May Bank Holiday Breaks & Events
Top Destinations & Attractions for the May Bank Holidays
As spring unfolds across the UK, the May bank holidays present the perfect opportunity to escape the ordinary and embrace new experiences. With two long weekends to look forward to with the Early May Bank Holiday (5th May) and Spring Bank Holiday (26th May), there's ample time to explore stunning destinations, attend vibrant events, and create lasting memories.
We've curated this guide to inspire your May bank holiday planning, highlighting events and activities across some of the UK’s most beautiful locations. Whether you're seeking family adventures, cultural experiences, or simply a peaceful retreat, we've got the perfect suggestion for your spring escape.
Find your May Bank Holiday Break
Discover your favourite getaway this bank holiday
Aviemore
Nestled in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, Aviemore offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventure. This premier Highland destination boasts breathtaking mountain scenery, ancient Caledonian pine forests, and crystal-clear lochs that shine in the spring sunshine.
Bank Holiday Events & Activities
- Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival Ceilidh (30th April - 5th May) - Join us at Macdonald Aviemore Resort on the 2nd May for an evening of whisky tasting, Scottish dining, and traditional ceilidh dancing with Speyside's whisky experts. With festival activities continuing through the bank holiday.
- Nethy Bridge Spring Gathering (4th May) - Experience traditional Scottish charm with local crafts and live music in this charming Highland village.
- Atholl Gathering & Highland Games (25th May) - Just an hour's drive away at Blair Castle, witness classic Highland events like caber tossing and the Atholl Highlanders' Parade.
- Blair Castle Trail Weekender (30th May–1st June) - Challenge yourself on scenic trail runs through spectacular Highland landscapes.
- Glenmore Forest Park Guided Walks - Join Cairngorms Connect for educational nature walks through beautiful Highland scenery.
- Evening Wildlife Watching - Enjoy unforgettable encounters with badgers, pine martens, and deer in their natural habitat.
Stay at:
Macdonald Aviemore Resort, an award-winning destination in the heart of the Cairngorms. With three 4-star hotels, woodland lodges, and comprehensive leisure facilities including the largest indoor pool in the Cairngorms, it's the perfect Highland base for families and outdoor adventurers alike. After a day exploring, unwind in our spa or enjoy dinner at one of our excellent restaurants.
Edinburgh
Scotland's capital seamlessly blends medieval charm with Georgian elegance across its UNESCO World Heritage cityscape. The atmospheric Old Town with its narrow wynds leads up to the iconic castle, while the elegant New Town showcases sweeping crescents and neoclassical architecture.
Bank Holiday Events & Activities
- Edinburgh Seafood Festival (3rd–5th May) - Indulge in fresh Scottish seafood and culinary demonstrations at St James Quarter.
- Edinburgh Tradfest (2nd–12th May) - Celebrate Scotland's rich folk traditions with concerts and ceilidhs across various city venues.
- Edinburgh International Children's Festival (24th May–1st June) - Enjoy world-class theatre and performances designed for young audiences.
- Edinburgh Marathon Festival (24th–25th May) - Watch or participate in one of the UK's most scenic running events.
- Andrew Cushin at Cabaret Voltaire (26th May) - Catch this rising music star at one of Edinburgh's atmospheric venues.
- Moulin Rouge! The Musical - Experience the spectacular stage production at Edinburgh Playhouse running until mid-June.
- Arthur's Seat Walks - Hike up this ancient volcano for panoramic city views, particularly beautiful in spring.
Stay at:
Macdonald Houstoun House, a historically significant 16th-century mansion set in 22 acres of woodland just outside Edinburgh. This luxury hotel combines period features like oak beams and open fireplaces with modern comforts. Unwind in our spa after a day of city exploration, or enjoy an award-winning meal in our restaurant.
Bath
This UNESCO World Heritage city captivates visitors with its honey-colored Georgian architecture and remarkably preserved Roman Baths. Bath's stunning landmarks, including the perfect curve of the Royal Crescent and elegant Pulteney Bridge, are complemented by parks and gardens bursting with spring color.
Bank Holiday Events & Activities
- Bath Racecourse Family Fun Day - Enjoy races and family entertainment at this scenic racecourse.
- Bath Restaurant Week - Experience special menus across the city's finest eateries during this inaugural culinary event.
- 'Woven Stories' Exhibition - Explore this fascinating textile art exhibition at the Holburne Museum.
- Renaissance Maps Exhibition - View historic cartography at the American Museum.
- Thermae Bath Spa Packages - Relax in the city's famous thermal waters with special weekday spa experiences.
- The Bath Festival (16th - 25th May) - Immerse yourself in this vibrant multi-arts festival featuring music, literature and more.
- Bath Fringe Festival - Experience this eclectic arts festival beginning around the Spring Bank Holiday.
- Jane Austen 250th Birthday Events - Participate in special events throughout 2025 marking the author's significant anniversary.
