity Raceday 16th May
The Big Bank Holiday Race Day celebrating the Diamond Jubilee 3rd June |
||
Visit Kent's only racecourse and enjoy a great day out with friends and colleagues. Folkestone Racecourse is surrounded by breathtaking Kent scenery and with twenty meetings a year, there is plenty of opportunity to soak up the thrill of the races. There are racedays to suit all throughout the year including themed events, family days and live music. Book your own private hospitality suite, alternatively book a table in the Lookout Restaurant and enjoy superb food, fantastic wines and some of the best views in racing. Never been racing? Don't worry, Folkestone has a step-by-step guide for your day.
May Meetings:
Thursday 17th May United Hunts (NH/Turf) Evening Racing
Wednesday 30th May Flat, Turf Evening Racing
Open Air Concerts & Live Entertainment:
12th July - Armed Forces Race Day incorporating 80's night with live music from Bootleg Blondie
26th July - Essential 90's Night 90's disco
23rd August - Ladies Night with Live music from Take That tribute band "The Take That Experience"
Find Out Information on all Folkstone's Race Meetings Throughout 2012
|
||
| Newbury Racecourse, Newbury, Berkshire, RG14, 01635 40015 Horse Racing. Newbury Racecourse is home to the famous Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup. There are three enclosures at the course, one of which is the Picnic Enclosure. Over thirty race meetings are held annually, including day time and evenings events. Under 18’s are free when accompanied by a paying adult. 18th May Afternoon Racing 19th May The Best Of British Beer Festival & JLT Lockinge Stakes 26th May Evening Racing, Party in the Paddock with Calvin Harris |
||
| Leeds Castle, Maidstone, Kent ME17, 01622 765400 Castle & Leisure. Originally the site of a manor for the Saxon Royal Family, the site of Leeds Castle has been a Norman stronghold, residence to six medieval Queens, the palace of Henry VIII and a 1920's country retreat. Visitors can journey through 1000 years of history in the Castle, and walk through the 500 acre parkland of gardens and attractions including a maze, grotto, falconry, and aviary, which is home to over 100 rare and endangered species. Leeds Castle also has 9-hole, par 33 pay and play golf course. 19th & 20th May Home and Garden Weekend. Leeds Castle’s popular lifestyle fair offers a wide range of home furnishings, kitchen and cookery items, fashion, garden equipment, local produce and plants to buy. Visitors can also enjoy live entertainment from Adam Chandler and Foley & Hepburn. Children's rides and face painting will also be available for younger visitors at a small additional charge. 2nd & 3rd June Diamond Jubilee 1950s Weekend Rule Britannia! Celebrate all things British from the coronation year in 1953, at a former Royal palace! Enjoy the patriotic atmosphere all weekend with cream teas, 1950s cars and steam engines. Bring a picnic and watch the Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant and flotilla at high water on Sunday afternoon, broadcast from London on a big screen. For younger visitors there will be patriotic crafts activities. 3rd June Diamond Jubilee Fireworks & Open Air Cinema Evening. Evening with live music, vintage newsreel of the Coronation and highlights of the day’s pageant and the classic 1950s themed film “Grease”, starring Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta. A magnificent fireworks display accompanied by music will follow the film, concluding this memorable day. |
||
| Cycle Wight Weekend, Isle of Wight, Hampshire, 0118 988 6041
Cyle Wight 19th & 20th May. A weekend of cycling events on the Isle of Wight with a packed schedule of rides, with something for everyone.
Cycle Wight features mountain biking, road rides and family friendly leisure cycling to suit everybody. Based at Yarmouth’s scenic harbour front on the west of the Island, Cycle Wight is a great way to get away and enjoy one of the jewels of the south.
|
||
| Watercress Festival, Alresford, Hampshire SO24,
The Watercress Festival 20th May, attracts over 15,000 visitors every year drawing together the local community and food lovers from far and wide to celebrate watercress - the superb locally grown, delicious and versatile crop. There will be a huge food market and award-winning regional and national chefs and food writers sharing their passion for watercress during a number of cookery demonstrations. If you're interested in arts, crafts, jewellery and clothing, items for house and garden, you'll find them and much else besides in the large festival market. Many local charities and voluntary organisations will also be present to provide an insight into Alresford's rich community life. Music and dance are central to the festival so find time to enjoy performances by the many bands, Morris dancers and local school children. For children there's lots to keep them happy including circus skills workshops, face painting, a magician, treasure trails, a climbing wall and mobile farm, etc. A free day out for all the family!
