Whether you're planning a weekend getaway, a local adventure, or simply looking for exciting ways to enjoy your time off, here's your detailed guide to everything happening this May.

UK Bank Holidays and Festivals in May 2025: Dates, And Activities
May 2025 Bank Holidays In The UK

When Are the UK Bank Holidays in May 2025?

  • Early May Bank Holiday: Monday, 5 May 2025

  • Spring Bank Holiday: Monday, 26 May 2025

Both holidays fall on a Monday, offering the perfect opportunity for extended weekends and mini-breaks.

Read more: UK May 2025 Calendar: Full List of Holidays, Festivals, Events & Celebrations

Early May Bank Holiday: 5 May 2025

The Early May Bank Holiday, commonly known as "May Day," is steeped in tradition. Historically a celebration of spring, May Day features a rich tapestry of folk festivals, maypole dancing, and Morris dancing across the UK. Villages and towns often host May Day fairs, and it’s a time when communities come together to mark the changing season.

Expect events such as:

  • Traditional May Day parades

  • Folk music festivals

  • Outdoor markets and craft fairs

  • Garden parties and local fetes

Many people take this opportunity to travel to the countryside, coastal towns, or enjoy outdoor adventures like hiking, picnicking, and boating.

Spring Bank Holiday: 26 May 2025

The Spring Bank Holiday brings another welcome long weekend towards the end of the month. With warmer weather on the horizon, it’s the perfect time to kick off early summer plans.

Highlights of the Spring Bank Holiday weekend include:

  • Major sporting events, including football finals and rugby matches

  • Music festivals, from intimate local gigs to larger events

  • Family-friendly food festivals and farmers' markets

  • Open gardens and nature walks celebrating the British outdoors

Popular travel spots like Devon, Cornwall, and the Cotswolds often see high visitor numbers, so early booking for accommodations and transport is essential.

Other Key Holidays and Festivals in May 2025

Besides the two official bank holidays, May in the UK is packed with vibrant festivals and events:

  • VE Day Anniversary (8 May): Although not a public holiday in 2025, many towns commemorate Victory in Europe Day with remembrance events, parades, and community gatherings.

  • Brighton Festival (Throughout May): One of the largest multi-arts festivals in England, showcasing theatre, music, dance, circus, and visual arts.

  • Chelsea Flower Show (20 - 24 May 2025): Hosted by the Royal Horticultural Society, this iconic flower show in London attracts visitors from all over the world, showcasing cutting-edge garden designs and floral displays.

  • Hay Festival (22 May - 1 June 2025): A world-renowned literary festival held in Hay-on-Wye, Wales, celebrating literature, journalism, and the arts.

  • Glasgow International Comedy Festival (early May): Offering laughs galore with performances from established and up-and-coming comedians.

These events add even more excitement to May, making it a dynamic and colourful month to experience British culture at its finest.

How the May 2025 Holidays and Festivals May Affect You

  • Public Transport: Reduced schedules and increased demand. Book your tickets early, especially for intercity trains.

  • Shops and Businesses: While large supermarkets and retail parks remain open, smaller independent shops may have varied hours.

  • Traffic: Anticipate heavy traffic on motorways leading to coastal areas, national parks, and festival venues.

  • Accommodation: Hotels, B&Bs, and holiday rentals fill up quickly; booking early saves money and stress.

Tips for Making the Most of May 2025 in the UK

  • Plan Ahead: Secure tickets and reservations as early as possible.

  • Stay Flexible: Weather in May can be unpredictable — pack layers and waterproofs.

  • Explore Local: If travelling isn’t feasible, many towns have hidden gems, local walks, and small festivals worth discovering.

  • Attend a Festival: Make it a goal to experience at least one major event this May.

Final Thoughts

May 2025 offers the perfect blend of tradition, celebration, and adventure. With two generous bank holidays and a packed calendar of festivals, there's no shortage of ways to enjoy the month. Whether you're seeking a relaxing retreat, a cultural escape, or simply a few days of fun, Britain in May delivers.

Start planning now to make the most of these opportunities — from seaside strolls to flower shows and book festivals, your unforgettable May awaits.

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