Stay at:
Bath Spa Hotel, a luxurious 5-star Georgian retreat set in seven acres of beautifully landscaped gardens. Just a 15-minute walk from Bath's major attractions, this elegant hotel features award-winning dining at the Vellore restaurant and a renowned spa with indoor and outdoor hydrotherapy pools. After a day exploring the city, retreat to one of our 131 sumptuous rooms, many offering stunning views of Bath.
Windsor
Dominated by magnificent Windsor Castle—the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world—this picturesque Thames-side town exudes royal heritage and quintessential English charm.
Bank Holiday Events & Activities
- Superhero Family Fun Day at Royal Windsor Racecourse - Enjoy free entry for children and superhero meet-and-greets in a festive atmosphere.
- The Savill Garden Spring Blooms - Witness spectacular displays of azaleas and other spring flowers in Windsor Great Park.
- Windsor Great Park Environmental Centre Activities - Participate in guided bat walks, willow weaving, and forest bathing experiences.
- Royal Windsor Horse Show (15th - 18th May) - Experience prestigious equestrian competition and entertainment near the bank holidays.
- Eton Arts Week (24th May- 1st June) - Discover local creativity through exhibitions and interactive events in this historic town.
- Family Fun Days at Royal Windsor Racecourse - Enjoy entertainment for all ages during both bank holiday weekends.
Stay at:
Macdonald Windsor Hotel, a luxury 4-star boutique townhouse directly opposite Windsor Castle. Our 120 elegantly appointed rooms offer contemporary comfort, many with castle views. Enjoy award-winning dining in our restaurant or indulge in a Royal Afternoon Tea with finger sandwiches and freshly baked scones. With excellent transport links to London and Heathrow, it's the perfect base for exploring the Royal Borough.
Stratford-upon-Avon
Shakespeare's birthplace seamlessly blends 800 years of history with timeless literary significance and springtime charm. This medieval market town is defined by its beautiful Tudor buildings and the picturesque River Avon.
Bank Holiday Events & Activities
- Waterside Upmarket - Browse local produce, crafts, and street food at this popular riverside market.
- Royal Shakespeare Company's Summer Season - Enjoy world-class theatre performances of Shakespeare's beloved works and contemporary plays.
- "The Shakespeare Songs" at Guild Chapel - Experience Roger Quilter's musical interpretations as part of the Shakespeare in Music Festival.
- Stratford Literary Festival (8th - 11th May) - Participate in workshops, author talks, and family-friendly events.
- Haunted Ghost Tours - Join evening walks for spine-tingling tales of Stratford's supernatural past.
Stay at:
Macdonald Alveston Manor, a historic 16th-century hotel set in five acres of landscaped gardens just a short walk from Stratford-upon-Avon's centre. Local legend claims that the first performance of A Midsummer Night's Dream took place on its grounds. Enjoy our contemporary spa with an 18-metre pool, dine in the Manor Restaurant, or simply relax in one of our 113 characterful rooms that blend period features with modern amenities.
Oxfordshire
This county captivates with its blend of academic brilliance, idyllic countryside, and quintessential English market towns. Oxford's 'dreaming spires' and ancient colleges create an atmosphere of timeless scholarship.
Bank Holiday Events & Activities
- Blenheim Palace Jousting Tournament (3rd–5th May) - Experience medieval England with thrilling jousting displays, falconry, and living history encampments.
- Steam into the 40s Weekend - Enjoy vintage train rides and wartime displays at Didcot Railway Centre.
- Oxfordshire Countryside Trails - Explore numerous walking routes through picturesque landscapes.
- Botanical Stitching Workshop (24th May) - Join creative workshops at The Oxfordshire Museum.
- Create a Cosy Cottage Workshop (31st May) - Develop craft skills at The Oxfordshire Museum.
- Foodies Festival Oxford 2025 - Indulge at the UK's biggest food festival, featuring top chefs, live music, and gourmet delights.
- Summer Eights Rowing Races - Watch this prestigious rowing event on the River Isis for a quintessentially Oxford experience.
Stay at:
The Macdonald Bear Hotel, a luxury 4-star establishment housed in a 13th-century coaching inn in historic Woodstock. With 54 individually styled rooms featuring period details like oak beams and stone walls, this charming hotel offers authentic character alongside modern comforts. Enjoy our double AA rosette award-winning restaurant serving contemporary British cuisine, and take advantage of our prime location just a short walk from magnificent Blenheim Palace.
Southampton
This important maritime city combines rich seafaring heritage with modern vibrancy and access to stunning natural landscapes coming to life in spring.
Bank Holiday Events & Activities
- Southampton Brick Festival (3rd May) - Visit Places Leisure Eastleigh for impressive LEGO displays and building competitions.
- Wanderlust Festival (3rd - 4th May) - Enjoy indie and alternative music across iconic Southampton venues.
- Jane Austen Exhibitions - Appreciate rare items commemorating the author's connections to the city.