|
||
| The RHS Chelsea Flower Show, Royal Hospital, Chelsea, London, 0207 649 1885 The annual RHS Chelsea Flower Show takes place between the 22nd-26th May. This famous event is the highlight of the gardening calender with features of the show including the Show Gardens, Urban Gardens, Courtyard Gardens, The Great Pavilion and Floral Design Marquee. There is something for everyone from exotic flowers to affordable plants. The Continuous Learning area, within the Great Pavilion, will allow gardeners a view into the gardens of the future, while glorious floral displays will be on view in the Floral Design Marquee. |
||
| Brighton Racecourse, Brighton, Sussex, BN2, 01273 603580 Brighton Racecourse is located in the centre of Brighton, with views of the Sussex Downs and Brighton Marina. Meetings take place between April and October, with the three day festival including the John Smith Raceday in August. There are two enclosures, and children under 16 are free when accompanied by a paying adult. Mid-Summer Afternoon Racing 22nd May Mid-Summer Afternoon Racing 31st May Summer Afternoon Racing 1st June |
||
Sandown racecourse is one of the country's most loved and revered racecourses. Whether you are a seasoned racegoer or somebody who would simply like to give it a go, you are very welcome at Sandown Park! Take your pick from the variety of races staged at Sandown with afternoon and evening fixtures, races with live music entertainment, including Simply Next Meetings May: 24th May Evening Racing 31st May Betfair Brigadier Gerard Evening Open Air Concerts: 18th July Tom Jones 25th July Alfie Boe Music Night 9th August Jessie J Music Night
Find out more information about Race Days in 2012
Children under 18 go free on all racedays, when accompanied by an adult
|
||
| Goodwood Racecourse, Chichester, Goodwood, Sussex, PO18, Horse Racing. Goodwood Racecourse has stunning views over the Sussex Downs, making it a particularly lovely racecourse to visit. Race meetings usually run from May to October with the ever popular “Glorious Goodwood” taking place in July. The very best in top-class racing with more than 100,000 people flocking through the gates to enjoy what is a highlight of the summer social calendar. There are three enclosures and dress codes applies. May Festival 24th May Height of Fashion Stakes May Festival 25th May Cocked Hat Stakes May Festival 26th May Festival Stakes & Tapster Stakes |
||
| Yarmouth Old Gaffers Festival, Yarmouth, Isle of Wight, 01983 761704
Yarmouth Old Gaffers Festival 25th-27th May. During the Festival, Yarmouth's picturesque harbour will be filled with life and colour with more than 100 visiting traditional sailing, steam and motor vessels, including the cream of the Old Gaffers fleet. On shore there will be a huge range of attractions keeping the thousands of visitors entertained from morning til night all weekend. This year's events include:
Street Entertainment,
Live Music
Spectacular, Classic and Gaff-rigged Boats in the Harbour,
Racing for Gaff-rigged Boats within sight of the shore,
Visiting Classic Vehicles,
Craft Fair and Market
Flower Festival,
Lifeboat Demonstration
And lots more …..
|
||
| The Hop Farm, Tonbridge, Kent TN12, 01622 872068 Packed full of fun and undercover wonders to entertain and fuel imaginations. The Hop Farm has always been one of Kent’s most popular attractions but there has never been a better time to visit. Go along and enjoy the attractions; Bounce on the Giant Jumping Pillows. Take a spin in the Children’s Driving School. Visit the Shire Horses and Friendly Farm animals. And don’t miss… Indoor and Outdoor Play area’s - Nostalgic Dray Rides – Indoor Magic Factory - Pottery - Carousel and much more. The new attractions provide the Hop Farm visitor with much more to see and do. Only Paws and Horses 26th May. If you love DOGS and HORSES - this is the event for you! An equine show combined with a dog show right in the heart of Kent. Whether you are a competitor or a visitor, a host of exciting arena displays, quality competitions and attractions will make it a good family day out for all. |
||
| The National Trust, Places to Visit Across the South East, 0844 800 1895
National Trust Events - As well as having fantastic places to visit including Romantic Places, Houses & Buildings, Gardens & Parks, Coast & Countryside and Site & Monuments, the National Trust has various events running at its locations throughout the year including jousting tournaments, food festivals, archery, workshops, Christmas events and much more. To find an event near you please click here.
|
||
| Weald & Downland Open Air Museum, Singleton, Sussex, PO18, 01243 811363 Open-air museum of fifty rebuilt historic buildings dating from the 13th to the 19th century, situated within 50 acres of beautiful Sussex countryside. The buildings were rescued from destruction, dismantled, and then rebuilt. Exhibits include a timber framed farmhouse, market hall, Victorian school and medieval shop. Regular demonstrations and people to talk to about how residents of the properties once lived. Heavy Horse & Working Animals Show 26th & 27th May. One of the south's biggest gatherings of heavy horses: two unforgettable days of displays and demonstrations of horses at work on traditional tasks, and a wide variety of other working animals in action. Enjoy continuous ringside commentary and a parade of horses at the end of each day, plus a chance to meet the animals and their proud owners. |
||
| Classic Vehicle & Autojumble, Queen Elizabeth Country Park, Peterfield, 0238 0435176
Classic Vehicle Show and Autojumble 27th May. This is a family day out with something to interest everyone.
Over 300 Cars, Commercials, Military, Motorcycles and vehicles of all shapes, sizes and makes dating from 1903 to 1987.
Full refreshment and catering facilities, Licensed Bar, Live Band, Fairground Organ, Children’s entertainment, Club displays.
Over 150 stalls predominantly Autojumble plus toys, flowers and bric-a-brac.
|
||
| Spinnaker Tower, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO1, 02392 857520 Opened in 2005, the Spinnaker Tower soars 170 metres above Portsmouth Harbour. Three viewing decks give visitors amazing views for as far as the eye can see. The high speed internal lift travels at 4 metres per second, there is a panoramic lift or there are the steps, all 570 of them. Abseil the Tower 13th April - 27th August. Thrill seekers can book the ultimate Spinnaker Tower experience - an abseil 100m down the side of this iconic building! Following the success of the abseiling week in 2011, the Spinnaker Tower is running more dates in 2012 to give even more people this fantastic opportunity. Dates: 13th - 15th April, 5th - 7th May, 2nd - 5th June, 27th - 29th July, 25th - 27th August. |
||
| Highclere Castle, Newbury, Berkshire, RG20, 01635 253210 Stunning Victorian mansion dating back hundreds of years and transformed to its current Victorian splendour late in the 19th century. Vast mansion, in which the present Lord and Lady Carnarvon still live. The castle is the location where Downton Abbey was filmed for ITV. Beautiful gardens, and a library housing 5,500 books are also on view. May 26th and 27th The Highclere Game and Country Fair. Now in its 16th year, the Highclere Game and Country Fair provides a fun and interesting showcase of country life. Whether you’re here to compete in the World’s most prestigious field sports competitions for the biggest prizes available, or just relax and enjoy the fabulous surroundings, there’s something to suit all tastes, whether it is world-class championship events in clay shooting, or watching gundogs, falconers or horses. There are over 100 retailers and if you are new to country sports, you will find expert tuition and advice on how to get involved in some of the most enjoyable and rewarding pastimes. It is also a great family day out, and offers something for everyone. |
||
| Borde Hill Garden, Haywards Heath, Sussex, RH16, 01444 450326 Beautiful and historic garden set in 200 acres of Grade II listed parkland and woodland. The garden is home to fine selection of trees and shrubs including 80 champion trees and the renowned award winning collection of over 1000 rhododendrons, numerous azaleas and magnolias. At the heart of the garden Borde Hill House, a Tudor mansion dating from 1598, provides a a magnificent backdrop to the formal 17-acre Garden which is linked into a series of ‘garden rooms’. Lakes, fishing and a children's adventure playground can be found in the gardens. British Eventing Horse Trials 26th & 27th May Diamond Jubilee Garden Party 4th June. Licensed bar, Pimms and Mojitos tent, Live Folk Band ‘Jigalots’, Balloon Maker and Face Painter. Bring picnics and dress up for the occasion. |
||
| Maidstone Town & Country Show, Mote Park, Maidstone, ME15, 0800 141 2823
The Maidstone Town & Country Show
Sunday 26th & 27th May. Family Show with all day entertainment including birds of prey, working dogs, children's entertainment as well as arts, crafts, gifts and food marquees.
Also on Monday at this event the Companion Dog Show - so take along a canine friend and have a go! (And all proceeds from entries will go to Marie Curie Cancer Care).
|