- The Big Eat Festival (24th - 26th May) - Sample cuisines at Royal Victoria Country Park with street food vendors, live music, and family entertainment.
- Southampton's Cultural Quarter Events - Experience exhibitions, performances, and pop-up events throughout spring.
- New Forest Wildlife Attractions - Explore nearby countryside with family-friendly venues including Paultons Park, home to Peppa Pig World.
Stay at:
Macdonald Botley Park Hotel & Spa, set in 176 acres of Hampshire countryside near South Downs National Park. This 4-star eco-certified hotel features 130 spacious rooms, a luxury spa offering treatments from facials to couples massage, and an 18-metre heated indoor swimming pool. Dine at the AA Rosette-awarded Winchester Restaurant before exploring Southampton's attractions or using the hotel as a convenient base for nearby cruise terminals.
Cheshire
Cheshire's picturesque countryside, characterised by rolling hills, traditional dairy farms, and black-and-white timber-framed buildings, offers a quintessentially English rural escape.
Bank Holiday Events & Activities
- Bank Holiday Music Festival at the Bunbury Arms (2nd–5th May) - Enjoy live music and entertainment throughout the weekend.
- Tatton Park Farm Fun Dog Show - Bring your canine companion to this family-friendly event.
- Stick Man Activity Trail - Take young children on this popular trail at Delamere Forest.
- Bluebell Displays - Visit Capesthorne Hall and other Cheshire gardens for stunning spring flowers.
- Chester Folk Festival 50th Anniversary (23rd–26th May) - Celebrate this milestone with concerts, workshops, and family entertainment in Kelsall.
- Quarry Bank National Trust Celebration - Participate in creative workshops and wildlife discovery during this three-month event.
- Chester Races: Roman Day (31st May) - Experience themed horse racing and family entertainment.
Stay at:
Macdonald Portal Hotel, Golf & Spa, situated in the heart of the Cheshire countryside near Tarporley. This luxury four-star destination boasts three golf courses, including an 18-hole Championship Course designed by Donald Steel. After a day of activities, unwind in our luxury spa with its 18-metre swimming pool and thermal suite.
Marlow
This elegant Thames-side town combines riverside beauty with sophisticated charm and culinary excellence. Marlow is crowned by its historic suspension bridge, creating a picturesque backdrop for riverside walks.
Bank Holiday Events & Activities
- Henley Arts Trail (3rd–5th May) - Explore this free self-guided trail featuring 280 artists across 32 venues.
- 'Feast Over Flame' - Experience immersive dining beginning with a private boat ride to a secret riverside location followed by a five-course BBQ menu.
- Cliveden National Trust - Enjoy scenic walks, beautiful gardens, and boating on the Thames.
- Marlow Market - Browse local produce, crafts, and street food at various dates.
- Marlow Beerfest (30th–31st May) - Sample a variety of beers accompanied by live music at Marlow FC.
- Chiltern Hills Hiking - Take advantage of the bank holiday to explore breathtaking countryside views.
Stay at:
Macdonald Compleat Angler, a four-star luxury hotel situated on the banks of the River Thames next to Marlow Weir. Named after Izaak Walton's classic 1653 book, this historic hotel offers 64 elegantly decorated rooms, many with river views or balconies. Dine at the Riverside Restaurant with its AA Rosette or experience Michelin-starred chef Atul Kochhar's contemporary Indian cuisine at Sindhu. With private boat hire available from April to October, it's the perfect riverside retreat.
Birmingham
Britain's second city has transformed from its industrial past into a vibrant cultural hub offering world-class shopping, innovative dining, and cutting-edge arts.
Bank Holiday Events & Activities
- Rhyme Time at the Children's Library - Engage young children with fun reading activities.
- Curious About Birmingham - Explore the city with quirky self-guided heritage walks designed as treasure hunts.
- Sutton Park Walking and Running Clubs - Join community fitness activities in this beautiful urban park.
- Serendipity Arts Festival (23rd–26th May) - Visit Birmingham City University and various venues for performances and creative workshops.
- Birmingham Nightlife - Experience the city's renowned music events and club nights.
- BOXPARK Birmingham - Visit this newly opened food hall and events space perfect for culinary exploration.
Stay at:
Macdonald Burlington Hotel, a luxury 4-star Victorian hotel originally built in 1874, located in Birmingham's city centre with excellent transport links. Just a minute's walk from Birmingham New Street railway station and close to major shopping destinations like the Bullring, this historic hotel offers 112 well-appointed rooms, a restaurant serving British cuisine, and a stylish lounge bar. With 17 meeting and event spaces, it's also ideal for special occasions.
Escape the Ordinary this May
May Bank Holiday Breaks
With two bank holidays in May 2025, now’s the perfect time to plan your spring getaway. Whether you’re captivated by the rugged Highlands of Scotland, the historic allure of Bath, the literary charm of Stratford-upon-Avon, or the lively buzz of Birmingham, we’ll handle your accommodation, leaving you free to explore.
